Darco alternatives??

[freckleslettucehead]

Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives to the Darco material used to wrap the slideout subfloor?

[Hblick48]

Most people install UHMW onto the slide bottom on top of the darco.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=83948

[Daryles]

I think Chuck has the best fix for it. He wrote a PDF and made a video.
I thought there was a copy of the PDF in the files section but I can't find it.

[scottz]

Here is the PDF you are looking for:

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...?do=file&id=64

Thread covering installation:

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...69#post1246669

The UHMW fix only works to prevent future wear. It won't help much if the material is already torn off or worn more than what the plastic wear strip can cover. No idea on a suitable replacement.

[Daryles]

Before the Rally last year, i had Affinity do some work for me. I had some wear on the right hand side of my dining room slide darco. Keystone would not cover it under warranty. Affinity installed Duo Form Slide Out Skies on both slides.
https://youtu.be/2SrQ2xIMxds
They run in/out much easier and smoother now and it covers over where the darco was wearing.

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by scottz

Here is the PDF you are looking for:

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...?do=file&id=64

Thread covering installation:

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...69#post1246669

The UHMW fix only works to prevent future wear. It won't help much if the material is already torn off or worn more than what the plastic wear strip can cover. No idea on a suitable replacement.

Actually you can Buy UHMW in any size you need and it can be installed over an area where the Dark is torn completely off.. Seal the edges of the UHMW when installing and use a piece large enough to overlap the existing Darco at the tear area by an inch or so...

This is a permanent repair and will never wear out... The PDF I wrote last year using UHMS strips was to repair a smaller area.. Currently the repair looks just like it did the day it was installed... a year ago

If I ever get a larger area that is an issue I will simply order the UHMW in a sheet larger enough to apply over the area with torn or no Darco

Thickness I used is .125 and is all that is needed...

Quite frankly it is what the RV builders should be using in the first place on the slide out bottoms.. IF they did owners would never have an issue with the UHMW

[jrock]

I am considering the UHMW material in several areas of my slide over the fraying Darko material. Can I do this in combination with a pair of due form slide out skis at just the edges? The reason I am asking is I believe the skies are a little bit thinner than the UHMW strips would be. The skies are very thin. Thanks.

[Hblick48]

Originally Posted by jrock

I am considering the UHMW material in several areas of my slide over the fraying Darko material. Can I do this in combination with a pair of due form slide out skis at just the edges? The reason I am asking is I believe the skies are a little bit thinner than the UHMW strips would be. The skies are very thin. Thanks.

I used slide ski's on one slide, waiting for darco in center of slide to start tearing so I can install 1/8" UHMW. I already installed UHMW on another slide, and I saved enough to do the one with ski's. There is no reason why you can't use both on one slide, I'm planning on doing it.

[Brownte24]

I wrote in just last month with the same issue, and was referred to the PDF. I went to the local DIY home improvement store,( Menards) and was able to pick up piece of HDPE 2'x3' for $20.00.

[Hblick48]

Originally Posted by Brownte24

I wrote in just last month with the same issue, and was referred to the PDF. I went to the local DIY home improvement store,( Menards) and was able to pick up piece of HDPE 2'x3' for $20.00.

I believe pdf specifies UHMW not HDPE. Don't know how HDPE will work?

[Mikendebbie]

I suspect the difference might be the compressive strength of both materials. I found the info below - which does not provide definitive information for the application of providing a stable runway for a slide box bottom moving over roller wheels…but it does say HPDE is more rigid with slightly less resistance to impact. In other words UHMW may be more forgiving and not shatter under a load.

[brycesteiner]

I think HDPE might be the better choice. I work quite a bit with plastics and this is what is used for the bottom of snow blades and other things that need to have the longevity and slickness.

[Brownte24]

I have done some research on HDPE, and have found the material to be more durable. the only concern I have, is when installed, when the roller under the slide rolls onto the material, the slide lifts up 1/8 of an inch. Does this affect the cable mechanism that operates the slide?

[Mikendebbie]

I have seen some youtube videos and noticed that several motorhome manufacturers use aluminum plate as a "skid plate" over the slide rollers (in lieu of UHMW. I suppose you could try whatever material you have access to.