Black water tank winterizing

[biggrock1]

Sent: 1/6/2004 2:52 PM

I just returned from a very cold trip from Mt Kidd with the winnie. We used the facilities at the lodge.We were using shore power and the furnace. My question is could we have used antifreeze in the black water tank to avoid the long walks to the lodge.We were there for 3 days.I saw other rigs emptying their tanks.

It was -32 celcius. for some strange reason we wanted to do New Years in the mountains and we couldn't wait for spring to take the MH out for the first time

[denisondc]

Sent: 1/6/2004 10:30 PM

Antifreeze would keep the sewage from freezing, but the water used for flushing might freeze in your fresh water system, if it was much below freezing outside the coach. You could maybe use an antifreeze/water mixture from a gallon jug for flushes. I know folks who keep the old antifreeze from when they flush their cooling systems for such winter camping needs. Just thinking about it makes me chilly. denison 

[Rick Shaw]

Sent: 1/7/2004 10:47 AM

I use the pink rv stuff for the whole water system when it gets real cold.   This stuff is non toxic and they say you can even take a shower with it.   It does not freeze up and if you put it right into your water system you can use it for everything but making coffee.   You can even wash dishes with it although I can't bring myself to doing that.   It would be expensive because you have to buy at least 10 gallons of it.   I know that at wal-mart it is about $2.75 a gallon.    This allows you to use your black water tank without it freezing up.   The only problem I find in the northeast is that all of the parks close for the winter and you are hard pressed to find a place to dump.
Rick

[mightybooboo]

Sent: 1/7/2004 12:32 PM

I have seen this topic elsewhere in great detail.Opinions from folks so take it as such.Using pink rv antifreeze for RVs in holding tanks seems an acceptable thing.Using regular antifreeze was frowned upon because of toxicity and dump stations recieving chemicals it shouldnt,and something about not good for plumbing seals,but I really cant see that myself as we use rubber,etc,hoses on our cooling systems.Anywho...that was the take on that board.
BooBoo

[Sea Hag]

Sent: 1/7/2004 12:33 PM

When I winterize my water system I disconnected the pump feed line and drained my water tanks - I put the hose for the pump directly into a jug of pink RV anti freeze and fill my water lines and traps ,I found this easier than trying to get all the water completely out of the lines esspecially the toilet flush system . it only took about two gallons ( I buy it in the spring or summer when it is on sale ) . - I leave the water system winterized when I winter camp , and bing water in jugs for drinking , cooking and cleaning , I use rubbermaid dish tubs in the sink for liners and dump the water out side after doing dishes - for the toilet I Flush and fill it manually useing  RV anti -freeze mixed with water in a gallon jug -mixed depending on temperature - you don't use much and it beats walking to facilities on those cold nights . you shouldn't use auto antifreeze unless it is biodegradeable - as it contains toxins that sewage treatment cannot remove .  Winter winne useage my be a little chilly but is more fun than sitting home -- Sea Hag

[biggrock1]

Sent: 1/7/2004 1:35 PM

Would the mix ratio be similar to regular antifreeze?

[Sea Hag]

Sent: 1/8/2004 10:09 AM

The mix ratio is experimental , I don't think they reccomend deluting it as it was desinged for winterizing the fresh water system . Another option or addition would be calsium cloride chips and water to make a brine sollution , we have used this in fire buckets when winter tent camping with scouts - we got it in 50 lbs. bags from a local F/S , don't remember the cost .-- Sea Hag