Slide Seal Flippers

richp · 08-26-2017, 04:14 PM

Hi,

There have been a couple of threads about adding molding strips to the sides of slides, to assure the seals flip.

Two questions.

For the folks who have done this, have you noticed any abrasion or wear of the seal as it repeatedly goes over the molding strips?

Has anyone used this method on the fabric top of their slides, or used any other means of assuring the top seals flip reliably as well?

Thanks.

Rich Phillips

lennyd96 · 08-27-2017, 01:14 PM

My parents bought a new Silverback and I noticed there was a 1 1/2 inch strip of anti-skid tape from the top to the bottom of the slide. I came home and did the same thing to my and now my flap opens and closes every time.

richp · 08-27-2017, 01:29 PM

Hi Lenny,

Thanks -- great info.

Is the material (and its edges) smooth enough to not abrade the seal itself over repeated use?

Any pictures, or perhaps a source or brand name of the product?

Rich

lennyd96 · 08-27-2017, 01:58 PM

Not sure why they are sideways but here you go. There is nothing smooth about them but being the sides are opened and closed as much as say a door I'm sure they will be fine.

richp · 08-27-2017, 02:55 PM

Hi Kenny,

Excellent! Did they do it on the top of the slides as well? That's the other location mine aren't flipping reliably.

I may try to find something that doesn't have such a textured surface, but it's definitely going on my to-do list.

Rich

grumpy0374 · 08-28-2017, 05:24 AM

richp, I started a thread about my adding moulding to the 3 slides on our Lexi.
Started it on 4/22/2016 under the Modification and Updates.
Since then, slides have been opened/closed hundreds of times with no wear noticed at all. Moulding I used had rounded edges, and in no way does it hold the seals. Just catches it and causes it to orient the right way.
Didn't use it on the top/roof of the slides as they have always worked correctly.
Grumpy

richp · 08-28-2017, 05:58 AM

Hi Grumpy,

Just what I needed to know. Thanks. I had seen the previous threads, and was looking for a durability report.

Unfortunately, the "fix" that the techs did at the Rally in my top seals has not persisted, so I'm still pondering what to do about them not flipping properly.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips

richp · 10-13-2017, 10:43 AM

Hi,

Still hoping for someone to share their experience with putting flip strips on the fabric top of their slides.

Thanks.

Rich

jeff64 · 10-13-2017, 11:28 AM

Cowles T3402C Black European Body Molding from amazon. I forget who posted the product, but it was pretty right on. They don't stand out much more than 1/4" I only used a piece maybe 16-18" long on each side of the slides from the top down, parallel to the back of the windows you could apply at slight angle too. Work great every time, haven't noticed any detriment to the seals. Below where they ride, I can easily reach. Didn't put any on the top since I have slide toppers. They've been on a couple seasons now. You would still want to use the 303 on the seals at recommended intervals and a wax job on the RV, IMHO. Did same thing on my buddy's TT and he's happy as a clam! I would have mixed feelings about the nonskid material with the wear aspect. Time will tell. Just me

richp · 10-13-2017, 11:51 AM

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the input.

I have that exact product being shipped to me even as I type, and it clearly will help on the sides, where I have minor problems. But the tops are a much bigger issue on my unit.

I need somehow to get the seals on the top of the cathedral slides to flip reliably, without me having to go from slide to slide inside, manually giving them a shove early in the "out" stage of deploying them, or climbing a ladder and snagging them out with a rod.

I'm ready to try the trim idea on top as well, but am concerned that repetitive cycling may tear or otherwise damage the fabric cover. Which is why I'm asking if anyone else has successfully used trim strips on the top of their slides for a significant period of time.

Rich

AquaMan · 10-13-2017, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richp

Hi,

Still hoping for someone to share their experience with putting flip strips on the fabric top of their slides.

Thanks.

Rich

I'm not following you on the "fabric" top of slides. Are you talking about the rubber membrane?

richp · 10-13-2017, 12:53 PM

Hi Aquaman,

Yes, that's where I have a concern, as to whether repeated twisting of the rigid trim material -- one way and then the other as the seal comes at it from both sides -- will eventually tear the flexible roof material, or stretch it in some harmful way.

Here's the picture. My top seals are laying almost flat against the top of the slide when it is in. The leading edge will hit the trim piece bluntly, and exert a lot of lateral and then twisting force, as the slide goes out. And the reverse is true when it comes in - hammering it in the opposite direction. Both those operations seem to me to present a risk of eventual damage to the roof material.

Rich

jeff64 · 10-13-2017, 01:03 PM

richp,
I think your concerns are valid. On the fiberglass it would seem a moot point but on the roofing material on the slide it may not be a solid adhesion like we've all seen on the roofs. On the roof it's not going to see any repetitive rocking , that would bum me out to have the material tear or come on bonded. One of the other posters in the past suggested angling the trim strips so it wasn't a "head on" contact

richp · 10-13-2017, 05:55 PM

Hi Jeff,

Without any more input based on actual experience with trim strips on slide tops, that angled installation is kind of where my thinking is headed, if I install on top.

Rich

AquaMan · 10-13-2017, 06:31 PM

I would think that anything that would grab the lip of the seal would exert the same amount of pressure on the roof membrane. That said, there has to be enough room for the seal to "flip" so I don't think it would be an issue. If there wasn't enough room for the seal to flip, then it would put undo pressure on the roof material.

richp · 10-13-2017, 07:00 PM

Hi,

When it first starts out, my slide is so tight to the outer frame that it is hard for me to get my fingers in the gap to manually start the flipping process. Which is the method I've had to adopt sequentially with each slide as it starts out, to get them flipping.

The FR crew at the Rally found nothing wrong with the slide or seals. They wiped everything off to increase friction a little, which seemed to help. But a few trips later, it was back to the old normal. And of course when I next treat the seals with protectant, they will be even slippier.

Next step, angled strips, I guess. I'll try one slide to start, and keep an eye on the membrane.

Thanks for the advice.

Rich

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