The most important jobs of the maintenance kind that will really make a difference in performance and durability are lubricating your travel trailer slide-out. Over a time period, slide-outs can absorb friction and wear to be prone to problems. Therefore, let us walk you through this step-by-step approach to lubricate your slide-out so you can glide across the road on your next adventure without getting on the wrong side.
1. Why Lubrication is Important
Before diving into how to, it will be a great idea to understand why your travel trailer slide-out needs lubrication:
– This minimizes friction in moving parts in a way they don’t wear them out unnecessarily.
– It enhances functionality. A well-lubricated slide-out operates much smoother and easy to extend and retract.
Lengthen Lifespan: This means that you will be able to have the lifespan of your slide out system extended and save money on some repairs in the near future.
2. What You’ll Need
The following are some tools and materials that you will need before starting:
Lubricant: The best lubricant for the use in RVs is the silicone spray or lithium grease.
Cleaning Supplies: Soft cloths or rags to clean off surfaces.
Brush: It is a soft bristled brush for the removal of debris.
Protective Equipment: Gloves and safety goggles for your eye/ hand protection.
3. Slide-Out Greasing Procedure
Grease your slide-out by doing the following process
Safety First
Park your travel trailer on an even surface and cut off the engine. Cut off all sources of electricity that automatically power the slide out.
Cleaning the Slide-out
Use a soft brush to clear dirt, dust, and debris, which may be accumulating in the slide-out mechanism. Focus on tracks and rollers best.
Wipe all surfaces with a cloth, then apply lubricant.
Step 3: LubricateShake your canister well.
Silicone spray: Spray evenly across entire length at approximately 6 inches above the slide-out tracks.
Lithium Grease: Apply a small amount of the product to a clean cloth and rub into gears and moving parts of the slideout mechanism.
Step 4: Exercise the Mechanism
Slide out a few times to work the lube into the moving parts, dispersing it evenly and removing some friction.
Step 5: Wipe the Excess Lube
After lubricating your mechanism, you clean off all excess lube that might be coating the exterior surfaces from dust settling by using a clean cloth.
4. Maintain your Slide-Out Servicings
To maintain your slide-out well, you might be required to follow up on these servicing tips:
Frequency: You should lubricate your slide-out every six months or when it looks worn or just getting old, but surely before and after travel season.
Inspecting for Damages:
Cracks or Misaligned: Have a look to see if it has cracks or is misaligned. Fix them immediately.
Keeping it Clean: Slide-Out Area Cleaning: Make sure to clean out the slide area. Grime may cause problems in operation.
Conclusion
With this guide on lubricating your slide out of your travel trailer, you will be sure to have it in and out smoothly and quietly all year long. Regular maintenance doesn’t only make you perform well but saves you from traveling time and money in the long run. Remember little efforts now save time and money over a long period. Enjoy having that next adventure knowing your slide out is well taken care of.
