To lubricate a slide out on a travel trailer, start by cleaning dirt and debris; then, you’ll need a 3-in-one RV care silicon lube. It lubricates and leaves a protective film to protect against rust and corrosion. Shake the can and reach the tight spaces. Continue reading to learn more about it in detail below.
Regular maintenance of the slideout system will save you from costly repairs and damages. This blog post will also cover everything you need to know before lubricating a slide out. Let’s dive into the details of this article!
Steps To Lubricate A Slide Out On A Travel Trailer
Regular lubrication of your travel trailer’s slide-out is very important for maintaining its performance and longevity. Lubricating a slide out ensures smooth operation, but also helps prevent potential damages, like corrosion and rust. Here we’ll help you identify the slideout and will give you crucial tips on the basis of the slideout you are using. Let’s checkout these steps to lubricate a slide out on a travel trailer!
Identify Your RV Slide Out System
The first step before lubricating your slideout is to identify the type of slideout your RV uses. RVs have different slide outs and contain different parts. By identifying the slideout system of your RV, you’ll know which parts to lubricate. Here are the most common types of slide outs used in RVs.
Cable Slides
Cable slide outs consist of cables that pull the slide out and in. These are very lightweight but can support giant and heavy, deep slides. These slide outs are very reliable and don’t encounter corrosion issues often.
Hydraulic Slide Out
The next type is hydraulic slide out. Hydraulic slide outs are usually used in larger RVs in kitchens and living rooms. Hydraulic slide outs use a hydraulic pump and fluid pressure to move the room in and out. They are powerful and effective, but the parts can wear over time due to excessive heat.
Tip Out Slide Out
Tip-out slideouts are completely manual and present in older RVs. It is a challenging type of slideout. It has no automatic mechanism, so you must operate it with your physical effort.
Rack And Pinion Slides
Rack and pinion slides are very common systems used in RVs. It spins on the racks along the bottom slide to extend and retract. Due to its large size and heavy weight, this system needs regular lubrication.
There were several slideouts. Now, let’s discuss the importance of inspecting slide components.
Inspect The Slide Components
Inspecting the slide components before lubricating them is crucial to avoid damaging the mechanism or causing further issues. Thoroughly inspect the following:
- Damaged parts
- Loose fasteners
- Loose or damaged electrical connections
- Loose or damaged pulleys
- Hydraulic leaks
- Excessive wear on tracks
- Shredded cables
You can also inspect whether the slide is extracting and retracting evenly. Also, it needs lubrication if it’s making grinding or squealing noises.
Clean The Slide
It is important to clean the slide components before lubricating them. Slideouts are on the outside of the RV, so there are many chances that they are exposed to dirt and grime. Clean the RV’s roof to remove any debris from the top of your slide. In addition to the roof, inspect and clean the rubber seals around the slide that keeps your RV waterproof.
Lubricate The Slide Out Of Your Travel Trailer
After cleaning the components, it’s time to lubricate them, along with the moving parts. You’ll need to extend your slide based on the system and reach all the components. Ensure you use a quality RV slide lubricant that will provide lubrication without attracting grime.
If you have a bedroom system, you’ll have to raise the bedboard and the mattress to lubricate the track. You may not see the entire track after lifting the bed board; in that case, we recommend extending and retracting the slideout to ensure all the track is lubricated. Otherwise, unscrew the panel under the bed to access the track fully.
For more tips on maintaining your RV’s slideout, check out how to adjust an RV slide out.
When To Lubricate A Slide Out On A Travel Trailer?
Many manufacturers and professionals recommend cleaning and lubricating your slideout at least twice a year or more, depending on where and how often you use your RV. The gearbox on the top of the slides doesn’t need any lubrication. Be sure to check the user manual and use a well-known lubricant. We recommend using RV care silicone lube for optimal protection.
Signs Your RV Slide Out Needs Lubrication
These are some signs that indicate that the trailer slide outs need lubrication.
- Stiff Movement: If you see your slide outs are stiff and require extra effort to extract or retract, it’s an indication that your slide outs need lubrication.
- Unusual Noises: If your slide outs are making squeaking, grinding, or popping sounds during operation, means they are dry and need lubrication.
- Visible Wear: If you haven’t lubricated the slideout for a long time, you’ll notice rust, corrosion, or wear-out building on the slideout components. It’s better to lubricate them to prevent further damage.
- Frequent Jams: If you notice the slide-out gets stuck or jams frequently, lubrication might help ensure smoother operation.
Regular lubrication ensures your slideouts continue to work efficiently, preventing potential damage and costly repairs.
Final Words
In summary, knowing “How To Lubricate A Slide Out On A Travel Trailer?” is essential for ensuring a smooth operation and extending the lifespan of the slideout components. Before lubricating the slideout, the first step is to determine which type of slideout you are using. After identifying the slideout, follow the tips to lube all the components of the slideout easily.
We have a dedicated blog post for you if you are stuck adjusting the slide out. For more information about the slideout and other RV maintenance, visit our website here!
FAQs
What Type Of Lube Is Used For Rv Slide Out?
Many lubricants are in the market for your slideouts, but I recommend a 3-in-one RV care silicon lube. It lubricates and leaves a protective film to protect against rust and corrosion.
What Is The Problem With The Slideout On A Travel Trailer?
The most common problems with the slideouts on a travel trailer are lubrication issues, motor burnout, power issues, and leaks. While you can lubricate the slideout yourself, others need a professional check.
How Do You Lubricate A Travel Trailer Slide Out?
To lubricate the travel trailer slideout, open the room fully and spray a recommended lubricant onto the track. Clean all the moving parts including gears and tracks and apply a silicone lubricant to them.
