Forum Discussion

tomman58's avatar
tomman58
Explorer
Apr 22, 2020

sticky slides

The last couple of Jaycos have had slides that really seem to stay stuck to the trailer body for a longer time then they should, IMO. I mean when I open or close the slides after they have sat for a week or a couple months the slide will slow and finally pop off the trailer body when opening.
What do you use to stop the rubber from adhering to the trailer??

I've heard everything from furniture polish to WD40 what works best and is safe to use?
TIA

Tom
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2020
    carringb wrote:
    303 or even silicone spray. WD-40 and many other oils are likely to damage it.
    WD 40 is not an oil. It uses a petroleum based solvent as a carrier for the lubricant, which is basically wax. The carrier flashes off (dries) very quickly, leaving a very thin film of wax. This is how it displaces water and protects metal from rusting. In fact, that is how it got it's name. The chemists working on it tried many different conbinations. WD 40 = Water displacement formula #40.

    It has since found many uses, Quite a few rubber products recommend it's use when installing rubber items that have a tight fit and need lubricant during the install. I have seen this on motorcycle/atv grips and exhaust hangers for sure. I have used it on expensive automobiles as a lubricant to remove factory installed decals when debadging them. The petroleum flashes off so quick, that no harm is done.

    Like many items available, some things just get dissed on forums for no good reason.... One thing is for sure. WD 40 has been around for years, and isn't going away.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2020
    303 or even silicone spray. WD-40 and many other oils are likely to damage it.
  • tomman58's avatar
    tomman58
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    Huntindog wrote:
    I am suprised that you are having this issue where you live. I would think it would be more of a hot weather issue.
    Are you sure it is the rubber sticking? could it possibly be another substancw such as tree sap etc? Or are the seals deteriorating? I had this issue once here in AZ.

    If it is in fact the rubber and it is in good shape, WD 40 should do the trick. The solvent(carrier) will evaporate so quick that the rubber won't notice it. WD 40 is in fact recommended by many products made of rubber that need to be lubricated to install them. motorcycle/Atv grips come to mind. If this bothers you, just spray it on the non seal contact surface. When dry, just the wax based lubricant will remain.
    Cheap, easy and everyone has a can or two kicking around.


    We spend the winters in Florida to LV to AZ so we have very little time in cold environments.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    I am suprised that you are having this issue where you live. I would think it would be more of a hot weather issue.
    Are you sure it is the rubber sticking? could it possibly be another substancw such as tree sap etc? Or are the seals deteriorating? I had this issue once here in AZ.

    If it is in fact the rubber and it is in good shape, WD 40 should do the trick. The solvent(carrier) will evaporate so quick that the rubber won't notice it. WD 40 is in fact recommended by many products made of rubber that need to be lubricated to install them. motorcycle/Atv grips come to mind. If this bothers you, just spray it on the non seal contact surface. When dry, just the wax based lubricant will remain.
    Cheap, easy and everyone has a can or two kicking around.
  • hondapro's avatar
    hondapro
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2020
    Do not put any oil based product on your rubber slide seals, it can destroy your seals. As DRSmart I also use 303 it works great. Spray silicone will also work.
  • DRSmart's avatar
    DRSmart
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2020
    I've read that petroleum based products such as oil can damage natural rubber. I use 303 UV protectant. There are many products available that are made for treating RV slide out rubber seals. Silicone based products have been recommended. Baby powder can also be used as it prevents sticking and doesn't attract dust or wind blown grit.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2020
    Anything that has oil in it should remedy your concern.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025