How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need?

As a responsible RV owner, you must take the time to winterize your vehicle. But with so much info out there about how to do it, it’s not surprising that we’re often asked: “How much RV antifreeze do I need?” Well, that depends!

You’re in luck if you’ve been wondering about how to winterize your RV — today’s post gives you all the answers! With the right amount of antifreeze and some confidence, you’ll be able to take on this process like a pro. So make sure you have plenty of antifreeze at hand and prepare for success!

How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need?

What is an RV Antifreeze?

We must get clear on what RV antifreeze is. If winterizing a trailer or motorhome ain’t in your wheelhouse, you’re likely in the dark about this stuff. But don’t fret –we’ve got the info to set you straight on where to get it and whether you need it for sure.

In the winter, you can keep your RV’s plumbing system from freezing by using RV antifreeze, a non-toxic compound that’s often pink or red. But beware – only use the stuff specifically designed for RVs; regular kinds are toxic if ingested. Good thing recreational vehicle antifreeze is always labeled as such. So you won’t accidentally buy the wrong one!

You can find antifreeze in all your favorite places to shop for RV components – Camping World, Amazon, Walmart, and more. 

In Winter, How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need?

So, you’re wondering just how much rv antifreeze to put in holding tanks? Well, let me fill you in!

You don’t need much antifreeze to make sure your water heater is bypassed properly – just 2-4 gallons ought to do it!

Other factors you must consider when deciding “how much RV antifreeze do I need” are:

  • The type and size of your RV is
  • How you choose to winterize it 
  • Insulation
  • Sealing
  • Electrical system

At the end of the day, you want to make sure it’s ready for those cold temps! Everything must be in tip-top shape if you want your winter campout experience to be a blast – otherwise, it’ll just be plain misery and possible hypothermia. So don’t skimp on prepping for the best results!

Your wastewater tank should come with some antifreeze; that way, you can pour a few quarts in the drains to fill up the P-traps and keep all the pipes from freezing. Easy peasy!

How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need?

How to Winterize Your RV’s Plumbing System

If you have done the RV thing in winter before, then you know water pipes freeze in winter. And this is a pain and super inconvenient. If you don’t know that your RV pipes will freeze in winter, welcome to “RVing in winter 101” 

Luckily the solution to this issue is simple. All you need is some antifreeze for the pipes and tanks, and you’re good to go. Just follow these surefire steps for winterizing your plumbing system so no damaging surprises befall your RV.

Drain Your Fresh Water Tank and Pipes

Shut off the water supply to your RV if you’re hooked up, then flush out the freshwater system. Twist open the knob on every tap inside and outside, including sinks, showers, sprayers, and bathtubs. Run that water until it stops flowing, then turn the pipes off and drain them. Don’t forget to give your toilet tank and its shut-off valve a once-over, as well as keep an eye on your hot water heater!

Caution! Wait until the water heater has cooled off before you empty it; otherwise, you could get hurt. When the tank is hot or still pressurized, don’t even think of pouring it out.

Drain and Clean out Your Wastewater Tanks

Give your septic tanks a spring cleaning! It’s important to clean and drain them out regularly for optimal functioning. Don’t wait; take care of it now, and you’ll be glad you did!

It’s time to empty those black and gray tanks in the RV. Once they’re emptied, you have to give them a good flush to get rid of any remaining yuck. You might need a wand for the blackwater tank; better come prepared!

Make sure to do a thorough job removing all of the water; even the littlest bit left in will freeze and wreak havoc on your plumbing if it stays in over the winter. An air compressor is perfect for speeding up that drying process; give it a gentle blast!

How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need?

Bypass the Water Heaters 

Turn off that water heater ASAP! 

Pour antifreeze into the RV’s plumbing system without installing a bypass kit, and you’ll end up filling up the water heater first before it overflows down the drain pipes. Thousands of liters of antifreeze can be wasted if you don’t use that bypass valve, so trust me, it’s an absolute essential!

You should definitely turn off the ice machine and any water filters or purifiers you have installed right now—it’s an absolute must! 

You have to keep that RV’s antifreeze moving! It’s essential to circulate it around the system. Otherwise, you run the risk of facing some major damage down the line. Not to mention a big ol’ headache! So let’s make sure we take care of that ASAP and get it circulating—and keep it circulating—for maximum protection.

Sure, antifreeze is great for winter storage, but only after you’ve made absolutely sure that all water has been drained from tanks and pipes. If it’s a recreational vehicle, we’re only talking about 3 gallons of antifreeze. Easy peasy!

Shut the dump valves tight and pour a few liters of antifreeze into your freshwater tank to prevent it from turning solid. Then, fire up both the hot and cold water until you notice a pink antifreeze solution, which may take quite a few flushes. And voila! This trick should keep your pipelines and storage tanks safe from winter’s chill.

Flush It Out With Ease

Start by taking a look around the room that could use some tidying up. You’ll soon see that clearing out the junk is easier than you expected. Put on your favorite jammin’ tunes to get into the groove of sorting things out; you’ll work faster this way. Don’t be afraid to let go of stuff. Items that aren’t serving any purpose or bringing joy should hit the trash can or find their way to donations. Once you start, it will all come together almost like magic! 

When in doubt, ask yourself whether something has served its purpose and moved on from there; if yes, then bid farewell. 

Now that you’ve winterized your RV, you’re good to go and use the bathroom and holding tanks for wastewater like normal. But to prevent the antifreeze from being diluted in the drain pipes and blackwater tank, just remember before each flush to pour enough antifreeze into the toilet bowl so it’s full!

How To Winterize Your RV Checklist, Tips & Tricks

How to Survive Winter in an RV

Aspect

Tips

Insulation

Use insulation and skirting to keep heat in

Heating

Use electric and propane heaters and electric blankets

Water system

Insulate pipes and use heated water hoses, heat pads, and tank heaters.

Safety measures

Install carbon monoxide detectors and fire and smoke alarms

Moisture control 

Use dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbing products to prevent mold and mildew

Exterior care

Keep the RV’s exterior snow-free

How To Winterize Your RV

FAQs

RV holding tanks typically need between 2 and 5 liters of antifreeze to be adequately winterized. You can stock up for the winter with RV antifreeze in a hurry if you purchase a gallon or two of the non-toxic concentrate found in most stores.

Antifreeze is not meant to be stored in the freshwater tank of a running RV. Installing a heating blanket is the best option if your freshwater tank is outside in the cold.

Absolutely! Keeping a stash of RV antifreeze is highly recommended; it could save your life if you’re ever caught out in sub-zero temperatures without heated tanks or an enclosed cargo area. So, don’t forget to pour some in your wastewater tanks to prevent any much-needed H20 from turning into solid ice. 

Antifreeze can last anywhere from one to four years if it’s tucked safely away in a sealed container, according to the expiration date on the label. 

Conclusion

We hope we have answered the question, “How much antifreeze do I need?”  With your RV prepped for all year round, you’ll benefit whatever the season, and winterizing your vehicle’s plumbing will benefit you in the long run and provide warmth and comfort when you travel.  

With these tips and tricks, you’ll have everything you need to ensure your rig stays in tip-top shape. If you are planning a trip to some cold places, don’t wait!

Eddie Meyers
author avatar
Eddie Meyers
My name is Eddie, and I am an RV enthusiast! I have enjoyed traveling all my life, and want to give my family the same opportunities to see as much of the world as possible. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how great RVs can be for vacations with a young family. Here at RV Lifestyle Experts, I want to share my experiences, the tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope that our guides can encourage you to try the RV lifestyle. I promise you that you won’t regret it!

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