Fixed the Jerking Slide Once Again.

[FrontierJourneys]

I already fixed it once by cleaning and dry lube. But after a summer of travel the kitchen slide was starting to jerk slightly and the membrane under it was starting to show wear.
Thought about adding rollers ..but my thought was if I added rollers I would need skid plates too. So first I thought I would try some 1/8" thick UHMV on its own. Just seems to me a little better than 6 inches of contact on a roller.

I know.... I'm a little worried about expansion and contraction of the UHMV.
And how to fasten it. I used Scotch Mount Extreme 3M double sided tape. from what I read it does well with the UHMV and I figure its all compression and it would take a lot to sheer it off given the 28" of tape surface. I did add two screws each at the one end I could get at just incase it does decide to come lose.

It worked out quite nicely ...cut them to size. Placed the tape ..un-did the wrap (not sure what you call it) of the tape but left enough to the point where I could slide it under with out anything sticking ...then once under and in place I was able to pull on the wrap paper to expose the adhesive . Go in the trailer and put some pressure on the UHMV with my fingers. Let the slide down and ran it a few times. Dry Lubed the UHMV for good measure. It works very nice now. And if needed can add rollers in the future.

[dutchmensport]

It seems there are more and more posts showing up about sagging slides and Draco shredding on so many different campers from Keystone. It seems like problems like this really start happening around 5 years from new.

I'm glad you were able to find a fix and it worked. I've had my share of head aches with my main slide too. But, that's another post.

[ChuckS]

UHMW is self lubricating and needs NOTHING added on its surface.. it will outlast the rest of the RV by decades

Nice fix..

[RonJ]

The UHMV approach sounds like it could be the solution to the jerky slide on my 5th wheel. Cleaning and sprays have not solved the problem. Two questions - how high did you raise the slide in order to place the UHMV and where did you buy the UHMV? Just for info, but I could not find an RV repair service in my area to fix the slide jerking problem and got one response of don't worry about the jerking, its OK and two responses to go elsewhere.

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by RonJ

The UHMV approach sounds like it could be the solution to the jerky slide on my 5th wheel. Cleaning and sprays have not solved the problem. Two questions - how high did you raise the slide in order to place the UHMV and where did you buy the UHMV? Just for info, but I could not find an RV repair service in my area to fix the slide jerking problem and got one response of don't worry about the jerking, its OK and two responses to go elsewhere.

UHMV is available from Amazon.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by RonJ

The UHMV approach sounds like it could be the solution to the jerky slide on my 5th wheel. Cleaning and sprays have not solved the problem. Two questions - how high did you raise the slide in order to place the UHMV and where did you buy the UHMV? Just for info, but I could not find an RV repair service in my area to fix the slide jerking problem and got one response of don't worry about the jerking, its OK and two responses to go elsewhere.

You raise the slide "just enough to install the UHMW sheets. On my trailer, that's roughly 1" which gives more than enough room to slide each strip between the wear bar and the bottom of the slide floor.

Here's one source of 1/8" thick UHMW: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037MEMDO...WxfdGhlbWF0aWM

And a source of 1/4" UHMW: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H43OES...v_ov_lig_dp_it

3/16" is available, but it usually is significantly more expensive than the 1/8" or the 1/4" strips which are on "both sides of thickness"....

[Hblick48]

I purchased my 1/8" black UHMW sheet from Grainger. No shipping charge if you have it shipped to one of its stores. Only works if you live close to one of its stores.

[RonJ]

Thanks for the info. I am currently on a trip and will follow up

with the UHMV on my return.

[Maineiacs]

Originally Posted by FrontierJourneys

I used Scotch Mount Extreme 3M double sided tape. from what I read it does well with the UHMV and I figure its all compression and it would take a lot to sheer it off given the 28" of tape surface. I did add two screws each at the one end I could get at just incase it does decide to come lose.

It worked out quite nicely ...cut them to size. Placed the tape ..un-did the wrap (not sure what you call it) of the tape but left enough to the point where I could slide it under with out anything sticking ...then once under and in place I was able to pull on the wrap paper to expose the adhesive . Go in the trailer and put some pressure on the UHMV with my fingers. Let the slide down and ran it a few times. Dry Lubed the UHMV for good measure. It works very nice now. And if needed can add rollers in the future.

Just to be sure I understand. You extended the slide out, you raised it about an inch and then you attached the UHMV to the underside of the slide. Do I have that right?


I'm having the same issue with my coach and your solution seems to be an excellent one.

