Can I use "regular" antifreeze in my holding tank?

[Luckydog]

I want to use my motorhome this winter. It is already winterized, the water tanks are empty and I do not plan to use any of the water lines. I would like to be able to use the toilet however, and would use bottled water for flushing. Is it OK to put regular radiator antifreeze in the holding tank to prevent freezing, or do I need to use the pink stuff sold in RV stores?

[thenewkid64]

I would reccomend getting a couple of gallons of the pink stuff. For one it is cheaper than the automotive type, and second the automotive type anitfreeze may cause you to have gate valve troubles in the future as it is not formulated to work with the seals in our rv systems.

While the unit is in use you will not need to add any antifreeze to the holding tanks as long as you keep your heat on. there are ducts than run to the tanks to keep them from freezing.

[BobbyW]

Automotive antifreeze is very toxic. RV antifreeze is not. (I would not drink it) Part of the breakdown of the waste in your holding tank AND the dump stations is done by micro-organisms. Automotive antifreeze will kill them. If you empty your tanks at a dumpstaton with this antifreeze in it, you could be fined quite heavily.

-BobbyWright

[Luckydog]

Thanks. Appreciate the info. RV antifreeze it is.

[hex]

My oft-mentioned 1974 A/S-T/T Service manual tells me to NOT use anti-freeze. It says to use Kerosene(I wont). But I wonder why it says NO anti-freeze?

When was the pink RV stuff first introduced?
What types of seals are in jeopardy?

Surely no one ever puts any pink (or other) in the Fresh water tank ...do they??

[InsideOut]

When your manual was written there was only the automotive-type (yellow=poisenous) anti-freeze. I don't know however, when the "pink stuff" came out.

I have heard of folks putting the pink stuff in their water supply tank, we don't though. I think you just have to flush it really good come spring. I have also been told it taints the flavor of the water for many "batches" in the tank.

Shari

[ALANSD]

I use the pink antifreeze (2.50 a gallon at WalMart) in my fresh water tank...and so did the po.
It state it is non-toxic on the label. We do a good flush of the tank when de-winterizing, using a cup of bleach, and then fill and flush with baking soda.
I also carry bottled water for drinking on the road anyway- and use the tank water for washing, and such. Drinking the tank water would make me a little nervous anyway...