Slide maintenance and lube?

[mn_308]

Will a ‘generic’ type of silicone spray like THIS ONE work fine for the slides (and other uses) on my TT?
Or, should I go with one of the more specific ‘for slide out’ type products from campingworld.com?

Suggestions?

[milzat]

I don't see why that product wouldn't work.
GUNK & Liquid Wrench has been around for years.

They are good products.

[mn_308]

Thanks for the response Michael!
As I've said (many times) before.
Everything related to TT ownership is new to me...

Everyone out here on the forums has been very helpful in getting me up to speed.

[flagstaff]

Almost any silicone spray is ok. Just watch out for anything that attracts dirt and holds it. I usually spray the slides about 3 time a year. I also use it on the leveling jacks. Makes it easier for my drill to run them up and down.

[Fitz]

I just purchased a Salem 27BHBS maintenance and storage will be new to me. When you winterize a trailer with a slide should the slide be in or out?

[Hokiehall]

I leave mine in after winterizing. I don't think it matters either way, but I park mine under a tree and things fall off of it all the time so leaving the slide in keeps the tree crud off of the slide top.

[MrSen]

When I winterized my Roo I just used something similar to the liquid wrench. It did have a distinctive smell to it so make sure you don't lube before you head out for your camping trip.

[flagstaff]

Fitz. We live in the northeast and the slide defently comes in for the winter. I don't want the slide or the slide topper getting a snow load and possibly knocking something out of wack. Besides the seals are just rubber and I'm sure snow can blow through them somewhere.

[Fitz]

Thanks for the information everybody

[mn_308]

Fitz,
Glad you could find some answers out here!


I think I put a poor link in the first post...
This is the product I asked about.

Here is some more info on it.

MSDS Info

For comparison I googled up the MSDS for one of the products labeled for slide out use.
Thetford Slide Out Lubricant.

I’m far from a chemist and really can’t make heads or tails of this info.
I think I worry too much about small stuff…

[farmermark]

there use to be a product out called dry slide it was a spray lube that dryed on contact we used this on the splitter on gear shift of the trucks we used when i was on a harvest crew out west. it was made so as to not attract dust which there seem to be an abundence of in those wheat fields.

[welshman599]

Originally Posted by farmermark

there use to be a product out called dry slide it was a spray lube that dryed on contact we used this on the splitter on gear shift of the trucks we used when i was on a harvest crew out west. it was made so as to not attract dust which there seem to be an abundence of in those wheat fields.

I was wondering about the generic type of lube as well, as I hate spending premium dollars for "RV" products. There are generally two types I've found Wet (containing teflon/PTFE) and Dry (containing graphite). More importantly though, I acquired the service manual for the slide system from Lippert Component Industries (most of their manuals are online) and the manufacturer states:
"The Lippert Hydraulic Slideout System has been static tested to over 4,000 continuous cycles with out any noticeable wear to rotating or sliding parts. It is recommended that when operating in harsh environments (road salt, ice build up, etc.) the moving parts be kept clean and can be washed with mild soap and water. No grease or lubrication is necessary and in some situations may be detrimental to the environment and long term dependability of the system. Although the system is designed to be almost maintenance free, actuate the room once or twice a month to keep the seals and internal moving parts lubricated."

However, one of their manuals is for motorhomes combination slideout/levelling systems. It does have special instructions for those who leave their slides out / jacks down for extended periods:
"If jacks are down and/or slideouts are extended for lengthy periods, it is recommended to spray exposed jack and cylinder rods with a silicone lubricant every seven days for protection. If your coach is located in a salty environment, it is recommended to spray the rods every 2 to 3 days."

Hope this is helpful to you. I know it's what I'll follow..