[Rwake901]

My Darco fabric was starting to tear so I used 4 strips of 1/8 UHMW on my main slide. I didn’t raise the slide to install it I tapered the end with a bench grinder then butted the tapered end up against the wear bar. I used stainless steel screws (counter sunk) every four inches to install it. It works great. Also I use 3 in one rubber seal conditioner on the rubber seals. Both inside and out. Makes a huge difference when sliding the slideout in and out. The rubber seals grab onto the slide as it slides in and out so by using the rubber seal conditioner it lets them slide easily. Very smooth operating now.

[Alibaddy]

It possible for you to take a photo of what you did? Your solution sounds very interesting.

[Rwake901]

Originally Posted by Alibaddy

It possible for you to take a photo of what you did? Your solution sounds very interesting.

Raining here today. Plus I’m not sure I know how to post a picture on here. When the weather clears I will try to get a picture posted.

[RonJ]

I was set to order UHMV sheets for my jerky slide problem when I ran across an ad for UHMV tape. Has anyone tried to use the UHMV tape on the wear bar or have any input on using it on the wear bar for the slide problem? The ad sounded good, but I know ads can be deceiving.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by RonJ

I was set to order UHMV sheets for my jerky slide problem when I ran across an ad for UHMV tape. Has anyone tried to use the UHMV tape on the wear bar or have any input on using it on the wear bar for the slide problem? The ad sounded good, but I know ads can be deceiving.

Are we talking uhmV? sheets or uhmw? I've not seen uhmv sheets or tape. As far as the uhmw tape on the wear bar - it would only cause more problems IMO. The wear bar is not the issue, it's the darco on the bottom of the slides. The wear bar is either uhmw or a close plastic cousin. The uhmw is placed on the bottom of the slides, on top of the darco, to eliminate the drag and subsequent abrasion caused by the darco fabric dragging over the wear bar.

[Hblick48]

Originally Posted by RonJ

I was set to order UHMV sheets for my jerky slide problem when I ran across an ad for UHMV tape. Has anyone tried to use the UHMV tape on the wear bar or have any input on using it on the wear bar for the slide problem? The ad sounded good, but I know ads can be deceiving.

I used self adhesive UHMW tape the 1st time I fixed my slide. I adhered it the darco on each end. When the slide moved, the darco would shift causing the tape to bunch up. I counter sunk some flat head screws and that held for a while. The tape eventually failed.

The UHMW panel is a much better repair since the material is thicker and can't bunch up.

[RonJ]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Are we talking uhmV? sheets or uhmw? I've not seen uhmv sheets or tape. As far as the uhmw tape on the wear bar - it would only cause more problems IMO. The wear bar is not the issue, it's the darco on the bottom of the slides. The wear bar is either uhmw or a close plastic cousin. The uhmw is placed on the bottom of the slides, on top of the darco, to eliminate the drag and subsequent abrasion caused by the darco fabric dragging over the wear bar.

Thanks for your reply. My bad as I meant uhmw, but mis-typed somehow. Based on your response and from others, I will plan on going with the sheets.

[RonJ]

Originally Posted by Hblick48

I used self adhesive UHMW tape the 1st time I fixed my slide. I adhered it the darco on each end. When the slide moved, the darco would shift causing the tape to bunch up. I counter sunk some flat head screws and that held for a while. The tape eventually failed.

The UHMW panel is a much better repair since the material is thicker and can't bunch up.

Thanks for your response on use of the tape. First of all, my bad on mis-labeling the tape and sheet material. I mis-typed somehow. I will be planning on going with the UHMW sheets in the near future.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by RonJ

Thanks for your reply. My bad as I meant uhmw, but mis-typed somehow. Based on your response and from others, I will plan on going with the sheets.

Keep in mind that the uhmw can be applied in strips on the ends only, slide skis on the end, multiple strips of uhmw placed at intervals along the bottom of the slide or sheets of uhmw to cover the entire bottom of the slide. The latter is what I did with this trailer as I've had so much trouble with darco abrasion. It can also be installed short of the wear bar with the ends beveled to ease it up over the wear bar or placed over the wear bar by slightly lifting the slide and pushing the uhmw into place where it is extended beyond the wear bar and does not have to push against it to rise over it. You can also attach it with double sided tape, a strong adhesive, screws or a combination of them all. The tape and adhesive can pull the darco loose from the slide bottom if it is not adhered well. I have done that with no ill effects after a little over 4 years when I got rid of the trailer. Screws have to be recessed so they don't catch, break or cut up the top of the wear bar. Sorry for the long post on things you may already know but adding the uhmw is one of the best things I've done on my last 2 trailers, and if done, you want it to work perfect and eliminate headaches vs add to them.