RV Anti-freeze – Not All Antifreezes Are Created Equal

RV/Marine non-toxic antifreeze is probably the most misunderstood commodity in our industry today.  There are currently three different varieties on the market at three very different prices.

Ethanol (alcohol) based:  This type of antifreeze is most readily available in hardware stores and most RV shops it sells for approximately $3.00 Canadian a jug.  However, this product is also extremely flammable and not to used around any sort of pilot flames or cigarettes.  As well, this product has been known to taint certain RV plumbing systems and is only to be used with Quest or Pex plumbing lines.  Furthermore, because this product is made from alcohol it works to dry out all the rubber seals readily found in your faucets and toilet.  As a result we do not recommend or sell this product.

Propylene Glycol based:  This product is only available at your local RV shop (and not every RV shop for that matter).  It sells for approximately $6.00 Canadian a jug.  Like the ethanol antifreeze, this product is non-toxic and safe for all RV plumbing.  However, propylene glycol does not have the same fire safety warnings, nor the risk of tainting your RV plumbing system.  Furthermore, propylene glycol is a lubricant and will actually work to extend the life of the seals in your faucets and toilets, unlike the ethanol based products.  This is the only product we use on our own RVs and the only product we sell in our parts store.

Propylene/Ethanol Blend:  Again this product is non-toxic and completely safe for RV plumbing systems.  It will cost more than $3.00 and less than $6.00 Canadian a jug.  This may seem like a good idea, however, it is unknown how much ethanol is required to taint RV plumbing lines and dry out plumbing seals.  For that reason we do not recommend this product.

Know What you are buying!