How to Properly Maintain RV Slide-Out Seals

It’s very important to make sure your RV slide-outs are in good working order before you head out on a big trip. Slide-outs that refuse to extend or retract are a very common problem for RV travelers, and no one wants to be stuck at the campground with slides that won’t go in when they should be hitting the road for adventure! Follow our tricks for keeping your RV slide-out seals and weather stripping in tip-top shape for comfortable RV travel all year long:

Signs of Seal Trouble

If you haven’t used your RV in a while, or hear some unfamiliar noises when retracting or extending your slides, it’s probably a good indicator that the seals need some love. There are seals on the inside and outside of your slide-outs, and their main function is to keep you comfortable! The seals around your slide-outs keep unwanted weather out, leaving your RV interior warm and dry.

After an extended break from use, extreme temperature changes, or a long time spent in the sun, these slide-out seals can begin to break and crack. If your seals appear to be rotting or falling apart, you’ll want to replace them altogether. If your seals simply appear a bit dried out or sticky, invest in “Slide-Out Seal Conditioner” products that will help bring your seals back to life! It’s a good idea to apply the conditioner to your seals every three to four months, which should prevent any major cracks or tears altogether.

Slide-Out Seal Care Tips

Always begin your interior seal maintenance with the slide-out retracted. With your slides in, you should have better access to the rubber seals from the inside. Spray the conditioner on the seals and allow them to absorb the formula.

Once the interior seals are complete, extend your slides fully, and begin to spray the conditioner on all exposed seals. You will likely need a ladder to access the seals on the tops of your slide-outs, so proceed with extreme caution. Once again, allow the seals to absorb the conditioner, creating a coating which will help to keep rain and weather out of your RV.

The Mechanics of it All

When working on RV slide-out maintenance, you won’t want to ignore the parts that keep the slides moving: the slide-out mechanism. If your seals have allowed even small amounts of moisture into the RV, the metal components of your slide-out can begin to rust and corrode, which could cause major issues further down the line. Keep things rolling by applying a “dry” lubricant to the metal components of your slide, including the hydraulic rams and cylinders. It’s also a good idea to take a peak at the motor and gearbox just to ensure there is no debris or dirt. Clean these areas, but do not apply any additional lubricant.

Your RV’s slide-outs are a big part of making your motorhome or travel trailer feel like “home”. The extra living space offers comfort wherever the road might take you. Showing the slide-out seals and mechanism a little extra love every few months will go a long way towards comfortable, worry-free RVing.