By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A squeaky slideout can drive any RVer to distraction. There’s just something jarring to the nerves about this noise. Perhaps it’s the same affliction that hits us when fingernails are drawn across a chalkboard. What’s to be done to exorcise those squeaks?
First, with your slideout extended take a close look at the slideout support arms. If you spot any “wear marks” (like those pointed out by the arrow in the photo at right), it’s a good indication of a primary source of nasty noise.
What to use for a squeaky slideout?
Grab a can of spray-on dry lube. Shoot the wear marks thoroughly, then using a clean, dry cloth, wipe down the excess. Dry lube sprays are preferable to “wet” lubes as they are less likely to attract dust and dirt. You’ll also find it useful to shoot the “teeth” on your slide out mechanism, if you have any.
Other tricks for a squeaky slideout include ensuring that the squeak doesn’t emanate from contact between the slideout seal and the sidewall of the slide. With the slide extended, wash and dry the sidewalls, then apply the appropriate wax for the wall surface.
Related:
RV Doctor: What can be done for a noisy RV slideout?
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If you have a Schwintek slide-out, Lippert has posted a video showing exactly where to lubricate it and the type of lubricant to use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXw9I_DoAvI
Our slide squeaks horribly – from the rubber seals. I’ve tried most suggestions from baby powder to silicone spray. So we just ignore it.
What is best to lube the slides metal parts? Dry lube or silicone spray?
Here’s what the guys at the Winnebago factory center recommend (and I use it)
https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Industrial-Performance-Lubricant-weight/dp/B000P1E7ZS/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=Cj0KCQiArt6PBhCoARIsAMF5wai0OUXYnaRoYdxScsXQKdDHd8bT4Q3xc-Jzu8hlYqPXhgwf-An_oUcaAuiNEALw_wcB&hvadid=352715444800&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032019&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=4331970694357145148&hvtargid=kwd-344488952820&hydadcr=28567_10166292&keywords=crc+slide+lube&qid=1643650515&sr=8-4
If the above items don’t seem to work, check or have your trailer frame checked for cracks.
The slides should work like butter on hot toast. After many thousands of frame work ours now do. We have 364Q 4 slide 2007 Everest.
Not all slide out squeaks are from the slide out arms. While retracting my slideouts the other day I noticed some squeaking. Turns out it was the rubber seals rubbing against the side walls. A little silicone took care of the squeaks!
I don’t use silicone on rubber products. I prefer 303 Aerospace protectant instead on my seals and slide-out panels. Also good for tires and plastics. Here’s a sample: https://www.amazon.com/30340CSR-Protectant-Plastic-Fiberglass-Leather/dp/B0004ELKC4/ref=sr_1_5?crid=47SRO7F26COC&keywords=303%2Brubber%2Bprotectant%2Bspray&qid=1643632530&sprefix=303%2Brubber%2Bprotectant%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-5&th=1