10 Best RV Slide Out Lubricants

Last updated on July 3rd, 2023 at 01:04 pm

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The majority of RVs these days have slide outs, but many RVers neglect their slides, month after month. What can you do to take care of your slides for years to come, but without needing a qualified RV repair person on standby? Something that you may want to consider purchasing is RV slide out lubricant.

But what exactly is RV slide out lubricant, and how can you use it to your advantage? In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about slide out lubricant, including the different types, as well as how to best apply it. We’ll also give you a comprehensive list of products to choose from, all backed by customer reviews and knowledge.

Let’s get started and learn all about RV slide out lubricants now!

Only interested in our list of products? You can check out our favorites here:

Types Of RV Slide Out Lubricant

There are a few different types of RV slide out lubricants, which may make the buying process a bit more complicated. However, we’re here to tell you all about the different types so that you can make an informed decision. Here are the most common types of RV slide out lubricant.

Petroleum Or Silicone Based

One of the first decisions you should make when shopping for RV slide out lubricant is whether you want a petroleum or silicone-based product. But what are the main differences between these two options, and is there anything you should consider if they happen to be very different?

Petroleum-based slide out lubricant is often more affordable and readily available. However, it’s important to note that petroleum degrades natural rubber pieces and can be drying over a long period of time. This process is the same thing that leads to a bubbling toilet, too. While many RV manufacturers don’t utilize rubber in their RV construction anymore, it’s difficult to determine whether your RV has natural or faux rubber in its components.

On the other hand, silicone is a bit more expensive but it doesn’t dry out rubber like petroleum does. Silicone lubricants also perform well under high temperatures, making silicone-based slide out lube ideal for warmer months and four-season use.

Whichever product you choose, you should have success when lubricating your RV slide outs. Both ingredients help you in successfully lubing a variety of components. However, it is important to weigh your budget against the cost of replacing parts in your RV slide out. It’s definitely something to consider!

Aerosol Or Liquid?

Another factor to consider in your RV slide out lubricant choice is whether or not you want an aerosol based spray lubricant or a liquid lubricant. What’s the difference, you might be asking yourself? The primary difference is simply convenience.

An aerosol-based lubricant shoots out from a can and onto the components of your RV slide out, while liquid-based lubricant needs to be applied to a rag or cloth and then wiped onto your slide out components. This is a subtle difference, but it often makes a world of difference to RVers.

Many consumers prefer aerosol applications not only for their ease of use but also because the product has added pressure behind it. This helps many RV owners reach difficult spots of their RV slide outs, while a liquid lubricant needs to be applied by hand. You may not be able to reach all of the places you need to when using a liquid lubricant.

Again, much like petroleum or silicone-based RV slide out lubricant, you can’t go wrong with either option. They both work great, but it’s up to you which one is more convenient or easier to use for your lifestyle.

What To Consider In RV Slide Out Lubricant?

There are many other things for you to consider in an RV slide out lubricant other than the type that you prefer. Let’s discuss all of the other factors that you should keep in mind before making your final purchase.

Type Of Lubricant Needed

As I have already mentioned, the type of lubricant needed matters for your RV slide out. You can choose between a petroleum or silicone-based lubricant, as well as a liquid or aerosol type. All of these work well in an RV setting and are fairly indistinguishable, but you’ve already learned that there are some differences that may lead to your final decision. 

For example, knowing that silicone-based lubricant works better in warm weather than petroleum-based lubricants may make a difference to those of you planning on camping in hot climates frequently. Choosing between an aerosol or liquid type of lubricant may also factor heavily into your final decision based on your lifestyle and overall convenience needs. 

Cost Of Lubricant

The overall cost of your RV slide out lubricant may affect your decision. This is because you may end up using more product than you expect to based on the amount of slide outs you have and the amount of product that you need to properly lubricate them. 

However, the cost of slide out lubricants is usually negligible, especially when you consider how expensive it can be to repair RV slide outs. The average slide out lubricant ranges in price from $10 to over $25. However, you likely won’t spend more than $30 unless you are getting multiple containers as part of a bulk purchase. 

Amount Of Lubricant Needed

Speaking of bulk purchases, you should consider the amount of lubricant needed to fully lubricate all of your RV slide outs. Depending on how many you have, you may end up needing a few canisters of aerosol lubricant or liquid product. 

However, it also depends on how frequently you use your slide out lubricant as well, and you may also need more if you haven’t lubricated your slide outs in some time. I highly recommend purchasing at least two cans before getting started on lubricating all of your slide outs- that way, you won’t run out right away!

Ease Of Use

One of the final things you should consider when purchasing RV slide out lubricants is the ease of use of the product. It almost goes without saying that choosing an aerosol-based lubricant is more convenient in just about every way compared to a liquid lubricant. However, you may have your own thoughts on this and might prefer to use a liquid version over an aerosol version.

