What is the best slide seal lube?

[Rick and Mindy]

I know I've seen threads on this subject but I can't seem to find them now. I did find one where someone recommended Pledge but no specifics and also someone mentioned a sock with baby powder which sounds interesting but I can only visualize a thick mucky substance should it get wet. I know at one time Redwood recommended some kind of oil but I think it was vegetable or Old English or something like that..........any ideas on what works best. I think Walmart also sells a slide lube in a spray can, does anyone know if it does the job? Very confusing but I'd like to know what other Redwood owners are actually using.

[Dave&Ginny]

Rick,

the best product I've found and what Redwood recommends is a silicone spray. This spray won't gum up like the slide lube you buy at Walmart, it also doesn't collect dirt and doesn't stain. I use this stuff on everything including the leveling legs, locks and steps.

[Rick and Mindy]

Dave,

Thanks for the input but here is my question. I remember Redwood saying something about not using an oil based lube because it could break down the rubber seals. I look at a can of silicone spray and the contents are greek to me. Is silicone spray an oil based spray? I have used silicone for my steps and leveling jacks as well.

[Dave&Ginny]

No silicone is not oil based, otherwise it would stain and collect dirt. Also, anything oil based gets thicker when it's cold.

[spindrift]

So...any silicone spray will do?

[Dave&Ginny]

I believe so. I buy mine at Walmart.

[marandjwr]

Randy, CSM and Gary, tech, at the service center use and recommend Pledge furniture polish inside and out when were in there in January. Spray the seals and a little zigzag on the sides of the slide...

[5th_Time]

Don't you need friction on the seals to make them flip while the slides travel in/out?

[atom ant]

good point. I had huge issues with that on my last rig, had to use an awning rod to flip them out because they wouldn't do it on their own.

[Oriana]

Since I tried the talc powder I have to grab the ladder and go around and check all the seals have flipped out - royal PITA, seriously delays my beer time on arrival.

[Aguanga4me]

rvgeeks.com has a video and they recommend using plain old talc. Wipe it on using an soft rag (e.g., sock) and away you go.

[Oregonbound]

For my 2 cents, we use Napa's 100% silicone spray. We've had the coach for under a year so not much to go on but it does seem to keep the rubber seals flexible and we haven't seen any signs of drying/cracking at this point. Have had issues with the seals failing to "pop out" with the slides so will be spraying the sides of the slides in the Spring to see if that helps. If not, may try Pledge on the slide sides.

[mhs4771]

Actually I think you may find that some friction is needed to get the seals to "pop out or flip" during slide operation.

[Dan]

I have been using silicon but this time I did them with pledge will see if there is any difference

[travelin' texans]

Been using Pledge periodically since Aug. & keep slide ends waxed & no problem with seals popping into place & has greatly reduced black streaks on slides. Seems to me the Pledge keeps them more rubbery, silicone more slippery, just my 2 cents.

[Oregonbound]

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Been using Pledge periodically since Aug. & keep slide ends waxed & no problem with seals popping into place & has greatly reduced black streaks on slides. Seems to me the Pledge keeps them more rubbery, silicone more slippery, just my 2 cents.

Are you using Pledge on the slide ends/sides then?

[atom ant]

I remember reading not to use a citrus cleaner on your roof because the birds peck at it. Wonder if they would peck at Lemon pledge?

[Garyl53]

I know this is an old thread but i was wondering if anyone has a solution to the seals not flipping when putting the slide out. On my bedroom (cable slide - 36RL) one of the seals doesn't want to flip. Other than doing this by hand if i remember, is there a solution? And yes i keep forgetting, that is, until i see the small puddle of water in front of the bathroom door!

[PunksRedwood]

I've seen these on several brands including DRV. They stick to the side of the slides and catch the seal as it moves out to ensure the seal is in the proper position once the slide out is extended. I don't see why they wouldn't work on our Redwoods.

[Garyl53]

Thanks, i will look into them. Very helpful!