How to Lubricate RV Slide Outs?
RV slide-outs are a convenient way to maximize living and storage space. However, like any mechanical system, slide-outs require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. One of the most important maintenance tasks is lubricating the slide-out components. Proper lubrication prevents wear, extends the slide’s lifespan, and ensures smooth operation.
The process is quite simple. First, fully extend the slide-out. Clean surfaces completely, then evenly apply recommended cleaning products. Lubricate rails, gears, pulleys, rollers, hinges. Then use brushes/rags to coat hard-to-reach friction points thoroughly. For detailed information, keep reading till the end.
What Type Of Slide-Out System Do You Have?
The first step is determining what type of slide-out system you have. There are several different systems used by RV manufacturers –
Cable slide-outs use a cable and pulley system to extend and retract the room. Cables, pulleys, and entry guides need lubrication.
Rack and pinion slide-outs utilize a geared rack and pinion drive. The gear rack, drive gears, and bearings need lubricating.
Hydraulic slide-outs use hydraulic cylinders to extend and retract the room. Cylinders, seals, and pulleys require lubrication.
Schwintek slide-outs have an in-wall scissor jack system. Lubricate the sliding surface between interlocking rails.
Check your owner’s manual to identify your specific system. Correct lubrication depends on understanding exactly how your slide-out works.
How to Lubricate Slide-Out Components?
When it comes to giving your RV the TLC it deserves, lubricating the slide-outs is a key maintenance ritual. Let’s break down the process into a seamless dance of cleanliness and lubrication, ensuring your RV glides effortlessly through its adventures.
Step 1: Clean All Surfaces
Think of it as giving your RV a refreshing shower before the spa treatment. Cleaning is the crucial first step to rid the surfaces of dirt, grime, and old lubricant – the villains that can sabotage your slide-out performance. This meticulous cleansing prevents premature wear, ensuring a clean canvas for the lubrication process.
Step 2: Extend Slides Fully
Imagine your RV doing its morning stretches. Extending the slides fully is like warming up those muscles before a workout. This step ensures you have access to all the nooks and crannies, allowing for a comprehensive lubrication session. Your RV will thank you for the full range of motion.
Step 3: Apply Light, Even Coats of Lubricant
Now, it’s time for the star of the show – the lubricant. Picture it as a gentle massage for your slide-outs. Applying light, even coats is the secret to success. Too much can attract debris like a magnet, causing more harm than good. A delicate touch here ensures your RV stays slick and smooth, ready for its next adventure.
Step 4: Use a Rag or Brush Applicator
Some spots need a bit more attention, like those hard-to-reach areas between rails, gears, and rollers. Enter the rag or brush applicator – your RV’s personal spa therapist. This detail-oriented approach ensures every inch is covered, leaving no space for friction to sneak in. It’s the equivalent of reaching behind your ears during a thorough shower.
Step 5: Consult Manufacturer Guidelines
Every RV has its preferences when it comes to beauty products, and lubricants are no exception. Consult your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you’re using the right lubricant for your specific system components. It’s like matching the perfect skincare product to your skin type – a recipe for a happy, healthy RV.
Just like applying sunscreen, the key to success lies in following the proper procedure. Under or over-lubrication can lead to issues down the road, literally. Take the time to completely coat all friction surfaces, ensuring a thorough and effective treatment. This meticulous approach minimizes binding and wear, extending the life of your RV’s slide-outs.
In essence, the process is a harmonious symphony of cleanliness and lubrication, ensuring your RV is ready to hit the road with grace and ease. It’s the spa day your RV deserves, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated for the next leg of your journey. So, grab your cleaning supplies and lubricants – it’s time to treat your RV to a pampering session.
Why Is Lubricating RV Slides Important?
