Slide Out Seals

[ltoews]

I need to replace some slide out seals on our 2011 Montana, both the wiper seal (we have the double, an inner seal and an outer seal) and the ones on the perimeter of the box (do not know the proper name for these). When our Montana was new and for a period of time, I would clean all the seals and then apply 303. At one of the rally seminar’s, someone said all that was required on the seals was just to keep them clean. Had I continued to apply the 303, the heat and weathering may not have affected them as much. So my question is: what is involved in replacing these seals? Has anyone done this before? Do you recommend taking the rig into a dealer?

[dieselguy]

Larry ... the perimeter seals are bulb seals. They slide out a groove that they are held in. Sometimes the ends of the groove are pinched down to hold them in place, so you have to pry open the groove to get them to slide out. You can buy the bulb seals in bulk and cut them to length as needed. I've never messed with the flap seals on the sides and top. I think they are like automoive seals and snap onto a lip around the opening.

[1retired06]

Using 303 or similar products is a smart PM practice.

[twindman]

My 2006 Montana seals had a screw thru the seal at the end to hold it in place. And it was from the inside!! And back then there was only an outside seal. Took me a while to find the screw. Real easy to replace after that.
I had the dealer sell me (special order) a 50 foot roll of the stuff and still have about 10-15 feet left. Don't know if it fits the new 5er tho.

[WaltBennett]

Someone posted about using mineral oil on them last year. Since I had a five gallon bucket of it that's 3/4 full sitting in my garage, I tried it out when de-winerizing a few weeks ago. Did a really great job of taking off the black marks on slide sides. Lubricates them and the seals as well. Think I paid about $30 for the bucket at a tack store - it's used on horses. I use it for woodturning wet wood, but got the big bucket since it was cheaper than a one gallon. At least now I've another use for it.