How to Properly Put RV Antifreeze in Your Camper

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How to Put RV Antifreeze in a Camper

RV antifreeze is a vital fluid that helps protect your camper from freezing temperatures. It’s important to know how to properly put RV antifreeze in your camper so that you can keep it safe from damage.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of adding RV antifreeze to your camper. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right type of antifreeze to draining and refilling your camper’s cooling system.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently add RV antifreeze to your camper and keep it protected from the cold.

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Step Instructions Image
1 Locate the RV antifreeze reservoir. It is usually located under the hood or near the rear of the vehicle. RV antifreeze reservoir
2 Open the reservoir cap and add the RV antifreeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Adding RV antifreeze
3 Replace the reservoir cap and tighten it securely. Replacing the reservoir cap

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How To Put RV Antifreeze In A Camper?

Choosing the Right RV Antifreeze

There are a few different types of RV antifreeze on the market, so it’s important to choose the right one for your camper. The type of antifreeze you need will depend on the climate you’re in and the type of camper you have.

Types of RV Antifreeze

There are two main types of RV antifreeze:

  • Propylene glycol antifreeze is the most common type of antifreeze used in RVs. It’s non-toxic, so it’s safe to use in potable water systems. Propylene glycol antifreeze is also less corrosive than other types of antifreeze, so it’s less likely to damage your camper’s plumbing.
  • Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a more powerful antifreeze than propylene glycol antifreeze. It’s also more corrosive, so it’s not safe to use in potable water systems. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is typically used in RVs that are used in cold climates.

How Much RV Antifreeze to Use

The amount of RV antifreeze you need will depend on the size of your camper’s water system. A good rule of thumb is to use one gallon of antifreeze for every 10 gallons of water in your system.

When to Add RV Antifreeze

You should add RV antifreeze to your camper’s water system before the weather starts to get cold. This will help protect your water system from freezing and cracking. If you’re not sure when to add antifreeze, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Adding RV Antifreeze to Your Camper

Adding RV antifreeze to your camper is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the water supply to your camper. This will prevent any water from flowing out of the system while you’re adding antifreeze.
2. Locate the water pump on your camper. The water pump is usually located under the sink or in the bathroom.
3. Remove the cap from the water pump.
4. Pour the RV antifreeze into the water pump until it reaches the fill line.
5. Replace the cap on the water pump.
6. Turn on the water supply to your camper.
7. Bleed the air out of the water system. This will help to ensure that the antifreeze is distributed evenly throughout the system. To bleed the air out of the system, open all of the faucets in your camper and let the water run until it’s clear.

How to Bleed the Air Out of the System

Bleeding the air out of the water system is an important step in the process of adding RV antifreeze. This will help to ensure that the antifreeze is distributed evenly throughout the system and that there are no air bubbles in the lines. To bleed the air out of the system, follow these steps:

1. Turn on all of the faucets in your camper.
2. Open the petcock on the water heater. The petcock is usually located on the bottom of the water heater.
3. Allow the water to run until it’s clear.
4. Close the petcock on the water heater.
5. Turn off all of the faucets in your camper.

You should now have successfully added RV antifreeze to your camper. By following these steps, you can help to protect your camper’s water system from freezing and cracking.

Adding RV antifreeze to your camper is a simple and important task that can help to protect your camper’s water system from freezing and cracking. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily add RV antifreeze to your camper and keep it in good working order.

How To Put RV Antifreeze In A Camper?

RV antifreeze is a type of coolant that helps to prevent your camper’s engine from freezing during cold weather. It’s important to put RV antifreeze in your camper before the weather starts to get cold, so that you don’t have to worry about your engine freezing up.

What You’ll Need

  • RV antifreeze
  • A funnel
  • A hose
  • A bucket
  • A rag

Step 1: Drain the Old Antifreeze

Before you can add new antifreeze to your camper, you need to drain the old antifreeze. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Park your camper on a level surface.
2. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of your radiator.
3. Place a bucket underneath the drain plug.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug.
5. Allow the old antifreeze to drain completely.
6. Retighten the drain plug.

Step 2: Add the New Antifreeze

Once the old antifreeze has drained completely, you can add the new antifreeze. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Find the fill port on your radiator.
2. Place a funnel into the fill port.
3. Slowly pour the new antifreeze into the funnel.
4. Continue pouring antifreeze until the radiator is full.
5. Use a rag to wipe up any spills.

