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Old 02-02-2016, 10:00 PM   #1
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Winterize and saving rv antifreeze

We have a few low degree days coming and I'm going to winterize(thanks to all of the info here I plan to do it myself) dumb question but can I catch and reuse some of the fluid? We plan on getting back out ASAP .

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Old 02-02-2016, 10:15 PM   #2
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I have reused before without issue but now only use compressed air for winterizing the water lines. I do pour a little antifreeze in the drain traps but don't reuse that.
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Old 02-02-2016, 10:17 PM   #3
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It can become diluted if you try to reuse it, but for $2.50 - $3 a gallon its not worth it in my opinion.

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Old 02-02-2016, 10:32 PM   #4
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It can become diluted if you try to reuse it, but for $2.50 - $3 a gallon its not worth it in my opinion.

X2
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Old 02-02-2016, 10:32 PM   #5
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We have a few low degree days coming and I'm going to winterize(thanks to all of the info here I plan to do it myself) dumb question but can I catch and reuse some of the fluid? We plan on getting back out ASAP .

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Old 02-02-2016, 10:34 PM   #6
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Yes you can BUT its extremely important to make sure you still get enough antifreeze down the drains to keep the S trap pipes from freezing. All drains need antifreeze ran down them. You want to push out any standing water in the drain pipes all the way out to the holding tanks. Honestly, I would not bother trying to save it. It could end up costing more in the long run if something were to freeze. It's better to use too much antifreeze than not enough. Also, leave all faucets open to take and keep pressure off the plumbing system. This will reduce the chance of damage in the event of something freezing.
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Old 02-02-2016, 11:56 PM   #7
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Thanks y'all.. I'm a cheapo by nature and since the cold won't last long and we will be going out again in two weeks (stupid other plans) I didn't want to waste it on just one use. Now to find a hand pump or something to push it through with. Any advice on this?




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Old 02-03-2016, 05:30 AM   #8
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They do make small hand pumps you can get from any RV place. You can also use a small compressor to blow the water out. If you really don't want to use antifreeze, I will suggest this : with the water supply disconnected from your trailer, open all faucet fixtures to release the pressure. Go to your water heater and remove the drain plug or anode rod. Also open your low point drains. Don't forget to also hold open your toilet valve too. Leave all faucets open and low points open while your not using the trailer. Doing all of this will get 90% of the water out of the system. I still recommend running antifreeze through everything. At least down all drains like I said before. The only reason I push the issue of spending the money now on antifreeze is because I've repaired many trailers over the years. People try to save a couple of dollars by cutting corners and end up causing damage by neglect. Trust me when I tell you that it's not worth it. Protect your investment by doing things the correct way and it will save you money in the long run.
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Old 02-03-2016, 05:41 AM   #9
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I checked your profile and see you're from AL. Given the moderate temperature zone you are in, you should be fine with just blowing the lines out. I'm not too concerned here in OH until we get temps down into the 20's steadily.
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Old 02-03-2016, 05:51 AM   #10
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Aqua is correct,being in Al. you can Live on the Edge! I looked at your profile also,you have Dogs but what F/R RV do you have? Youroo!!
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Old 02-03-2016, 07:01 AM   #11
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We have a Puma XLE 21FBC


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Old 02-03-2016, 07:04 AM   #12
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It can become diluted if you try to reuse it, but for $2.50 - $3 a gallon its not worth it in my opinion.

agreed!

get it at the right time in Oct-Nov and sometimes you get the AF < $2/gal
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Old 02-03-2016, 07:39 AM   #13
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agreed!

get it at the right time in Oct-Nov and sometimes you get the AF < $2/gal
X4
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Old 02-03-2016, 08:15 AM   #14
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agreed!

get it at the right time in Oct-Nov and sometimes you get the AF < $2/gal
Yikes! Right now it's $5 per gallon!
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Old 02-03-2016, 08:35 AM   #15
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Old 02-03-2016, 08:42 AM   #16
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IF you blow out the lines first, and then add the antifreeze, you should be fine reusing it. Take a sample of the reclaimed fluid and put it in the freezer, and if it doesn't slush up you are ok. You are saving the environment and being a good steward of nature.

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Old 02-03-2016, 11:27 AM   #17
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IF you blow out the lines first, and then add the antifreeze, you should be fine reusing it. Take a sample of the reclaimed fluid and put it in the freezer, and if it doesn't slush up you are ok. You are saving the environment and being a good steward of nature.

IMHO
Actually, AF can turn slushy and still be fine. It simply doesn't expand like water does when it freezes.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:40 PM   #18
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Actually, AF can turn slushy and still be fine. It simply doesn't expand like water does when it freezes.
X2.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:45 PM   #19
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The repairs from burst plumbing would greatly exceed the cost of a few gallons of RV antifreeze if you choose to be "penny wise and pound foolish". I've seen VERY good prices for RV antifreeze at Menards in the fall. I buy at least a case (six gallons) every fall once Menards has it on sale. Then I have it when I need / want to winterize.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:48 PM   #20
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We winterize, re-winterize several times a season. Use compressed air, anti-freeze in the traps. Never an issue.
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