Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Potable antifreeze change after a year?

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Potable antifreeze change after a year?

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Topic: Potable antifreeze change after a year?

Posted By: geewizard
Subject: Potable antifreeze change after a year?
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 2:26pm

I haven't used my RPod since last fall so now it's been a year since I filled the water system with potable antifreeze. And I have no plans to use the RPod until next spring at the earliest....when a Covid-19 vaccine is available.

Do I need to change it since it's a year old?

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2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC

Replies:

Posted By: Grant177
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 3:02pm

There are notes I see that it can evaporate (albeit slowly) but that it lasts longer than 1 year as well. That said, I would probably spend the $5, pump a little more through the system and dump a little more in the drains.

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Grant
2011 R-Pod 177

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 6:37pm

Antifreeze doesn't 'break down' but as Grant states correctly above, it can and will evaporate. I would highly doubt it would do so in a closed system as in the H and C water lines but is probable in an open condition as in the sink and shower traps. One of the houses I winterize in northern Michigan will get the RV antifreeze in toilets and all traps this month. By the time I open things up come May it is easy to see how much as actually evaporated in the toilet bowls, usually 1/2" over 6 to 7 months. Your call geewizard, I would pass on the water lines but may throw some in the traps. Even if you didn't, the worst that could happen would be a "smell" from your gray or black water tank if all did indeed evaporate from the trap.

I use compressed air and after that quick process is complete I measure out a total of 16 oz. RV antifreeze for 1 shower and 2 sink traps and use a little bit for the top of the toilet seal to keep the seal moist during the winter months. The last time I purchased a gallon RV antifreeze was 2012 and the price marked was 79 cents - 1 gallon will last 8 years. Curious to see what it sells for now, will probably purchase a gallon later this week.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 8:01pm

Thanks for the input.

Now, I'm concerned about the fresh water tank growing mold. I think a half cup of bleach might be a good idea.

Thoughts on that?

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2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 8:21pm

If you just had a half cup of bleach sitting in the bottom of the tank it wouldn't stop stuff from growing elsewhere in the tank. I'd wait till spring and then do a fill with some bleach, drain, flush, and refill.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2020 at 8:54am

Sounds good, thanks.

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2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC