It may not be included on most camping check lists, but proper lubrication is critical to avoid mechanical failure in today’s recreational vehicles and camper vans. Learn how the MOLYKOTE® Anti-Friction Coatings improve slide-out lubrication and protect your RV for the long haul.
RV Slide-Outs - Compact Luxury Space
The market for RVs and camper vans is skyrocketing and is expected to grow to nearly $50 billion by 20261. Consumers today are excited to get out and experience a “new” way to travel and expect to have a heightened level of luxury in today’s RV models.
One of the easiest ways to provide that luxury feel is by increasing the square footage of their roaming abode through slide-out mechanisms. These ingenious extensions add between 1 to 3 feet in width, drastically increasing the indoor accommodations and comfort. However, if the slide-outs aren’t properly maintained and lubricated, they can quickly become the bane of any RV owner.
There are a variety of RV slide out devices including hydraulic slides, Schwintek guides, and gear driven tracks that extend and retract on demand for that added luxury living space. Although slightly different in movement and maintenance, the largest lubrication concerns remain the same. By using a specialty MOLYKOTE® anti-friction coating you can reduce the headaches resulting from improper maintenance & lubrication of the slide out mechanism.
RV Slide-Out Lubrication Challenges
There are several issues that an RV owner may experience with their slide-out system if not properly lubricated and maintained. Including, but not limited to:
Misalignment
& Bending
Tracks and Guides can become dislodged, knocked out or misaligned, leading to added stress on the system or permanent deformation.
Sticking
& Jamming
Metal components can experience stick-slip or stuttering on extension or in a worse case scenario can become stuck or jammed.
Grinding
& Abrasion
Improper lubricant usage can attract dust/dirt absorption leading to excessive wear, pitting and other damage or loud grinding.
Motor
Burnout &
Seal Damage
Major consequences to improper lubrication are premature damage or failure of electric motors/drive systems and potential tearing or weakening of weather seals. Either of these can quicky become incredibly expensive repairs and could result in possible water damage, rusting, or mold concerns, otherwise known as RV cancer.
Why Use MOLYKOTE® for Slide-Out Lubrication?
MOLYKOTE® has long been the go-to solution for long-term dry lubrication. The next evolution of lubrication is here, the Anti-Friction Coating (AFC) portfolio provides exceptional protective performance without the common difficulties faced by wet-lubrication.
These highly engineered products create a dark gray coating on a variety of substrates that seals and protects metal components from wear and damage under heavy loads. These coatings also provide incredible operation regardless of high or low temperature extremes (-200°C to 450°C). So whether you’re driving in the Sahara Desert or on the surface of Mars you can rest easy knowing your slide-out will work without issue!
When it comes to RV maintenance – take comfort & peace of mind that result from using a long-term protective coating from MOLYKOTE®. Easily prevent wear & surface damage on gears, slide mechanisms, metal sides and additional components. Over time, additional maintenance may be required on RV Slides and can quickly be touched-up with spot application for continued protection.
Get out and enjoy the extra space that a slide out can offer while RVing and bring the comforts of home to any campground you can find. By using a MOLYKOTE® anti-friction coating you can prevent debris and sticking issues and no longer need to worry about the slide out maintenance while on vacation.
