Slide Out Seals

[tld]

While I maintain my slide seals regularly, I sometimes wonder how long, on average, my seals would last if I did nothing to them. And I know that replacement seals run on average about $4 to $5 per foot, plus labor if you don't do it yourself. But, just out of curiosity, does anyone have any knowledge on approximately how long it would take for the seals to go bad if never treated?

[THE MEEKER]

I have a brother-in-law who amazes me with his luck. He’s the kinda of guy who never does any preventive maintenance on anything he owns and yet never seems to run into any problems.

He would leave a loaf of bread on his kitchen counter of his RV all winter long and never get a mouse. Me. I get rid of all food, paper, etc., vacuum every nick and cranny, use Fresh Cab and other rodent deterrents and still have the Brady Bunch of mice living in my camper.

He has owned his TT for seven years. I know he has not touched his seals. As of last summer, he has had no problems. I treat my seals every spring and fall. They will probably fail me this spring.

[jfk69]

Originally Posted by THE MEEKER

I have a brother-in-law who amazes me with his luck. He’s the kinda of guy who never does any preventive maintenance on anything he owns and yet never seems to run into any problems.

He would leave a loaf of bread on his kitchen counter of his RV all winter long and never get a mouse. Me. I get rid of all food, paper, etc., vacuum every nick and cranny, use Fresh Cab and other rodent deterrents and still have the Brady Bunch of mice living in my camper.

He has owned his TT for seven years. I know he has not touched his seals. As of last summer, he has had no problems. I treat my seals every spring and fall. They will probably fail me this spring.

We must be twins separated at birth....

[Quantum]

My parents old fifth wheel was 18 years old when the sold it a few years ago. They stored it indoors, but used it a lot!

They never
-lubricated the seals
-cleaned the roof
-repacked the bearings
-waxed it
-re-siliconed it

Yes, some decals faded, but nothing worse than I see on newer units that fade. The did lose a hub once (should've repacked the bearings), but other than that, no roof leaks, no delamination, just a solid built unit. It was a Golden Falcon.

[Tunce the traveler]

My unit is 11 years old and I lube them at least twice a year and they look almost new.
BTW my son- in- law is just taking up space on earth!!!

[Jopopsy]

Originally Posted by jfk69

We must be twins separated at birth....

No, must be a triplet of mine that I've just become aware of.

[AKRUEBBE]

With my slides being open 99.9% of the time and the seals under constant exposure, I condition them every 3 months and they stay like new.

[pppbigdog]

Originally Posted by AKRUEBBE

With my slides being open 99.9% of the time and the seals under constant exposure, I condition them every 3 months and they stay like new.

What do you use and how do you apply if you do not mind me asking? Thanks.

[Jopopsy]

Most on here use Aerospace 303. Lets see if he/she is in the same boat.

[AKRUEBBE]

Originally Posted by pppbigdog

What do you use and how do you apply if you do not mind me asking? Thanks.

I've tried several products and always come back to Thetford Premium Conditioner:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Jopopsy]

Originally Posted by AKRUEBBE

I've tried several products and always come back to Thetford Premium Conditioner:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That’s a new one for me - never seen or heard of it since I’ve been doing this. Interesting.

[Tunce the traveler]

My slide out has an awning over it and I have a painters pole that I use with a rag bunched up on the end ( about golf ball size ) , spray it with conditioner and move it like a pool cue.

[pppbigdog]

Thanks for sharing the products and tips!!!

[havnfun]

Originally Posted by AKRUEBBE

I've tried several products and always come back to Thetford Premium Conditioner:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

X2 on the Thetford Conditioner. Easy application and does the job.
Happy RVing,
Jeff

[Johnynorthland]

Just today I did my slid seals, tracks and generator’s monthly exercise! (Along with all the window screens and AC filters), I constantly maintain everything, I’d rather error on the side of caution then take a chance. But then again, we live out of ours 6+ months a year.

I have several friends always asking if I want to sell because they see how I take care of my rig. There’s a good chance we will be selling within 1 to 2 years, whoever the lucky buyer is, they’re gonna get a heck of a lot of upgrades and a well maintained rig! I’m sure it will sell fast!

Bottom line, when you go to sell, an experienced buyer or inspector can tell whether it’s been maintained properly or not!

[Sola123]

Friend of mine had to have all seals replaced on his 4 slides.....$7000.00....just saying....

[Joan617]

Originally Posted by AKRUEBBE

With my slides being open 99.9% of the time and the seals under constant exposure, I condition them every 3 months and they stay like new.

What do you use, Al?
-Angus

[RickandBecky]

On a related note—I lube my bulb seals and my “rain flaps” twice a year. Seems like cheap insurance to me. On the “flaps”, when the slides come out, shouldn’t those flaps come out also? I have to go around with a rubber spatula (my wife allows me to use) and pull those all out (top, bottom, and sides). Does that matter and if so, is there anything I can do to the “flaps” to make them pop out as they should?

[Joan617]

Originally Posted by RickandBecky

On a related note—I lube my bulb seals and my “rain flaps” twice a year. Seems like cheap insurance to me. On the “flaps”, when the slides come out, shouldn’t those flaps come out also? I have to go around with a rubber spatula (my wife allows me to use) and pull those all out (top, bottom, and sides). Does that matter and if so, is there anything I can do to the “flaps” to make them pop out as they should?

Sometime back on a related thread, someone posted the clever idea of applying self adhesive clear plastic furniture bumper pads to the slide sides just outside of the seals. When the slide extends, the bumpers harmlessly grab the seals’ edges and drag them right side out as they travel. They do not show as ugly or out of place so bad on the extended slide.

Angus.

[Rock]

I lube mine at least three times a year and several have already failed. Just had to replace all my top clearance lights. All the rubber grommets dried out and black streaks everywhere. Rubber is no longer rubber from years ago. I think most now comes from China and they probably make it out of Yak. Lol