RV maintenance in general is one of the most important things you can do for your RV. Slide-out seals often seem to get overlooked until it is too late and problems arise because of this neglect. You don’t want to be in that position when slides are sticking or the dreaded water is seeping in. We will discuss a little about RV slide-out care and maintenance in this article, so hopefully, you will understand how to properly care for RV slide-out seals.
What are RV Slide-Out Seals?
RV Slide-out seals are used to keep dirt, debris, and moisture from entering your RV. They provide a seal between the main RV house body and the Slides (expanding and retracting rooms) while still allowing them to move freely. Most commonly made from a flexible rubber material to allow movement while still maintaining a protective barrier. There are two main types of slide-out seals: push-on flange mount, and tape/screw mount.
Do you need to lubricate an RV slide-out?
Yes, to assure proper mechanical functions are working as intended it is important to keep the slide well-lubricated. So, a rule of thumb is any mechanical parts should always be properly lubricated, and the slide-out is no exception. Furthermore, it’s recommended you use a quality slide-out lube such as 3-in-one RV care slide-out silicon lube. This should be done regularly to keep seals from drying or sticking.
What kind of lubricant do I use for an RV slide-out?
3-IN-ONE®RVcare Slide-Out Silicone Lube is quick-drying and long-lasting and is safe to use on metal, rubber, vinyl, and plastic. So, with a smoother, quieter RV slide-out operation, you can confidently hit the road with peace of mind.
How long do Slide-out seals last?
RV Slide-out seals can last for 10 years or longer depending on how often they are maintained and the elements they are used in. You should expect to condition them every two to three months or maybe more often depending on the conditions you are camping in. If you camp or store your camper in a very hot and dry climate, it would be best to condition them every six weeks.
Once the rubber dries out it will begin to crack and warp from its original shape. Water and dust only need a very small gap for them to enter your RV and cause a mess or damage quickly.
If you are doing some regular maintenance, you may be trying to find the best way to keep pesky critters out of your RV. As a result of our struggles, here are some of the ways we have used to keep our RV rodent-free.
Slide-out maintenance 101
Slide Out Seal Shop
How often lubricate RV slide out?
To assure your seals are properly lubricated it is suggested that you lubricate the slide-out in the bedroom two times a year, and lubricate dining or full slide floor systems once a month, especially when they’re in use. This will keep slides from sticking and keep a good watertight seal around the slide seams. Dry seals are where water has a tendency to creep in and ruin your camping experience.
Why is my slide-out leaking?
Your RV slide-out could be leaking due to several factors, but it usually comes down to dry or worn seals. It is recommended that seals be replaced every couple of years, but we also know that this rarely happens. Another possibility for a leaking seal is an unlevel RV. Your RV should always be leveled when slide-out is in use to assure the proper setting of seals.
Do all RV slide-outs leak?
No, if properly operated and regular maintenance is performed. As talked about above, you need to keep seals from drying out and cracking. Leveling your RV is another important step to keep a tight seal and water from penetrating your domain.
How much does it cost to have my slide seals replaced?
You should expect to pay anywhere from $800 – $1500 to have the complete seal replaced. Really depends on how big of a slide you have needs repaired to determine labor and material cost. In fact, this is the main reason a regular seal maintenance schedule is needed, to prevent unnecessary repairs.
Can I replace the slide seals myself?
Yes, if you are somewhat mechanically inclined, your slide our seal can be replaced using a similar product as seen below. In addition, these seals can be purchased online for around $2.50-$3.00 a foot depending on the type needed.
How to replace your RV slide-out seals
Conclusion
As with any RV, it comes down to maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance. The best way to assure regular work is completed is to create a good maintenance schedule and adhere to it. We all know purchasing an RV has become quite costly as of late and the less money we spend unnecessarily the better.
Spending a little time and money now can save us quite a bit of money down the road. When you do find an issue it is almost always while out on the road trying to have fun and relax.
Furthermore, when you do spot a little water seeping in around your slide-out, it has probably been going on longer than you think. Water is probably the worst thing you can find in your RV due to its power to destroy from the inside out and ruin your investment.
Let us know if you have experienced issues with your slide-outs and the end result. Was it due to maintenance neglect or a problem that should have been caught by the manufacturer?
