5 Best Cheap RV Antifreeze: Winterizing Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive!
Whether you’re setting up a winter camp or putting your RV into storage, you will need to winterize it.
You could use compressed air to blow out your pipes, but you still risk blowing contaminants into your plumbing. There’s also a chance that some water remains in the pipes.
If a pipe bursts or a valve fails, you might need to spend thousands getting your RV repaired.
Using the right RV antifreeze is a surefire way of protecting your RV’s plumbing. The best part? Cheap RV antifreeze is easy to come by.
We’ve reviewed some of the best cheap RV antifreeze available in the market below.
5 Best Cheap RV Antifreeze Products
A few dollars spent on the right products and a couple of hours of your time can keep your RV’s plumbing safe through the winter. Here are some RV antifreeze products you can consider buying:
#1 SPLASH 619526 RV/Marine Antifreeze
Offering burst protection at temperatures as low as -50°F, SPLASH 619526 is one of the best cheap RV antifreeze products. You don’t have to dilute it or prepare it in any way. Pop the cap off and connect the bottle to your pump, that’s all.
It has a DOW USP propylene glycol, protecting your rubber seals while keeping your RV’s pipes from freezing.
It stands out from the other options in the market with its proprietary plant-derived additive. The eco-friendly additive makes it much safer than the ethylene glycol-based products you will find.
Pros
- Ready-to-use
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Propylene glycol formula
Cons
- None
#2 CPDI Champion Marine and RV Antifreeze for Winterizing Vehicles
Using the Champion antifreeze by CPDI is one of the best ways to keep your RV’s pipes, plumbing, and filters safe through the winter. Protecting pipes from bursting at -50°F, it stands out as one of the best cheap RV antifreeze products money can buy.
The formula comes in a one-gallon bottle. Since it’s a concentrate, you don’t have to dilute it or mix any chemicals before use. Read the instructions on the label and remove the cap, and the antifreeze is ready to go.
One of the best things about it is that the solution is safe to use in vehicles of all kinds – not just RVs. You can also use the coolant to protect your spa, pool, hot tub, and even your vacation home in the winter.
It doesn’t matter whether your RV has copper, brass, or other metal plumbing – the Champion antifreeze will not damage it. The concentrate is also safe in plastic plumbing (barring acetate).
The company goes the extra mile to filter the antifreeze solution, ensuring that you leave your RV in storage stress-free.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Filtered formula
- Will not damage most materials
Cons
- Manufactured and sold by a less-known small business
#3 RecPro RV Antifreeze
Another great option for preparing your RV’s black, grey, and freshwater tanks for winter storage is the RecPro RV Antifreeze. It is one of the few high-quality antifreeze products that lubricate seals and gaskets.
Besides RVs, it can also be used in marine engines. It protects plumbing from bursts at -50°F. It’s made from materials considered safe by the FDA, making it one of the best cheap RV antifreeze products.
Pros
- Made from non-toxic materials
- Safe for steel, brass, copper, and plastic plumbing
- Lubricates seals and gaskets
- Also works on engine cooling systems
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on this list
#4 P-restone Original AF225 RV/Marine Antifreeze
If you want to protect your RV’s plumbing from particularly brutal winters, the P-restone original antifreeze is the right product for you.
It will keep your pipes safe at -100°F. You can also use it to safeguard your boat, pool, or seasonal home.
One of the best things about it is that it prevents corrosion in metal plumbing. You can use it in plumbing with rubber, plastic, and elastomers without worrying about damage.
But remember that this antifreeze is not suitable for gas or diesel engines.
Pros
- No burst guarantee at -100°F
- Prevents corrosion
- Safe for all kinds of tanks and plumbing
Cons
- Not suitable for engines
#5 Home Garden AutoZone Original AZ220632 RV/Marine Antifreeze
The AutoZone antifreeze by Home Garden is one of the best-known products in this category. It’s safe for all types of plumbing except acetate pipes.
The non-staining, odorless formula is also safe for the environment, so it’s certainly one of the best cheap RV antifreeze products.
Plus, you can use it right out of the bottle. No fuss!
Pros
- No mixing required
- Safe for all metals
- Odorless
Cons
- Not safe for acetate pipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use any antifreeze in your RV?
Ethanol-based antifreeze is the cheapest antifreeze, but it can dry out rubber seals, resulting in leakage when the winter ends.
Propylene-glycol-based antifreeze doesn’t have this effect and is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic, making it the most popular option. You can also find propylene-ethanol antifreeze, but it is likely to damage your seals.
How many gallons of RV antifreeze do I need for my camper?
You will need between two and four gallons of antifreeze to protect your RV.
How long is RV antifreeze good for?
You can leave antifreeze in your RV’s pipes for at least a year. Some antifreeze products don’t expire for up to five years. Generally speaking, antifreeze doesn’t become ineffective after the expiration date. But it’s best to follow the brand’s guidelines to keep your RV’s plumbing in tip-top condition.
At what temperature do you need to winterize your RV?
Many RV owners winterize their camper when temperatures drop to the high thirties. However, you can hold off winterizing until temperatures are consistently 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Your RV’s pipes can freeze up in a couple of days. And with the financial risk involved with a pipe bursting, not using antifreeze is a mistake you cannot afford.
But now that you’re familiar with the best cheap RV antifreeze products, protecting your investment is easy. To use antifreeze, drain all your tanks, bypass the water heater, and connect the antifreeze to the water system.
Use your faucets and toilet until you see the antifreeze coming through. Pour antifreeze into all the drains and pipe traps, and your RV is set for the winter.
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