If you’ve ever seen massive and strange vehicles parked around camping sites, many or few of them might be recreational vehicles or RV in short.
An RV or a recreational vehicle is a combination of a motor vehicle and living quarters for the accommodation purpose.
There are various RV types and are mostly used for camping during harsh winters or, in simple terms, RV adventures.
However, before heading out with an RV, there’s a checklist you need to keep in mind that includes all those things you might need. One such thing is an RV antifreeze. Wondering what it is? Here’s its explanation.
Similar to a normal car antifreeze, every RV requires a special antifreeze called the RV antifreeze.
It’s non-toxic and doesn’t pose any harm if you or any animal sips some of it.
Therefore, some people doubt when their RV’s antifreeze will expire or has expired. If you’re also in confusion about this, here’s the answer.
Does RV antifreeze go bad?
Not at all times, but yes, you may need to change the antifreeze after one year (if you have kept the bottle uncapped after use); otherwise, it won’t work as needed.
Some people say that if appropriately closed, the RV antifreeze can last for almost 1-5 years, but it’s advisable not to use one if it’s over a year old.
Why do you need RV antifreeze in the first place?
As told above, an RV is similar to a moving residence with every amenity you typically find in a house. Be it a sink, washroom, etc.; all are present inside a recreational vehicle.
Going forward, you’ll also have the basic piping system for these.
Now, what an RV antifreeze does is that it cleans the vehicle’s piping system and regulates its temperature, i.e., it prevents the pipes from getting too hot or too cold.
Also, for the smooth working of the pipes, an RV antifreeze is a must. Otherwise, in colder climates, the entire piping system may freeze!!
Note that an RV antifreeze is completely different from the antifreeze available for ordinary cars and motors.
Hence, don’t try to mix each other. While ordinary automotive antifreeze is solely meant for engines, an RV may or may not be used in the engines.
How do you know if RV antifreeze is good or expired?
If you own an RV, you’d have used antifreeze several times and must have wondered how to know its expiry date.
Well, here’s a simple trick. First, check out the label of the pink RV antifreeze bottle.
Yes, most of the antifreeze bottles are pink in color if meant for RVs. If there’s a particular expiry date for the solution, it’s that only!!
If there is no date available or it has somehow vanished, don’t worry! Put the antifreeze in a freezer.
After some time, if it starts freezing, it’s enough to contemplate that the antifreeze has expired. If it’s still in its original liquid form, you can use it further.
What’s the average shelf life of RV antifreeze?
Here are two things. If you have kept the pink antifreeze bottle caped after use, it should last for around 1-5 years, and that’s what their normal shelf life is.
In either case, if kept uncapped or open, don’t use it the next year and buy a new piece.
Places where you can buy RV antifreeze?
Want to buy RV antifreeze? Wondering where to buy from? Here are the best places to get the best deals. Well, you can buy an RV antifreeze both online or offline.
You can pick one from Walmart, Amazon, Flipkart, Targets, etc. If not online, head to any nearby or well-known convenience store, and you can quickly locate pink bottles of RV antifreeze there.
One thing to note here is that refrain from buying green or yellow antifreeze bottles. They are generally normal automotive antifreeze and won’t work with an RV. Hence, always go for bright pink bottles.
Also, in some countries, the gas stations have a section for different antifreeze, and you can also find yours.
Conclusion
So, I hope the article must have helped you regarding your queries related to an RV antifreeze and its shelf life.
Ideally speaking, an RV is an unusual car-like structure requiring specific equipment and maintenance than a normal car running in the cities or on highways.
A minimum to minimum $500 is enough for its year-long maintenance, if and only if its entire piping system is working.
Hence, before heading out for any RV adventure, don’t forget to pour some antifreeze in its various pipes. It will prevent the pipes from choking and creating a mess inside the RV.
