How to Prevent RV Slide Out Problems?
RV slide outs are a special RV section extended from the body of the vehicle to create another room.
Having more space in the RV can be extremely tempting, but maintaining it can be very difficult. The experts advise preventive maintenance since it can eliminate most of the problems.
These problems include lubrication problems, motor burnout, foreign objects, and leaks. Therefore, divers are interested in how to prevent RV slide out problems.
With the right preventive maintenance methods, the problems can be addressed and become less common. So, it is very important to check the vehicle promptly.
Lubricate the slide outs
Regardless of the RV slide out system, all of them need to be properly lubricated to function. Every moving part of the slide outs should be lubricated because of the friction caused by movement. However, racks, cables, and exposed parts should also be lubricated because they are too exposed to the environment.
Before applying lubricant, it is very important to clean slides, rollers, gears, and cables in order not to attract grime. When applying the lubricant, it is crucial to use a light coating method. Excess lubricant can make things even worse since it will become more likely that these parts will attract dirt and debris.
Using a high-quality lubricant is strongly advised to keep the entire slide out system properly lubricated, so it cannot be damaged due to friction.
Inspect the slide outs
Inspecting the slide outs regularly is one of the greatest bits of preventive maintenance you can do. It is crucial to have an idea about how the slide out mechanism should sound and look.
Paying attention when extending or pulling in the slide outs
If the drivers know this, they can search for abnormalities and find the source of the problem. Preventive maintenance is the greatest tool to prevent more serious damage. With the right knowledge and experience, the inspection can prove a great way to preserve vehicle quality.
Also, you should pay attention when extending or pulling in the slide outs. That is, focus on distinctive sounds or signs of amortization to the slide out parts.
Checking the seal and seams of the slide outs
You should check the seal and seam tapes regularly. They are prone to be damaged by the forces in the environment, especially by water.
What you can do is look for spots and cracks on the seal and seam tapes. You should also pay attention to their texture. The experts say that the seals and seams should be rigid but, at the same time, flexible.
Inspecting these tapes regularly is important because water can damage them easily, causing leaks and other problems for drivers.
Inspecting the motor and the power source
It is important to check the motor to prevent motor burnout and other problems. Also, you need to check the batteries responsible for the slide-out mechanism to make it work flawlessly.
Keep the Slide Outs Clean
Keeping the slide outs clean is crucial to prevent leaks and other problems. It is important to avoid dirt and grease in the slide outs because it can cause much damage.
Focusing on cleaning the slide’s roof out is necessary since it frequently interferes with the surroundings. Things like branches and leaves can do serious damage, so it is good to clean the seals and seams.
Interference of the seams and seals with branches, leaves, dirt, and grease can cause many problems. That is, most of the leaks can be correlated to this.
The inside of the slide out should be clean, meaning you have to clean the tracks often. The reason for this is to prevent motor damage by avoiding dirt formations in the parts of the motor.
Tighten the Slide Out Bolts
Tightening the slide out bolts is necessary since it can prevent a lot of damage. If the bolts are not tight enough, it can cause some parts to fall off or malfunction. Preventive maintenance is crucial here since loose slide out bolts have resulted in much damage.
Additionally, you should tighten the slide outs bolts for another reason. The seams and seals can move up or down and collect dust, dirt, and grease if they are not tight enough. So, this applies to the other areas of the slide outs too.
Monitor the Tires
Another important thing is to monitor the tires because many hazards are connected to tire problems. It is also good to measure the pressure of the tires since too little or too much pressure can cause problems to the RV and the slide outs too. Therefore, the tires can cause problems with the slide out frames and other parts.
Keep the Slide Out Areas Clear of Debris
Last but not least, debris can cause many problems for RV owners. The slide out part is very sensitive to debris.
There can be damage to the seals and seams, resulting in leaking and the motor, causing motor burnout. Many problems can be attributed to debris buildup, and RV owners should pay attention to cleaning the slide outs more often.
Conclusion
In this article, we have tried to explain how to prevent RV slide out problems. We have compiled a list of possible preventive maintenance methods and ways to minimize the risks.
Preventative maintenance is the most important thing drivers can do to ensure vehicle safety. It is good to take the necessary measures to check the vehicle for problems.
As you can see in this article, there are many problems with the RV slide outs that need check and inspection to detect. So, it will result in fewer repair shop bills and longer vehicles and slide out usage periods.
We are very grateful that you decided to invest your time in preventative maintenance since it will help you maintain your safety. By maintaining your safety, you also help ensure it of the other traffic participants.