Step 3: Bleed the Air From the System

Once you’ve added the new antifreeze, you need to bleed the air from the system. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start your camper’s engine and let it run for a few minutes.
2. Turn on the heater and set it to high.
3. Open the radiator cap and let the air escape.
4. Close the radiator cap.
5. Let your camper’s engine run for a few more minutes.
6. Turn off your camper’s engine.

Step 4: Check the Antifreeze Level

After you’ve bled the air from the system, you should check the antifreeze level. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Park your camper on a level surface.
2. Locate the overflow bottle on your radiator.
3. Use a rag to wipe off the overflow bottle.
4. Look at the level of the antifreeze in the overflow bottle.
5. The antifreeze level should be between the “full” and “add” marks.
6. If the antifreeze level is low, add more antifreeze until it reaches the “full” mark.

Tips for Adding RV Antifreeze

  • Wear gloves and eye protection when adding RV antifreeze.
  • Make sure the engine is cool before adding antifreeze.
  • Use the correct type of antifreeze for your camper.
  • Do not overfill the radiator.
  • Bleed the air from the system after adding antifreeze.
  • Check the antifreeze level regularly and add more antifreeze as needed.

Maintaining RV Antifreeze

It’s important to maintain the RV antifreeze in your camper to prevent your engine from freezing up. To do this, follow these tips:

  • Check the antifreeze level regularly and add more antifreeze as needed.
  • Flush the RV antifreeze system every year.
  • Winterize your camper before storing it for the winter.

Troubleshooting RV Antifreeze Problems

If you have any problems with your RV antifreeze, here are some tips to help you troubleshoot the problem:

  • If your RV antifreeze is low, add more antifreeze until it reaches the “full” mark.
  • If your RV antifreeze is leaking, find the leak and repair it.
  • If your RV antifreeze is frozen, thaw it out by running your camper’s engine and heater.

Adding RV antifreeze to your camper is a simple process that can help to prevent your engine from freezing up. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily add RV antifreeze to your camper and keep it running smoothly all winter long.

Additional Resources

  • [RV Antifreeze Guide](https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-antifreeze-guide/)
  • [How to Add RV Antifreeze](https://www.campingworld.com/how-to/add-rv-antifreeze)
  • [RV Antifreeze FAQs](https://www.etrailer.com/faqs/rv-antifreeze-faq.aspx)

    How much RV antifreeze do I need?

The amount of RV antifreeze you need will depend on the size of your camper. A good rule of thumb is to use one gallon of antifreeze for every 1,000 pounds of camper weight.

What type of RV antifreeze should I use?

You should use a type of RV antifreeze that is specifically designed for use in recreational vehicles. This type of antifreeze is formulated to be non-toxic and to protect your camper’s engine from freezing and corrosion.

When should I put RV antifreeze in my camper?

You should put RV antifreeze in your camper before the temperatures start to drop below freezing. This will help to protect your camper’s engine from damage.

How do I put RV antifreeze in my camper?

To put RV antifreeze in your camper, you will need to:

1. Locate the camper’s antifreeze reservoir. This is usually located under the hood of the camper.
2. Open the antifreeze reservoir cap.
3. Add the RV antifreeze to the reservoir until it reaches the “full” line.
4. Close the antifreeze reservoir cap.

What if my camper already has antifreeze in it?

If your camper already has antifreeze in it, you will need to check the antifreeze level. If the antifreeze level is low, you will need to add more antifreeze. If the antifreeze level is full, you do not need to add more antifreeze.

How do I know if my camper has enough antifreeze?

You can check the antifreeze level in your camper by looking at the antifreeze reservoir. The antifreeze level should be between the “full” and “add” lines. If the antifreeze level is below the “add” line, you will need to add more antifreeze.

What happens if my camper doesn’t have enough antifreeze?

If your camper doesn’t have enough antifreeze, it could be damaged by freezing temperatures. The antifreeze helps to protect the camper’s engine from freezing and corrosion. If the engine freezes, it could be damaged beyond repair.

How do I winterize my camper?

In addition to putting RV antifreeze in your camper, you should also winterize your camper by:

  • Draining the water from the camper’s fresh water tank and holding tank.
  • Blowing out the camper’s water lines.
  • Covering the camper’s vents and windows.
  • Ensuring that the camper’s battery is properly charged.

By following these steps, you can help to protect your camper from damage during the winter months.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to put RV antifreeze in a camper. We have covered the different types of antifreeze, how much to use, and how to properly drain and refill the antifreeze reservoir. We have also provided tips for preventing freezing and bursting pipes. By following these steps, you can protect your camper from damage caused by freezing temperatures.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.