What do you use to lube your stabilizer jacks?

Three things I always keep in the TT - WD-40, Duck Tape and a hammer. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duck tape. If it doesn't move and it should, WD-40. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem.

nomad297 wrote:

WD-40 is a lousy lubricant. If you do a little research, you will see what I am talking about. Here's a link to an article in Popular Mechanics to get you started. Google will give you plenty of places to read as well.

Bruce

Unfortunately that article didn't test it on stabilizers. :B It appeared to me like the author had a predetermined conclusion before they started, but they did admit that;

"Despite the final tally, WD-40 is not a complete zero. What it lacks in job-specific excellence it makes up for with across-the-board flexibility. In addition to being serviceable in a wide range of tasks...its best ability may be discouraging rust".

I buy the stuff in gallons and use a small pump sprayer, not aerosol cans. I spray the stabilizers liberally allowing the dirt and crud to run off and providing a protective coating. Works just fine for that purpose, we aren't talking about putting it into a crankcase.

nomad297 wrote:
WD-40 is a lousy lubricant. If you do a little research, you will see what I am talking about. Here's a link to an article in Popular Mechanics to get you started. Google will give you plenty of places to read as well.

Bruce

Bruce - I am aware of WD-40's limitations and I appreciate the link - interesting read. FWIW, I have WD-40 as well as several other lubricants in my garage and trailer and even in my truck. I also know the limitations and usage of each, thank you.

My question to you was to find out where you were coming from in your retort that stated her levelling jacks were probably getting rusty "because she used WD-40 instead of a lubricant".

Many would see that one line reply as dismissive and as an attack. I could also see your reply to me in a similar fashion but I will not bite on your bait. ;)

Suffice it to say that even in your words you agree that it is a lubricant (even if lousy) and as for inhibiting rust ... well I know a thing or two about rust myself and there is not a lot that you can do to inhibit rust AND lubricate AND avoid attracting dust all at the same time.

You have a great day. :) :) :)

wmoses wrote:

nomad297 wrote:

BeckyIO wrote:
My stabilizer jacks are old and rusty, I use WD-40 before I put them down and again before bringing them up.

Maybe they are rusty because you use WD-40 instead of a lubricant.

Bruce

Not sure what you are saying ... are you suggesting that WD-40 promotes (or even allows) rusting of steel parts? :h

Just went to the WD-40 site and this is what it says about their multi-purpose product:

What does WD-40 Multi-Use Product do?
WD-40 Multi-Use Product fulfills five basic functions:
1. LUBRICATES: The product's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
2. PENETRATES: WD-40 Multi-Use Product loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
3. PROTECTS: The product protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
4. REMOVES: WD-40 Multi-Use Product gets under dirt, grime and grease. Use it to remove gunk from tools, equipment and vehicles. WD-40 Multi-Use Product in liquid form (e.g., gallon) also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of excess bonding material.
5. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because it displaces moisture, WD-40 Multi-Use Product quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.

I am NOT saying that a dry lubricant might not be a superior solution, but I am just wondering at the source of your comment, especially since my experience with WD-40 is different.

WD-40 is a lousy lubricant. If you do a little research, you will see what I am talking about. Here's a link to an article in Popular Mechanics to get you started. Google will give you plenty of places to read as well.

Bruce

WD-40 gets the job done nicely. I consider it a required tool in my TT.

I have some Teflon spray, but haven't yet tried it on the stabilizer jacks. Anyone have any experience using Teflon spray?

As already stated, WD-40 a couple times a year.

Silicone spray

I found a long time ago that WD-40 has to be reapplied frequently.

I use a couple of drops of straight weight motor oil in the key places you are asking about. Its coats them nicely, prevents rust, and typically lasts for a couple of years before it needs to be done again.

I know someone is going to slam this for "attracting dirt", but I've been doing this on several trailers over a 22 year period and have never had dirt be a problem. The reality is that the stabilizers are not only exposed but they are in the worst possible place on the trailer as far as exposure. No matter what you use you can't prevent dirt from getting on them unless you cover them in bags when traveling.

Always clean with WD-40, then after wiping any accumulated road grime and sludge off, use dry lubricant for anti-friction. Usually do this Spring and Fall.