Lube and rubber seal conditioners for slide outs

[funpro]

Is it important to use rubber seal conditioners for my slide out - or is it just a way to sell more product?

Funpro

[Firecapt]

Yes it is important to keep your seals and wipers conditioned! Since they are made of rubber, they will harden and deteriorate over time if left untreated.

There are several commercial products available for this purpose and can be purchased at Camping World and other online RV sites.

Many people use Aerospace 303 Protectant and it seems to work as well as if not better than others. It can be used to protect all rubber and plastic items on your RV. I've been using it for years now and really like it. I tried some of the other protectants before switching to Aero 303 and I think it does a better job.

[THedges]

It's important. When I go a little longer than I should between treatments I am amazed at how much black comes off on the rag.

[joseph.feucht]

I don't know anything about this, but I have been told that a silicon lubricant will work fine. If anyone knows that this is not good for the rubber wipers or rubber seals, please post back asap.

[Jim W]

I have always used this product. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/slide-out-rubber-seal-conditioner/21224 I have used this product on my last two 5ers with excellent results.
You do not need to buy it from camping world. Most auto-parts stores like NAPA have this or something similar to it. Also a Farm & Fleet store or your local trailer dealer.
Jim W.

[tampacamper]

I have always used this product. http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/slide-out-rubber-seal-conditioner/21224 I have used this product on my last two 5ers with excellent results.
You do not need to buy it from camping world. Most auto-parts stores like NAPA have this or something similar to it. Also a Farm & Fleet store or your local trailer dealer.
Jim W.

FYI WalMart here in FL has it also

[Jay D]

How often should I wipe/clean them. New to all this. How about lube on the slide and elec stabilizer's

[Festus2]

There isn't any time frame or guidelines with respect to "how often". If they become stiff and/or excessively dirty, then it's time to apply some conditioner. Use your good common sense to monitor how they look and feel.
You might consider using a dry, spray lubricant on your slide and stabilizer mechanisms. Grease or heavy oil causes road dirt, grime and grit and tiny stones to stick to it and this may cause more damage than it prevents.

[KanTC]

Jay D,

There are products 'labeled' for the slide-out mechanisms -- like this one: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/slide-out-lubricant/26735

We've used this brand and haven't had any problems with grime or dirt build up. I'm sure there are similar products available at other stores, and maybe some of the other members can offer another suggestion.

Terri [& DH Kevin] :)

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

You might consider using a dry, spray lubricant on your slide and stabilizer mechanisms. Grease or heavy oil causes road dirt, grime and grit and tiny stones to stick to it and this may cause more damage than it prevents.

When I drove OTR (Over The Road), I used to use Dawn Dish Detergent. Makes things slippery yet when ya go thru rain or puddles it washes off. Eliminates the gooey greasey messes and "releases" the dirt and grime. :)

just sayin'...

hank