There is a spray you can buy for about $12 special for the track and metal plate underneath the slideout. I find it a very thin oil. Wouldn't WD-40 do as well? My rv is a 2014 and the tracks have changed since 2011. There are tracks high and low on the sides of the slideout. What about coating the metal tracks with a brush using a small amount of regular motor oil?Moved to Tech Issues forum from DIY.

I wouldn't want to use WD40 or penetrating oil because of it attracting dirt/grime. I use this lubricantfrom Camping World and it sprays on easily and doesn't attract dirt and road grime.

WD-40 is one of those items that people think has a lot of uses, but in reality, it "almost" gets the job done. I would go with what is mentioned above or a PTFE dry lube unless you want crud on the slideout tracks, which both WD-40 and motor oil will attract.

Use a dry lubricant, silicone spray or some other type. The big box hardware stores have a rack full of spray cans with a couple of different dry sprays.WD40 is not intended as a long term lube, WD means Water Displacement and it was originally intended to be used on wet connectors on Titan Missiles. The 40 means it was the 40th formula tried. It's too volatile and does not leave a long term lube film.

Which slide-out do you have?Mine says not to lubricate.

Even if it says not to lubricate it (like mine) you'll find it moves much faster and smoother if you do. I've used everything from dry film to teflon spray. The liquid stuff works better but attracts dust. That's not a big deal to me, I just spray it when we stop and before I put the slide out. I've never had any problem with the gears getting too dirty.

What's good to oil rv slideout tracks? | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

uncle_t
Explorer
Feb 03, 2014
spraying the tracks makes an electric motor run faster?
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Hell Yes. Lippert recommends against maintenance!

How in heck do you expect them to make a killing on selling replacement parts if the old ones don't rip themselves to shreds?

Molybdenum Disulphide (DRY SLIDE) works even better than graphite because it stays put a lot longer. For some reason it rejects dirt better than graphite.

But dry slide is a little pricey. Hmmm then again slide outs and repairs ain't cheap either.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Based up the OP saying "high and low on the sides" he has a Swintek (spelling?)
slide
RJsfishin
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
Yep, none of that cheap greasy kids stuff for me ! If it ain't $12 a can RV stuff, I don't use it ! :)
kirbybear
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
I have used the dry spray for years. The slide started to have jerky/jumping action. Used Fluid Film ( Amazon ) for about a year now and nice and smooth.

Leaves a slight film and I wipe the bars/rams with a paper towel every time I bring the slides in.

Do the spray about every six months and I move every 2 weeks.
Horizon170
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
I used the Camping World Spray when we had a 5th wheel. Twice a year I sprayed it and all was fine.
down_home
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2014
David01 wrote:
I use the spray made specifically for slide outs. Purchased at Camping World while on sale.
Incidentally, the owners manual suggests lubricating monthly. I lubricate several times a year as we are at a permanent site. I run the slide in and out couple times and then spray again. I have no idea why. I guess I just remember "pops" spraying stuff and then working it in!

Probably the same one we use. Spray and let dry. wipe up any over spray.
Never any grease etc that will gather dirt.
Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
The dealership that I bought my MH from sprayed the tracks with something. We have been trying to clean it off the carpet ever since. Be very careful.
David01
Explorer
Feb 01, 2014
I use the spray made specifically for slide outs. Purchased at Camping World while on sale.
Incidentally, the owners manual suggests lubricating monthly. I lubricate several times a year as we are at a permanent site. I run the slide in and out couple times and then spray again. I have no idea why. I guess I just remember "pops" spraying stuff and then working it in!
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
Sine you have a new RV, I would read my owner's manual and use what they recommend!