Slide outs are increasingly popular on caravans, fifth wheelers and motor homes. Here are our top slide out maintenance tips from our professional team to keep your slide out working smoothly.

Our number one tip – Get your slide out serviced annually

An annual service will keep all the moving parts including the rollers, tracks, connection joints and seals lubricated and aligned so your slide out stays working smoothly. Seals on a slide out need to be inspected and maintained annually and replaced every five years or so.

Keep the roof of the slide out clean – a slide out awning is your best friend

Sticks, leaves and dirt can damage the slide out seals and be brought inside your van when you slide back in. Sticks and leaves interfering with the seals are a common source of slide out leaks. If you notice a leak, then this is a good first place to check. A slide out awning is a great choice if you have a slide out. The awning will work to keep leaves, dirt and sticks off the slide out roof. Slide out awnings retract automatically with the slide out and automatically tension when extended.

Rubber seals on the slide out should be wiped down when you clean the van

Use a rag to wipe away dirt and dust from both sides of the seals. Seals will sometimes require lubricating with a slide out lubricant. This is done as part of a slide out service at the RV Service Centre but may need to be done in between services.

Wipe down the tracks

Keep the tracks clean of dust, sand and grit and lubricate with a dry lube like silicone spray or Inox. Keeping the tracks clean is important to avoid dirt getting into the motor. This can save you on costly repairs of the motor.

Keep the floor rollers free of fluff and dust

This can collect much like the fluff and dust that accumulates underneath a fridge.

Tips for problem slide outs:

• Don’t force it. If the slide is stiff or making unusual noises it’s time for a service.
• If you find one side of the room is coming in faster than the other or not coming in squarely either left/right or top/bottom then it is time for a service.
• If the slide out is stuck then depending on the system you may be able to put it into manual mode and push it in.

A small amount of slide out maintenance and a regular service will keep your slide out working smoothly. For your slide out service, repairs or installation of a slide out awning, give our professional team at the RV Service Centre a call.