DIY RV Antifreeze Tank: Genius Hack or Plumbing Nightmare?

RV Antifreeze Enigma: Decoding a DIY Winterization System

Big Truck Big RV is diving deep into the mystery of a used RV modification. In this video, JD and his father investigate a perplexing aftermarket RV antifreeze tank installed by the previous owner of their 2014 Forest River Georgetown Class A motorhome. The video serves as a call to the RV community to help decipher the purpose, installation, and functionality of this unusual system. Was it a stroke of genius or a plumbing disaster waiting to happen? Let's explore the possibilities and potential lessons for fellow RV DIY enthusiasts.

The Discovery: An Unexpected Tank

While preparing their father's RV for winterization, JD stumbled upon a curious setup. A pressure tank was installed near the water pump, which is a welcome addition for maintaining consistent water pressure. However, what truly caught their attention was a PVC line connected to an aftermarket tank mounted above the frame rails. This tank, estimated to hold between 5 and 20 gallons, appeared to be connected to a green hose with a shut-off valve on the opposite side of the RV. JD's initial theory: the previous owner installed this tank as an onboard reservoir for RV antifreeze, streamlining the winterization process. "It appears as if the previous owners put on an onboard tank to hold RV antifreeze," JD explains, clearly puzzled by the discovery.

The tank's potential functionality intrigued JD. According to his theory, one could fill the tank with gallons of RV antifreeze and then, when winterizing, simply open the valve and allow the RV's water pump to distribute the antifreeze throughout the system. This would eliminate the need to carry multiple jugs of antifreeze and simplify the winterization process, especially for full-timers or those who frequently travel during colder months. The video explicitly asks viewers, "If you've done this before or if you have any idea of why this was added. Um, let me know because it appears as if the antifreeze fill is what has that shut off valve on the other side."

The positioning of the tank, tucked above the frame rails, suggests a deliberate effort to maximize space and keep it out of the way. This adds to the intrigue, indicating the previous owner invested time and effort into this modification. The quality of the installation, however, remains uncertain, as JD notes the need to investigate further and seek insights from experienced RVers. The hose connections and shut-off valve placement also raised questions about the system's overall efficiency and ease of use.

The Experiment: Filling the Unknown

To test his theory, JD decided to fill the tank with a few gallons of RV antifreeze. This experiment aimed to confirm the tank's capacity and observe how the fluid flowed through the system. During the filling process, they encountered an issue: the antifreeze seemed to be building up pressure, suggesting a potential blockage or ventilation problem. This led to a temporary setback, forcing them to disconnect the hose on the opposite side to relieve the pressure. "This might have been why he decided to stop doing it," JD speculated, hinting at potential challenges the previous owner might have faced.

After addressing the pressure issue, they successfully filled the tank with about 2.5 gallons of antifreeze. They then proceeded to test the system by turning on the RV's water pump and opening a faucet. Initially, nothing happened, leading JD to suspect that the pump might need to be primed. This prompted him to consider that the previous owner might have abandoned the system due to difficulties in getting the fluid to properly flow through the lines. JD elaborates on this, stating, "I'm guessing perhaps the reason why he stopped using this was he found it hard to actually get the fluid to pump into the system."

Despite the initial challenges, JD remained determined to understand the system. He and his father worked together, troubleshooting potential issues and exploring different solutions. Their collaborative effort highlighted the DIY spirit of the RV community, where experimentation and shared knowledge are highly valued. Ultimately, they managed to get some fluid flowing through the system, albeit with some manual assistance. This partial success offered a glimmer of hope, but also underscored the need for further investigation and refinement.

Community Input: Seeking Expert Advice

Throughout the video, JD emphasized the importance of community input. He explicitly asked viewers to share their experiences and insights, hoping to gain a better understanding of the antifreeze tank's purpose and functionality. He acknowledges that his theory might be incorrect and eagerly sought alternative explanations. "If you've done this to your own RV or you have any idea of what was done here, please let me know," JD pleaded, highlighting the value of collective knowledge within the RV community.

JD's open call for feedback reflects the collaborative nature of RV DIY projects. By sharing his findings and challenges, he invited others to contribute their expertise and help solve the mystery. This approach not only benefits JD and his father but also provides valuable information for other RV owners who might be considering similar modifications. The comments section of the video is likely to become a valuable resource for anyone interested in DIY RV antifreeze systems.

By crowd-sourcing solutions, the video embodies the spirit of shared knowledge and mutual assistance within the RV community. The comments section will potentially become a rich source of information and alternative perspectives. This collaborative approach can lead to improved designs, safer installations, and a more informed RVing experience for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways

Aftermarket RV modifications can be complex: This video highlights the challenges of understanding and troubleshooting DIY RV projects undertaken by previous owners.
Community knowledge is invaluable: JD's call for feedback underscores the importance of sharing experiences and seeking advice from other RVers.
DIY RV projects require careful planning and execution: The antifreeze tank experiment demonstrates the need for proper ventilation, priming, and line placement to ensure system functionality.
Thorough inspection of used RVs is essential: Discovering unexpected modifications emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough inspections before purchasing a used RV.
RV antifreeze onboard tanks might not be worth it: Early testing suggests that the amount of effort to get this system working might not be worth the space saved by the antifreeze jugs.
Winterizing your RV is important to prevent busted pipes: Although the complexity of this system is high, winterizing your RV when temperatures dip below freezing is key to prevent damage.

Conclusion: Watch the Full Video for More Insights

The mystery of the aftermarket RV antifreeze tank remains partially unsolved, but Big Truck Big RV's investigation offers valuable lessons for RV owners interested in DIY modifications. By sharing their experiences and seeking community input, JD and his father have sparked a conversation about the potential benefits and challenges of such projects. To gain a deeper understanding of the antifreeze tank mystery and follow along with their troubleshooting efforts, be sure to watch the full video on the Big Truck Big RV YouTube channel. You might just find the answer they are looking for, or learn something new for your own RV adventures!