Lube for slides, jacks

[Tomaso]

What is the better lube / grease to use on hydraulic jacks and slides?

Where can I pick some up at?

The fam and I are jumped campsites earlier today - no problem retracting / extending, but I heard metal on metal. Checked the jacks and slides - seemed dry to me - as in no to little residue on my hand when I checked.

We are in a new-to-us Fleetwood Southwind 2003.

[awwall]

Here is Lipperts Maint. for their Jacks:

1. Change fluid in RESERVOIR ONLY every 36 months.
a) Check fluid only when jacks are fully retracted.
b) Always fill the reservoir with the jacks in the fully retracted position. Filling reservoir when jacks are extended will cause
reservoir to overflow into its compartment when jacks are retracted.
c) When checking fluid level, fluid should be within ¼” of fill spout lip.
2. Check the fluid level every month.
3. Inspect and clean all Pump Unit electrical connections every 12 months. If corrosion is evident, spray unit with WD-40 or equivalent
4. Remove dirt and road debris from jacks as needed.

WARNING!
Your coach should be supported at both front and rear axles with jack stands before working underneath.
Failure to do so may result in personal injury or death.

5. If jacks are down for extended periods, it is recommended to spray
exposed leveling jack rods with a silicone lubricant every seven days for
protection.

If your coach is located in a salty environment, it is
recommended to spray the rods every 2 to 3 days.

[rkainsworth]

Check RV doctor on web he recommends dry lube and likes a particular brand, I can't remember

[Gary RVRoamer]

Short answer: Don't lubricate them unless there is a greasing zerk provided for that purpose (use an automtive lithium grease). Keep the rams (the shiny cylinder) clean - you can wipe with a cloth dampened with ATF (transmission fluid) and then use a silicone spray (per Power Gear jack manual - other brands may differ).

[Tomaso]

Many thanks everyone!

[lsucajun]

had a jack that would not retract. kind neighbor who helped me told me that HWH recommends WD 40 once a month or so.

[tompen]

I use motorcycle chain lube on the slides and spray lithium grease on the jacks and step. WD40 if something is stuck. Works for me.

[calhyatt]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Short answer: Don't lubricate them unless there is a greasing zerk provided for that purpose (use an automtive lithium grease). Keep the rams (the shiny cylinder) clean - you can wipe with a cloth dampened with ATF (transmission fluid) and then use a silicone spray (per Power Gear jack manual - other brands may differ).

X2....My HWH manual says to wipe them clean. Remove any mud or dirt from them. That is the extent of lubrication recommendations in my HWH manual.. Take care..

[Dunner]

For the slide seals, I've read where talc (baby powder) works good.

[HicksRA]

WD-40 is a dust magnet. I'm always leery about using it on things like mentioned above.
I prefer spray silicone.

[vscoggin]

Silicone(I wonder about Kwik-Lube I use on steps)---Vince

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by HicksRA

WD-40 is a dust magnet. I'm always leery about using it on things like mentioned above.
I prefer spray silicone.

Agree, WD 40 attracts crud and is not a lubricant.

[Craigls2]

I forget what brand our jacks are but the manual says to grease them every 20-30 uses with automotive lithium based grease. Each jack has a grease zirk. Cleaning the rams can be done by wiping them down with a silicone lubricant. Don't use WD-40.

[mccsix]

I have a spray bottle (set on stream) full of ATF. I periodically spray down all the sides of the cylinders when they're lowered to clean and lube them.