When we shared our tip about using baby powder to maintain slide-out seals like new, we didn’t treat the entire upper outside seals because the slide toppers prevented access. Then we figured out this simple trick to overcome that obstacle… without removing the slide toppers!
We’re very meticulous about RV maintenance. Okay… you can go ahead say it without offending us… we’re anal retentive about it. But paying close attention to detail can be so easy sometimes, and failing to keep up can create real problems. Slide-out seal maintenance is like that: so simple, but potentially so important, especially over time. They keep water out, and neglecting anything (Dicor maintenance anyone?) that keeps water from penetrating the interior of an RV can lead to a serious, and potentially expensive, headache.
If you’ve ever seen slide-out seals with chunks of rubber missing, it’s usually the result of lack of maintenance. Simple maintenance at that. It may seem like overkill to worry about such a small thing, but ask anyone who’s dealt with water damage about their experience. It probably wasn’t one of the highlights of their RVing life.
The reason we’ve been able to keep our entire rig operating so smoothly, with so few problems (especially user-caused problems) is by taking the time to figure out how to stop troubles before they start. Attention to detail is what it’s all about… like taking the time to rub a little baby powder on every inch of our RV’s slide-out seals once a year.
NOTE: As mentioned in a comment below by one of our viewers, there is a possible link between talc and ovarian cancer. Please research this, and proceed wisely.
Can’t find baby powder that contains talc? Try Tire Talc, instead… same stuff, different name and will work just as well on your slideout seals:
- Rema Tire Talc 16.0oz Canister
Related Videos:
- Maintaining RV Slide-Out Seals (our original video from 3 years ago)
- Preventing RV Roof Leaks: Dicor Maintenance
- Repairing Holes in an RV Roof
If you’re planning to replace your slide topper anyway, that’s the perfect time to inspect and maintain your seals. Don’t forget that RVgeeks viewers get a 5% discount on awning and slide topper fabric at ToughTopAwnings.com when they use the Discount Code “RVGEEKSROCK” at checkout.
- How To Replace a Dometic / A&E Slide Topper
- How To Replace a Carefree of Colorado Slide Topper (Model SOK II)
- How To Replace a Carefree of Colorado Slide Topper (Model SOK III)
- Check Out Our Complete Awning & Slide Topper Video Playlist
Featured & Related Products:
John Wilkins
Monday 30th of April 2018
I really enjoy all your videos. My wife and I did a lot of RVing when we were first married back in 1970. We used what was called back then a “mini motorhome”, which today I guess would be a small Class C without any slides. It was a nice unit but very simple and uncomplicated. We used that motorhome for about 8 years and then ended our RVing. Last year, now in our retired years, we decided to give RVing another try and purchased a 35’ Class A pusher. My how much more complicated RV’s have become.
We’re learning a lot from your videos, including this one about the slides. My wife who is a retired ER Nurse, mentioned the recent reports about the possible link between talc and ovarian cancer. Seems unlikely that the infrequent and type of use of talc you are recommending would be of any concern, but on the other hand back when you did this video, those concerns did not exist. Just thought I’d mention it in the event any disclaimer is needed on your video and text about the video.
TheRVgeeks
Monday 30th of April 2018
Hi John, and welcome back to RVing! Thanks so much for the information. Being a cancer survivor myself (Peter... nearly 21 years in remission!), I take this seriously. We appreciate the tip, and will make note of it on the post.
Gene Jurrens
Wednesday 25th of November 2015
Thanks much for another great video. I notice you use baby powder and the Wynns use silicone spray to treat their slide-out gaskets. In your minds, what's the relationship between the two types of products? First one, then the other? Mutually exclusive based on preference? Etc. Concerns over build-up over time? Appreciate your comment on this.
TheRVgeeks
Wednesday 25th of November 2015
Newmar recommended baby powder, and we've been using it for 10+ years with great results. Some silicone products can contain rubber damaging solvents and tire manufacturers recommend avoiding it, so we've never used it on any rubber. Anything that might attract dirt is to be avoided.
Vin
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
Hi guys, I'm getting a bit confused about seal maintenance. You've done two great videos using baby powder and I agree that is a good way of keeping the seals from sticking. You don't mention "lubricating" the seals. The shop that works on my rig says I should be using one of the available silicone lubes to keep the seals from drying out. Do you use anything besides powder?
Thanks
Vin
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
Hi Vin. We've never done anything but baby powder the seals, since that's all Newmar recommends. Still looking like new after 10+ years of full-time use. Maybe Newmar's seals are different than your brand? We'd check with you manufacturer rather than listen to any one tech. We'd think the most important thing to do is not put anything on them that will attract and hold dirt.
Rod
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
What a great tip for maintaining the slide-out seals. Is there any tips on how to lubricate the gasket that presses against the slide-out sides? I always hear the gasket squealing when moving the slide out or in like when a squeegee runs over a smooth surface. I've tried waxing the slide sides so the gasket does not drag too much but have not noticed much improvement. Also is there a product that will rejuvenate a rubber seal/gasket?
TheRVgeeks
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
Hi Rod. We've never had that issue, so don't have a first-hand recommendation. Waxing is exactly what we were going to suggest, but since you've already tried that, it obviously didn't do the trick. Have you tried baby powder on them too? That might stop the friction/dragging that's likely causing the squealing, but without causing any greasiness or attracting dirt the way a typical lubricant might.
Jack
Tuesday 15th of September 2015
Enjoy all your helpful hints and have used many of them...Thanks