Newbie & Slide Out Maintenance

[toddlafond]

Okay. We bought our first Motor home (2005 Forester) last month and we took it out one weekend before putting it in storage. While we were camping we had a winter storm come through and we got some really cold temperatures and about 5 inches of snow. Now that it's in storage I'm wondering about general maintenance to the slide out, seals, mechanism and the awning etc. What do you do regularly and annually to maintain your slide outs? Thanks in advance.

[doc73]

We use the slide seal lube (Camco) on the seal, kinda looks like Tire Foam when it is put on. I use the Slide track lube (also Camco) to do the track. We have a Swintec type slide. Yours may vary. I also have heard of people using any dry lube on the tracks (for our style) and baby power or 303 on the slide seals.

[toddlafond]

Originally Posted by doc73

We use the slide seal lube (Camco) on the seal, kinda looks like Tire Foam when it is put on. I use the Slide track lube (also Camco) to do the track. We have a Swintec type slide. Yours may vary. I also have heard of people using any dry lube on the tracks (for our style) and baby power or 303 on the slide seals.

Thanks. Do you apply the lube while it is in the out position or can I do it when closed? The reason I ask is that I may not have enough room to open it while in storage.

[doc73]

I do it when its out to do all. You will not be able to do the seals with the slide in, even a foot or so can get enough access to do the seals. Might be able to spray the track while in, I can. I will also put some baby power on an old sock and spread it on the inside one the slide lib where it would seat on the outside wall when deployed. Keeps it from sticking to the wall if it is left out for a while.

[harleyguy]

Regarding your slideout you have to find out which manufacturer and model you have. I have Lippert electric slide and the manual states to use only detergent and water to clean the mechanism. It states that using a grease could potentially damage the unit so before you do anything find out who made your slide and get the correct maintenance information.

[toddlafond]

Originally Posted by harleyguy

Regarding your slideout you have to find out which manufacturer and model you have. I have Lippert electric slide and the manual states to use only detergent and water to clean the mechanism. It states that using a grease could potentially damage the unit so before you do anything find out who made your slide and get the correct maintenance information.

Thanks for the heads up. Will the manufacture be on the slide out mechanism some where? We have a couple of booklets that came with the motor home, but there isn't much info in them and I don't see anything that lists the manufacture of the slide-outs.

Thanks

[PeterThePlumber]

Originally Posted by toddlafond

Okay. We bought our first Motor home (2005 Forester) last month and we took it out one weekend before putting it in storage. While we were camping we had a winter storm come through and we got some really cold temperatures and about 5 inches of snow. Now that it's in storage I'm wondering about general maintenance to the slide out, seals, mechanism and the awning etc. What do you do regularly and annually to maintain your slide outs? Thanks in advance.

I use regular grease from a grease gun to lubricate the underbody slide mechanisms. I use plastic gloves to wipe on a thin coat to the rams and gears. Then run them in and out a few times. I have Schwintek slide mechanisms on our new trailer, but I have not yet researched how to lube them. I use 303 Aerospace Protectant on the slide seals, inside and out. I also use the 303 to protect the awning fabric after washing with your favorite detergent. My awning motor is so called maintenance free, which means I have to replace the whole unit when it fails. Check to make sure the slideouts ride on the plastic wear strips and are centered and square in the opening. I don't lubricate the plastic wear strips/rollers. Anything the moves, pivots, etc; such as scissor jacks, folding stairs; gets lightweight oil on the hinges/contact surfaces. Take it to your favorite mechanic to have the oil changed and preventative maintenance done. Take it to your favorite tire store to have the insides of the tires checked. Have your RV mechanic check the caulking, given the age of your unit. I can go on and on, but you get the idea. Good luck!

[PeterThePlumber]

Originally Posted by toddlafond

Thanks for the heads up. Will the manufacture be on the slide out mechanism some where? We have a couple of booklets that came with the motor home, but there isn't much info in them and I don't see anything that lists the manufacture of the slide-outs.

Thanks

Google and this forum will be your friend. Put the year and brand of your unit in the title when you post.

[harleyguy]

You might want to go the the forest river web "contact us" site and see if they can help.
My Trailer came with a pamphlet for the slide out. Try Forest River RV Contact Us - Forest River, Inc.

[Too Tall]

YouTube has a good video on schwinteck.

[Ford Idaho]

The lite has two schwinteck slides.

Robot Check

I just spray the tracks with the tube, spray some on a clean rag and wipe the seals down.

[Too Tall]

As far as the rubber seals, surprisingly, baby powder keeps it from sticking and doesn't wash off.