Perry Mack
Magic Boss Slide Lubricant
by Perry Mack
Of all the systems in an RV, slides have had one of the biggest impacts on the RV experience. These high tech innovations are one of the lowest maintenance systems on your RV – which is why they are often neglected – but can turn into an expensive repair. Before you pack up your RV, or head south for the winter, let’s go over a few safety tips and some basic checks and maintenance.
Safe Sliding
On the list of questions related to safety precautions and checks before extending your slide we would include the following:
· is your RV level
· are your batteries charged up
· have you disengaged the travel locks
· if the slide has storage, are the doors closed
· is their enough room for the slides to extend all the way
· are there any family, friends or pets likely to get in the way
· is there anything inside that will stop the slide from extending, (has someone been storing anything on the retracted slide, they certainly shouldn’t!)
· never force a slide to move, you could hurt yourself or damage the slide
Maintenance and checks
The trouble with something that consistently works perfectly is you begin to assume it always will – without any help. But even a superhero needs a sidekick to get the job done so here are a few things we recommend you do.
· Get a good lube and apply it to the moving parts of a slide mechanism. We’ve had great success with Magic Boss Lubricant and Protector
· Remember there are two sets of seals – one for when the seal is retracted, one for when extended. Stop the slide partway so you can examine both sets. They should be pliable without any tears. The seals keep out moisture, dust and debris – which can cause expensive damage down the road (pardon the pun)
· Weather can cause the rubber seals to become brittle and break, so use a seal protectant to keep them pliable. Magic Boss produces a great Rubber Seal Conditioner
· Check the alignment of the slide. An RV can be a bumpy ride for moving parts - nuts and bolts can loosen. Up and down, side-to-side – your slide should line up with your RV so your seals can do the job. Look for abnormal wear patterns on the interior of the floor – this could be a sign that it needs a vertical alignment. And ‘new noises’ are probably not your imagination. We recommend you bring your RV in for this service, as the DIYer typically doesn’t have the tools or expertise to make the proper adjustments.
· If the slide doesn’t extend check your electrical system for tripped circuit breakers, blown fuses or low battery power. Like a canary in a coal mine, this could be the first sign that your system isn’t charging properly or not holding a charge.
· Check the top of the slide before you retract it and clean it off to prevent abrasion and damage to the top seal. Also occasionally clean the underneath portion for the same reason.
One terrific accessory is a Slideout Topper (also called a Slideout Cover). It’s essentially an awning that extends and retracts with your slide, keeping out debris and providing shade to keep your slide room cooler.
Following some basic safety checks, regular maintenance and inspection will you sliding smoothly for years. Enjoy your travels and feel free to email your tech questions to editor@suncruisermedia.com.