Slideout maintenance

[harpoon-KEY]

I am lubing the slide-out mechanisms on our Montana and am wondering what you guys do for the bedroom slide. This is a sealed unit underneath and I'm unable to access the moving parts like the other 3 slides. What do you guys do with this slide?
While I'm at it, does anyone here use dry-lube for the moving parts on their awning? I notice a lot of you use silicone.
Thanks
Dave

 

[DQDick]

I use a dry silicone on the awning moving parts. On the bedroom slide i'm not doing anything with it unless it starts to hang up, then I'll take the plywood out of the bottom of the bed and lube it also. Don't think it's as much of an issue since it's not exposed to the outside or the road dirt.

 

[Parts Ed]

What does everyone use on the other slides that are "geared" and exposed to the elements??

 

[harpoon-KEY]

quote:Originally posted by Parts Ed

What does everyone use on the other slides that are "geared" and exposed to the elements??

I use Protect All slide-out lubricant

 

[harpoon-KEY]

Oh, and thanks DQDick. I was thinking along those lines due to the lack of exposure to the elements.

 

[sreigle]

I have never needed to lube the bedroom slide. This Montana is almost 7 years old and in fulltime use.

As for lubing the rack and the gear on the slides with external mechanism, a dry lube is recommended with one caution. Not all dry lubes are created equal. Something the Keystone Service Center manager (Darrell Turner) taught me.. make sure dirt will not stick to the dry lube. He took what I was using at that time, sprayed it on cardboard, gave it a few seconds to dry, then threw dirt on it. It stuck to the lube. He then sprayed his lube on the other side, threw dirt on it, nothing at all stuck to it. From what I understand, it's best to use a dry lube with TFE or teflon. Not sure if those are the same thing.

The one I was using that was not acceptable was a slide lubricant from Camping World. I do not recall the brand but it was a big name brand.

When you lube, be sure you shoot lube into the gear pack, just inside the frame, as well as lubing the teeth on the rack. I see friction marks on the side of the bars so I spray along there, also. I'm not sure if that's really necessary but I tend to be cautious.

 

[harpoon-KEY]

Hopefully that Camping World stuff isn't Protect All. I think I'll give it the dirt test. I believe it said on the can that it was repellent to dirt and grime, but I've been reading a lot of cans lately. I'll find out. As a cyclist, I'm aware of the importance of a lube that repels dirt and moisture.

 

[CORattler]

Any pictures or guidance of lube points for the awning?
Mine is starting to make unwanted sounds

 

[Parts Ed]

Thanks for the answers, supposedly the local NAPA store has lube with TFE in it.

 

[1retired06]

Have never had to do anything with any of our bedroom slides.

 

[Sola123]

I use Slip Plate....same stuff we use on our pull rite hitch....seems to work great.....it is a dry lub....definitely made them a lot quieter when opening and closing....