RV Squeeky Slide when Driving | Reasons and Solutions

RV slideouts are a great way to add more living space to your RV. However, they can also be a source of frustration, especially when they start to squeak. A squeaky slideout can be annoying and embarrassing, and it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.

There are many reasons why your RV slideout might be squeaking. Some of the most common causes include:

Dry seals

Dirty tracks
Worn rollers, etc.

If you have a squeaky slideout, there are a few things you can do to fix it. First, try cleaning the seals and tracks. You can use a mild soap and water solution to clean the seals, and a wire brush to clean the tracks.

Clean the Seals and Tracks

As mentioned earlier, one of the most common causes of a squeaky slideout is dry or dirty seals and tracks. To clean the seals and tracks of your RV slideout, you will need:

A bucket of warm water
Mild soap

A sponge
A wire brush (optional)
Silicone lubricant

Procedure:

Start by extending your slideout so that you can easily access the seals and tracks.
Mix a small amount of mild soap in the bucket of warm water.

Use the sponge to clean the seals and tracks with the soapy water.
If the tracks are very dirty, you can use a wire brush to clean them. Be careful not to damage the tracks.
Once the seals and tracks are clean, rinse them with clean water.

Apply a silicone lubricant to the seals and tracks. You can use a spray lubricant or a paste lubricant.
Retract your slideout and you’re done!

Replace the Rollers

The rollers on an RV slideout are what support the slideout as it moves in and out. Over time, the rollers can wear out, become misaligned, or become damaged. This can cause the slideout to squeak, bind, or even become stuck.

If you have tried cleaning and lubricating the seals and tracks of your slideout and the squeaking persists, you may need to replace the rollers. This is a more complex job, so it’s best to take your RV to a qualified technician.

To replace the rollers, the technician will first need to remove the slideout from the RV. This is done by disconnecting the slideout from the motor and drive system and then removing the bolts that secure the slideout to the RV.

Once the slideout is removed, the technician can inspect the rollers and determine which ones need to be replaced. The rollers are typically held in place by bolts or screws. The technician will remove the old rollers and install the new rollers in their place.

Once the new rollers are installed, the technician will reinstall the slideout on the RV and reconnect the motor and drive system. The technician will then test the slideout to make sure that it is operating properly.

Replace the Gears

The gears on an RV slideout are what operate the slideout as it moves in and out. Over time, the gears can get misaligned, worn out, or damaged. This can cause the slideout to squeak, bind, or even become stuck.

If you have tried cleaning and lubricating the seals and tracks of your slideout, replacing the rollers, and the squeaking persists, you may need to replace the gears. This is a more complex job, so it’s best to take your RV to a qualified technician.

To replace the gears, the technician will first need to remove the slideout from the RV. This is done by disconnecting the slideout from the motor and drive system, and then removing the bolts that secure the slideout to the RV.

Once the slideout is removed, the technician can inspect the gears and determine which ones need to be replaced. The gears are typically held in place by bolts or screws. The technician will remove the old gears and install the new gears in their place.

Once the new gears are installed, the technician will reinstall the slideout on the RV and reconnect the motor and drive system. The technician will then test the slideout to make sure that it is operating properly.

Lubricate the moving parts

Lubricating the moving parts of your RV slideout is an important part of routine maintenance. It helps to reduce friction and wear, prevent squeaking, and extend the life of your slideout.

To lubricate the moving parts of your slideout, you will need a silicone lubricant. You can purchase silicone lubricant at most RV supply stores or online.

Instructions:

Start by extending your slideout so that you can easily access the moving parts.
Apply a light coating of silicone lubricant to all of the moving parts, including the gears, rollers, and tracks.
Retract your slideout and you’re done!

What are the Reasons Behind It?

There are a few reasons why your RV slideout might be squeaking. Some of the most common causes include:

Dry seals: Rubber seals on slideouts can dry out over time, which can cause them to squeak.
Dirty tracks: Slideout tracks can get dirty and gunked up, which can also cause squeaking.

Worn rollers: The rollers that support your slideout can wear out over time, which can cause them to squeak.
Misaligned gears: The gears that operate your slideout can get misaligned, which can also cause squeaking.
Lack of lubrication: The moving parts of your slideout need to be lubricated properly to prevent squeaking.

Maintenance Tips for RV Slideout

To help prevent your RV slideout from squeaking, there are a few things you can do:

Inspect your slideout regularly: Inspect your slideout at least once a year for any signs of wear or damage. Pay particular attention to the seals, tracks, rollers, and gears.
Clean and lubricate your slideout regularly: Clean and lubricate your slideout at least once a year. This will help to keep it in good working order and prevent squeaking.

Store your RV with the slideout in: When you’re storing your RV for an extended period of time, it’s best to store it with the slideout in. This will help to prevent the seals from drying out and the rollers from getting flat-spotted.

End Notes

A squeaky RV slideout can be annoying and embarrassing, but it’s usually a relatively easy fix. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent your slideout from squeaking and keep it in good working order for many years to come.