Slide out seals

[fshipton]

When extending my coach slide outs, the seals(strips) do not always unfold properly - part of the strip will unfold to seal while part of the strip remains unfolded creating gapes that could allow water to enter. Any remedies?

[Todd157k]

The rubber does dry out over time. Get some good treatment on them. They should flex better.

[bobmac]

Had the same problem including a leak in wet weather at the top of one. My solution was to install a black high density foam weather stripping up the slideout wall about 2 inches from the coach sidewall when open. The foam weather stipping was adhesive backed and 1" wide and 1/4" thick. Since it is installed close to the sidewall, it is barely noticeable unless you are looking for it.
When the slide opens, the wiper gasket hits the weatherstripping shortly after it starts and if it hasnt already flipped, does so when it hits the weathestripping. Likewise, when closing it flips it just before it stops. Found out that it is about 95+% effective - occasionally the top of one side misses. A cheap and turned out to be, an effective solution for a tricky problem.
As Todd mentioned, be sure to get some gasket lubricant as it will keed the seals flexible and is easily applied a couple of times a year.

[gemert]

Two ways I've seen but have not had to try yet. 1. use a silicone slide seal spray liberally on the seals when they are flexed one way then put slide in just until the seals flip and again spray liberally. Do a few times and see if it is fixed. 2. another way that is probably in addition to #1 is to put a special "grippy" non-skid type tape made for the purpose on the slides themselves as far inboard as you can get it. The purpose is for the tape to apply more friction to the seal to draw it in/out. Good luck.

[calhyatt]

Originally Posted by fshipton

When extending my coach slide outs, the seals(strips) do not always unfold properly - part of the strip will unfold to seal while part of the strip remains unfolded creating gapes that could allow water to enter. Any remedies?

Get some seal lube and get after the seals. If they get too stiff, nothing will really help. Spray silicone works for me.. Good luck .

[Pds47]

DW with awning hook then i come along and do the high part, gets better after lubing seals

[TonyDi]

I use Aerospace 303 on my seals and I've been happy with it. If your seals are just a bit dried out it might help. If your seals are really dried replacement may be the only fix.

[fshipton]

Thanks for your advice

[fshipton]

Thank you for your response. I'll apply the spray tomorrow

[JWN]

I use 303 on slide gasket flaps, but still had a section that would not flip out. Found a solution from someone on Tiffin forum. Place a vertical column of clear sticky tabs used for cabinet doors about a couple inches from the slide wall edge. Works great and can not see them.

[UFO Pilot]

I bought body side molding and installed it vertically about 2" in from the outside edge. It pushes the seal in and out in both directions. The kind I bought is about 3/16" high and about 1" wide.

[-Gramps-]

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I bought body side molding and installed it vertically about 2" in from the outside edge. It pushes the seal in and out in both directions. The kind I bought is about 3/16" high and about 1" wide.

I did the same thing on all my slideouts.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

fshipton-

"MonacoMama" has a set of photos and posts on replacing the slide gaskets for a full-length slide. The photos include pictures of the non-skid tape used to flip the gasket. Here's a link to her photo gallery for that project.

I could not find specs on the tape she used. You may want to search yourself, and if you come up empty-handed send her a private message. She now goes by member name "Damon Diva." Here is a recent thread with posts from her.

In the threads describing use of non-skid tape, there are cautions to use the "less non-skid" type, or otherwise the tape may wear through the gasket.

I hope this helps.

[kustom]

great info