Forum Discussion

mlts22's avatar
mlts22
Explorer
May 15, 2014

Replace slide out seals every five years?

Since tires have to be replaced every five years due to dry rot, I'm wondering if the same issue applies to slide-out seals. They are not weight bearing so a seal that rots isn't going to cause catastrophic failure, but they are made out of a similar rubber compound, I wonder if they have the same issues as tires when it comes to age.

Since the seals are the main line of defense against water intrusion, if they fail, the damage wouldn't be immediate, but would be severe over time.
  • I keep our MH in a garage when not in use. It's ten years old and I'm just now having a little seal leakage at the bottom of one of the slideouts. I would think those who are parked outside fully exposed to the weather year-round would certainly have seals/joints/roofs deteriorate more quickly than those fortunate enough to be kept in a garage.
  • They should be replaces if you see cracking, splitting or weathering.

    Consider this the cost of maintenance, or would you rather pay for extensive water damage.
  • Seals will last if you take care of them - I bought a lubricant for the seals that sprays on.
  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    I coat mine with seal spray as part of my 6 month maintenance. We'll see how well that works 10 years from now.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Mine are 18 years old and are original, no cracking or dryrot, no leaks.
  • As with all things, the sun takes it's toll. I had to replace my wipers and seals after 6 years but I spend 5 to 6 months a year with my slides open and I was lax about seal maintanance.Replacement cost for seals and wipers ran about $6 a ft so from here on out I'll take better care of them. It does take long to apply treatment every few months.
  • I, too, spray all the seals with a protectant once a year and rub it into the seal. So far, they still look new at 7 yrs. old. I bought the seal spray in Quartzsite a couple of years ago.

    MM.
  • Ditto on the seal spray. Seals will last for many years if regularly maintained. Same goes for all other plastic/rubber items exposed to sun - like roof vents, A/C covers.
  • 2yung2rtire wrote:
    I had to replace my wipers and seals after 6 years but I spend 5 to 6 months a year with my slides open and I was lax about seal maintanance.
    You did this yourself?