Investing in an RV with a slide-out room allows you to travel with a more compact recreational vehicle that will become more spacious and comfortable once you finally settle down in your ideal camping spot. But with this added benefit comes additional maintenance, especially as it pertains to certain elements like your RV’s slide-out seals. Here are three signs your RV’s slide-out seals need to be replaced that you should never ignore.
1. The Slide-Out Seals Are Beginning to Display Aesthetic Issues
The first thing you’ll probably notice when it comes time for your slide-out seals to be replaced is signs of damage that show on the surface of your seals. For example, if your RV is frequently exposed to high temperatures and UV rays, it’s likely that your slide-out seals will look brittle and cracked, indicating that the seals might already be letting things in your RV or are close to becoming compromised. Another common physical change is shrinking, in which seals look like they’re much smaller than they were previously. This is a problem because it could compromise the seal and start separating from the walls of your RV. Put simply, if there are any physical changes to your slide-out seals, it’s likely time to replace them.
2. You Notice Separation When You Slide Out Your Room
You should always be observant when you’re sliding out rooms for extra space in your RV, as this can indicate whether or not there are issues with the seals. The next time you use the additional slide-out space, watch the seals as you begin to expand your RV. Are they giving and starting to separate from the connecting points when you push? Do you notice small gaps where you can see sunlight coming through? No matter how minor the damage may be, it matters when it comes to securing your RV. Look for signs of separation so that you can address them promptly with new RV slide-out seals.
3. Debris or Moisture Is Getting Through the Seal
The first issue we have to identify here is debris. Whether you’re camping or you’re storing your RV away while you’re busy, debris could very well get onto the seal. Most would assume this wouldn’t be an issue, but that’s hardly the case. Hard, sharp debris like sticks and rocks could poke holes into your slide-out seals, creating problems that didn’t exist before. Make sure that you clean your RV seals regularly to prevent this. Also, look for any debris that is currently poking through as this indicates that damage has already been done.
Moisture can be a bit trickier, but it’s another physical sign that your seals are failing. Whether it has recently rained or you’ve washed your RV, run your finger along the sides of your slide-out seals on the interior of your RV. If your finger becomes wet at any point, your seals need to be replaced.
Slide-out seals allow you to enjoy extra space while keeping your RV clean and dry. Take care to look out for the signs above so you can replace slide-out seals before any major damage affects your RV.