Some silicone sprays leave a "sticky residue" after drying. That is the reason using them on the slide "gear mechanism" (under the trailer) is not recommended. Dirt/grit can adhere to the residue and increase wear/damage the undercarriage of the slide. That same "sticky residue" can cause dirt, pollen and debris to adhere to the slide wipers causing them to not fold in/out properly. I can't "prove it" but I strongly suspect that the seal failure on my Springdale was a direct result of the silicone spray I used before winter storage. In the spring, when I extended the slide, most of the slide bulb seal tore away from its seat and was "fused" to the trailer side. After replacing the bulb seals and doing some research on proper conditioning and preservation of the seals, I found that "typical silicone spray" is not a "dry silicone" and that "sticky residue" is what I believe caused my seals to tear into pieces after storage.
Just my experience and my beliefs, yours may differ.
Most "RV Seal Conditioners are essentially a "dry silicone spray" some "foam" some don't, some have extra ingredients to help soften RV seals, some don't. But they are not the same as your "garden variety" silicone spray. I wouldn't recommend buying a "cheap can of silicone spray" and using it on your seals. You may find, as I did, that next spring, the seals won't move out with the slide, but rather are "stuck to the side of the RV" and tear into pieces when you extend the slide...
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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