Community Forums

awwall · 08-13-2012, 06:45 PM

I seem to have a problem with the side seals on both of my slideouts. The rubber seal which slide against the slideout is twisted, half if it (bottom half) faces out when the slide is extended and the top half is facing in toward the coach. This is happening on all 4 of the side seals on both slideouts.

I think the correct position would be facing out when slide is out. Correct?

Does this rubber seal flip in when closed and out when extended?

Thanks

historyljc · 08-13-2012, 07:20 PM

As long as the seal is touching the slide it makes no difference. It looks better if it is out. Be sure and check the top seal by running the slide about half way out and looking at it from the inside. They sometimes get wavy with age and don't make good contact.

Jeff753 · 08-13-2012, 07:40 PM

Get some rubber seal conditioner from Camping World. A few applications and the seals may regain their flexibility.

Quote:

Originally Posted by awwall

I seem to have a problem with the side seals on both of my slideouts. The rubber seal which slide against the slideout is twisted, half if it (bottom half) faces out when the slide is extended and the top half is facing in toward the coach. This is happening on all 4 of the side seals on both slideouts.

I think the correct position would be facing out when slide is out. Correct?

Does this rubber seal flip in when closed and out when extended?

Thanks

Davdeb1 · 08-13-2012, 07:57 PM

When the slides are out put baby powder(talc) all around the seals, as much as you can. When they are in, do the inside as much as possible. I did this and my slides stopped twisting.

Wayne M · 08-13-2012, 08:10 PM

I use my awning rod and run it up inside along the "wiper seal" to pop it out when the slide is extended. They do make a spray, and talcum powder has worked for others.

As stated, that is the "wiper seal" and is only there to squeegee the water off the slide when it comes in. The seal for the slide is on the inside along the frame, and the outer edge of the slide. When the slide is out the frame seal - seals it, and when the slide is in the outer edge seal - seals it.

aust39 · 08-13-2012, 08:32 PM

To get your side slide rubber seals to function properly apply a strip of abrasive tape at the edge of the rubber seal form top to bottom of slide when the slide is in the extended position.

awwall · 08-13-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

I use my awning rod and run it up inside along the "wiper seal" to pop it out when the slide is extended. They do make a spray, and talcum powder has worked for others.

As stated, that is the "wiper seal" and is only there to squeegee the water off the slide when it comes in. The seal for the slide is on the inside along the frame, and the outer edge of the slide. When the slide is out the frame seal - seals it, and when the slide is in the outer edge seal - seals it.

If these are wiper seals, should they stay turned "in" all the time to remove water to outside. I am confused on which way they should be turned.

Wayne M · 08-14-2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awwall

If these are wiper seals, should they stay turned "in" all the time to remove water to outside. I am confused on which way they should be turned.

I really don't think it makes any difference. I have had a seal half and half with down pouring rain with no ill affect. I have had the seals turn in, and sometimes turned out. It made no difference.

In the beginning I used to walk around immediately after extending and use the awning rod to turn them out, but after a while I just stopped doing it.

Today I was outside doing things and I decided to "303" the wiper seals. Some were in, some were out and some were half and half after being parked a week. It was just time to lubricate them a little.

I like the idea someone else posted about the abrasive strip. I think I'll have to try that.

stik · 08-14-2012, 10:09 PM

Abrasive strips and soft rubber seals, hmmmm, kinda reminds of the statement:
"You, me, beer, bourbon, wine, fireworks, guns . . . what could go wrong?"

I used to worry about which way the flexible "wiper" seals ended up. After 7 years of full-timing I came to the realization, it don't make no difference. It's kinda like worrying about whether the four blades on a fan stop at the 12-3-6-9 o'clock position when you turn it off . . . don't make no difference.
jmho
I use to be Obsessive-Compulsive, now I just make sure everything is perfect!