Forum Discussion

M_R_E_'s avatar
M_R_E_
Explorer
Dec 06, 2019

Opening and closing slides in winter

What is the lowest temperature to safely open and close slides in the winter without damaging seals ?
  • It depends upon the slide seal material.....I’ve extended or retracted my slides in temperatures lower than -10 F. memtb
  • schlep1967 wrote:
    Really depends on temps and water/ice. If you have 10 percent humidity and haven't had any rain since you parked the temp really shouldn't matter. If there was water along the edge of your seals when the temp dropped below freezing, you might want to wait until you get a warm up.


    These are pretty much my thoughts. You just have to watch for frozen liquid sealing the slide to the trailer. Obviously, to be safe, anything below freezing could be a problem but if there is no moisture you are probably okay.
  • My rig is a 2017 Jayco Class C and my slides have rubber seals. I extend the slides periodically in winter and 20 deg or even less if we're out with no problem. However I keep them lubed with "rubber seal spray" or if I don't have any I spray Armorall on them to keep flexible. Been doing that form many years on several years with no problem. The key is the seal must remain flexible. The summer heat and sun takes a toll on the seal if not protected by some kind of shield compound.
  • Really depends on temps and water/ice. If you have 10 percent humidity and haven't had any rain since you parked the temp really shouldn't matter. If there was water along the edge of your seals when the temp dropped below freezing, you might want to wait until you get a warm up.
  • I would be concerned about any water that was retained and frozen.
  • Seeing as know one here really knows what type of material your seals are, it would be very hard to answer that question. But, if the seal material is still flexible and not brittle (you should be able to tell by touching and manipulating them), then they should be fine.
  • M.R.E. wrote:
    What is the lowest temperature to safely open and close slides in the winter without damaging seals ?


    If there's nothing in the "manual", call the mfr with your VIN, and ask them.

    Lyle