Lubrication serves several vital functions. It prevents wear as unlubricated parts create excess friction, eventually wearing down and failing prematurely. Lubricants ensure smooth operation by minimizing friction between components which keeps slide movement smooth and stutter-free. They also help weatherproof metal parts from moisture, corrosion, and UV damage. And with less friction, motors, cables, and gears aren’t overtaxed during use.
Regular lubrication provides extended service life, protects your investment, and prevents headaches from slide failures down the road.
How Often Should You Lubricate RV Slide-Outs?
How often you should lubricate the slide depends on usage. For full-time RVers or frequent travelers, lubricate slide components every 3 months. For occasional weekend and vacation use, lubricate 1-2 times per year. Always lubricate at the beginning and end of seasonal storage periods. Do a monthly visual inspection for wear and test operation – lubricate if slides sound loud or hesitate.
Environmental factors also play a role – more frequent lubrication is needed in humid, salty, or dusty areas which accelerates wear.
What To Lubricate In The Side Outs?
What requires lubrication varies by slide system, but typically includes –
Slide rails/channels to lubricate rubbing points between movable and stationary rail surfaces. Gears to coat gear teeth and ensure smooth engagement with the gear rack or drive mechanism. Pulleys to apply thin coat where cable rides along pulley curve. Cylinder shafts and seals to lubricate exposed shafts and condition seals. And rollers/wheels to lubricate roller axles and contact points with tracks.
Again, check the manufacturer service guide for the lubrication points specific to your RV model.
What Lubricant You Can Use For Side-Outs?
Use a lubricant compatible with your particular slide-out components –
a) Dry lubricants like molybdenum, graphite, or PTFE (“Teflon”) are clean, attract less debris, good for gears/rollers.
b) Silicone sprays lubricate and protect rubber seals/gaskets from drying out.
c) RV slide-specific formulas like Fast-Slide or Slide-Out Lubricant cling well and contain anti-corrosion additives.
d) Hydraulic seals often require special conditioners to remain flexible and sealed.
Select lubricants based on application and any manufacturer specifications to avoid premature breakdown or binding.
Additional Side Outs Maintenance Tips Aside From Lubrication
Along with lubrication: Inspect all slide components as part of seasonal maintenance or after periods of disuse – check for cracks, bending, fraying, corrosion, etc. Test slide operation occasionally, ensuring full extension/retraction without excessive noise – adjust or repair as needed. Keep records noting the date, miles, and components lubricated or repaired which helps anticipate future maintenance needs. And check and re-secure any loose slide fasteners or attachments if experiencing vibration in travel.
What Are The Other Rv Components That Require Lubricating?
While the spotlight often shines on slide-outs, other mechanical components in your RV crave a bit of lubrication love. Consider this the backstage pass to a smoothly operating RV beyond the slides –
Entry Doors and Baggage Doors
Lubricate hinges, latches, and locks on entry and baggage doors. This ensures seamless access and secure closures, preventing any unwarranted surprises during your journey.
Awning Hardware
Extend the life of your awning by applying lubricant to extension arms and rafter joints. This not only aids in smooth operation but also shields against the wear and tear of unpredictable weather.
TV Antennas
Keep your TV antenna in top-notch condition by lubricating the rotating gearbox and elevating screws. A well-maintained antenna ensures you never miss your favorite shows, no matter where your RV adventure takes you.
Leveling Jacks
Coat screw shafts and gear teeth on your leveling jacks with lubricant. This small act goes a long way in maintaining the stability of your RV when you decide to settle down for a while.
Window Balances
For clear views and hassle-free operation, lubricate the tracks and sliding shoe mechanisms of your windows. Smoothly sliding windows not only enhance the aesthetics but also contribute to the overall comfort of your mobile haven.
Conclusion
Regularly lubricating slide-out components prevents binding, wear, weather damage, and premature failure. Tailor lubricant selection and application intervals are based on your specific slide-out system design and usage patterns. Consistent lubrication, inspection, and occasional adjustment or repair ensure your RV’s moving rooms continue functioning flawlessly trip after trip.
