Squeaky slide - RV-Dreams Community Forum

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Squeaky slide

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

This will probably start something, but I would not recommend WD-40. There are dry lubricants made for the purpose which will lubricate but not act as a holding solution for dirt. You don’t want any lubricant that could attract and hold dirt which some products, like WD-40 may.

We’ve used this for 8 years and have had acceptable results.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/protect-all-slide-out-dry-lube-protectant/17390

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have you got a window open when closing it? You need to give the air someplace to go. Is it the weather seal that flips and isn't sliding easy - baby powder can help with that.

Barb

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:

This will probably start something, but I would not recommend WD-40. There are dry lubricants made for the purpose which will lubricate but not act as a holding solution for dirt. You don’t want any lubricant that could attract and hold dirt which some products, like WD-40 may.

We’ve used this for 8 years and have had acceptable results.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/protect-all-slide-out-dry-lube-protectant/17390

We have used this product as well and it has worked just fine. I also think that any moist lubricant could catch dirt in it and that would probably cause more problems. Just my opinion.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'll go along with Bill and Linda with regards to the WD-40. I don't remember when it was that I quit using the stuff. When I was in agriculture and in other agri-business ventures, I used it all the time on nuts and bolts. While it wouldn't help with squeaky slides, my go-to lubricant is 3-in-1 Oil.

Plus, Barb has a good point about "venting" the coach when bringing in slides. While we are either setting up to "camp" or preparing to leave one, I've usually got the entry door open as we operate the slides.

Terry

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't think people realize how much a difference it makes to have a door/window open when moving the slide. You're moving a lot of air, and while it is compressible, if you give the air somewhere to go it is just easier for the motor not to have to push the slide as well as all that air - with our front slide that is around (back of env calculation) 200 cu ft of air to be displaced as the slide comes in.

Barb

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Honestly. I never thought about it. And this is the first time I've seen it discussed. I've learned so much from reading this this forum. Thanks folks!

Pat K

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

It's amazing how much we don't know that we don't know! Barb - I usually have my front door open when opening & closing the slides.

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Barbaraok wrote:
I don't think people realize how much a difference it makes to have a door/window open when moving the slide. You're moving a lot of air, if you give the air somewhere to go it is just easier for the motor not to have to push the slide as well as all that air - with our front slide that is around (back of env calculation) 200 cu ft of air to be displaced as the slide comes in.

Barb

BINGO..................On the money!

Just like a HUGE Bellows.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Barbaraok wrote:
I don't think people realize how much a difference it makes to have a door/window open when moving the slide. You're moving a lot of air, and while it is compressible, if you give the air somewhere to go it is just easier for the motor not to have to push the slide as well as all that air - with our front slide that is around (back of env calculation) 200 cu ft of air to be displaced as the slide comes in.

Barb

Barb:

200 cu feet of air – Oh yes, every bit of that and more with our L/R. Funny but true. If we don’t open the door when moving slides in the door will open itself if not latched and open with vigor – and it shouldn't be latched IMO. When we move slides – Linda does the button pushing and I am always outside watching – and listening for something bad to happen. I’m not saying this is a two person job – but two sets of eyes and ears are better than one. Saved us more than once from crushing something - usually inside. That's why we have checklists even after all these years.

Most better build coaches with good double gaskets around the slides do a very good job of keeping water and air from moving around the slides.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

I do agree that Three-In-One oil is a good selection for general lubrication in some applications. Much different than WD-40 in spite of the fact WD-40 was developed as a water dispersant product. However, I wouldn’t put it on the slide tracks or the slide gears because being liquid it can hold dirt. The dry lub stuff won’t do this and in the outside areas that are exposed to road dirt and water from splashing, that stuff can get into the gears, etc. when the slides are retracted. Not all that big a deal I suppose but once you get dirt inside on the rack part of the rack and pinion system it’s hard to clean off. Just a thought for consideration. Everyone has a system.

If you have hydraulic rams that move the slides I recommend pure silicon spray. Not oil or even dry lube on those for sure.

http://www.amazon.com/Kelloggs-57500-Pure-Silicon-oz/dp/B000BXOFJI/ref=sr_1_1/192-2039719-1962763?ie=UTF8&qid=1427915877&sr=8-1&keywords=pure+silicone

We use this product above on all the hydraulic rams – both the slides and the leveling system hydraulics. Spray on and wipe off gently with a clean rag. It will lubricate and also keep the rams from pitting and doesn't hold dirt.

All of the above is based on manufacture's recommendations over the years FWIW.