303 vs Talc on slide rubber

litespeed · 10-24-2011, 07:32 AM

I just visited the factory ( unplanned trip ) for a slide repair that seemed beyond my local dealer. They squeezed me in on the day I arrived and did a fine job. I talked to the tech for a few minutes and asked him what he would recommend for routine slide rubber maintenance. He suggested 303. I have seen many posts here...suggesting Talc. Usually there is more than 1 correct answer to this kind of a question. Anybody use 303 for this purpose?

Skipper 05MA · 10-24-2011, 07:43 AM

It does vary...who you talked to. We were at Newmar two weeks ago and I asked the same question. Got the talc answer. The tech's reasoning was that the new rubber comes from the supplier with that white talc on it. Tried it the other day. Seems to work fine..."and smells good too!"

Techie · 10-24-2011, 07:48 AM

Last 2 rigs were A's with slides -- always used 303 and were very happy with it. Easier to get into top seal (spray) than talc.

BTW, at least 1/2 of the time we were in the Las Vegas area where it gets VERY dry & dusty.

az bound · 10-24-2011, 07:55 AM

I use 303 and have been for many years. Everyone has their favorite, talc, armor-all, etc. but to me 303 offers the best uv protection.

**"007"** · 10-24-2011, 10:41 AM

Us old timers used talc for years, I recently checked Newmar Owners Guides and they now recommend 303 which wasn't mentioned years ago.
So welcome to the newer version of taking care of your slide seals.
To do the rubber over the slides that are covered with topper inside is not much of a problem but outside a sock or rag on long pole could be dusted to rubber under topper.
Have not figured out yet using 303 spray can under topper but maybe sprayed on rag with long pole to run on rubber.

Norm4015 · 10-24-2011, 02:18 PM

Newmar tech also told me to use 303 on the slideout seals. They did some work on my motorhome and returned it with 303 on the seals even though I didn't have a problem or ask them to do it.

frankdamp · 10-24-2011, 08:13 PM

Isn't 303 a petroleum-based liquid?. Not good for rubber if so. I was surprised to find that silicone is also pertroleum based, after assumiong for years that it was inert.

I have a problem with a blade seal rolling over (bottom seal on bedroom slide). I'm going to dust the whole underside of the slide with powdered graphite, and pull the seal back upright, probably with the awning hook.