Hydraulic Slide Operation Frequency

[Montana_632]

We have a 2004 Big Sky Montana 3670 with three hydraulic slides. The owners manual says to operate the slides every week or two when traveling. We somtimes stay in place for two-three months. This is a real pain in the neck because we have pictures and knick knacks on top of the slide we have to take down not to mention moving chairs and coffee tables. Is this procedure really necessary and has anyone who does not do this run into any problems? Thanks, and have a great day.

[azstar]

Bruce,
The only reason I can think of is; that when our slides are out, the Chrome piston shafts are exposed to the air. This could cause pitting in the chrome over an extended peroid of time. If this pitting gets bad enough it will dammage the seals on the pistons. If I were setting up for a long preiod of time I would climb under the slides and put a nice coat of heavy oil on the chrome shafts. This is the biggest cause for replacement of Fork seals on Motorcycles. We Motorcyclist have to re-chrome the fork shafts if they get pitted. Just changing the seals isn't enought.

[Montana Sky]

Bruce,
My slides have been out now for 4 months now. I brought them in last weekend to lube everything. This is my second coach and I usually try to bring them in at least once every 3 months or so. Have not had any trouble with either one so far. There are 11 fulltimers at in my park at the lake with many different brands, and they all do as I do. Bring in once every few months and thats it. This is just what I do. I will be going under them to look at the piston shafts that Azstar is talking about to see how they look. Never thought about them before, but sure worth a look.