Why You Should Use RV Slide Out Lubricant?

Curious about why you should be using RV slide out lubricant in the first place? Here are some of our top reasons why this product is a necessary one for just about any RV owner!

Maintains Your RV Slide Outs

The main advantage of using RV slide out lubricant is that it maintains your RV slide outs in a way that few other products can. Using lubricant regularly on your RV slides can help you in a variety of ways including:

• Prevents dust, dirt, and debris from sticking to your gears and slide out components
• Keeps all components functioning without friction or distress
• Helps your slide outs operate in multiple weather and temperature scenarios
• Prevents all slide out components from rusting or corroding
• Maintains your slide out seals, especially during times of harsh UV rays or moisture

No matter why you start using RV slide out lubricant in the first place, you can rest easy knowing that you have made a decision that extends the life of your RV slide outs. That’s a huge win in my book, and just about every RVer’s book!

Keeps Your RV Slide Out Quiet

Another huge benefit to using RV slide out lubricant is the fact that it should help keep your RV slide outs quiet. Many RVers are plagued by the notorious squeaky slide outs, or notice that their slides creak after a certain amount of time on the road. What can you do if you notice this happening? 

Using slide-out lubricants every few months can help prevent any squeaking or creaking that occurs within the mechanisms of your slide out. By maintaining your RV slide outs regularly, you can avoid any annoying sounds or inopportune functions while on your camping trips.

You Can Use RV Slide Out Lubricant Elsewhere!

Depending on the type of RV slide out lubricant that you purchase, you can likely use it elsewhere in your RV. Many lubricants are fairly universal and can be used in a variety of settings. But where else might you want to use RV slide out lubricant, either in your RV or in your home? 

You can use RV slide out lubricant to maintain all of your windows and doors inside of your RV, spraying the hinges twice a year or so. You can also use lubricant on a variety of other closures and hinges, such as those on your storage compartments and outdoor storage solutions. Plus, your RV awning likely needs lubrication from time to time as well!

You can even use RV slide out lubricants in a variety of locations throughout your residential home and your residential automobile. Just about anywhere that you need lubrication, you can use RV slide out lubricants as well. That’s why I highly recommend finding a brand and style of lubricants that you enjoy using and a variety of locations and applications. 

The 10 Best RV Slide Out Lubricants

Are you ready to take a look at some of the best RV slide out lubricants on the market today? Here is our list of top choices, carefully curated and gathered for your consideration. Let’s get started and talk about some of the best RV slide out lubricants now! 

Best Overall: 3-IN-ONE RV Care Slide Out Silicone and RV Care Window Lube

Convenience is key when I’m looking to purchase a new item for my RV, so this option from 3-IN-ONE is a great option for me. Not only do I get an impressive can of silicone-based lubricant for all of my internal slide out components, but I also get a can of window and rubber sealant lube.

This product is ideal for regularly maintaining RV slide outs and their components, and I’m able to use this dry lubricant every other month or so, as it has excellent durability in preventing dirt, grime, and rust. I like that this silicone lubricant comes in a convenient-to-use aerosol can that also helps keep the dispenser straw in place for easy application.

Another fantastic perk to this product is that it works on a variety of materials. I can use this lubricant on metal, vinyl,  plastic, rubber, and more so it’s well suited for use in an RV and home. 3-IN-ONE has made this a two-pack so, so I can maintain my entire RV slide out, without needing to worry about running out suddenly.

I can maintain all the essential parts such as gears, tracks, and window seals using both of these convenient aerosol products. Both of these lubricants also help create a waterproof and rust-proof barrier on my slide out components, keeping them in optimal shape for longer.

The only negative point that I can mention with this particular product is that it has a fairly high price tag for an RV slide out lubricant. However, these cans should last you for a few maintenance days, depending on how many slides you have, and you can rest easy knowing that all of your bases are covered!

[amazon link=”B078XL1GQ4″ title=”Check out our best overall product on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Easiest To Use: Slide-Out Dry Lube Protectant – Protect All

I’m always on the lookout for a multifunctional product, suited for use in a variety of locations, not just my RV slide outs as I’m getting more for my money! That’s why I’ve added this Slide-Out Lube Protectant by Thetford, a well-known name in the RV game. Protect All is designed with RV living in mind. It comes in a convenient aerosol can that works well for both old pros and newbies to the RV world. Let’s talk more about it now.

Protect All is designed to cover all metal components of an RV slide out, including the gears, track, and arms. I like that I can use it quickly and easily, as it dries into a light waxy coating. The waxy substance resists moisture and rust, as well as dirt, dust, salt, and other road debris. I can rest easy knowing my RV slide outs will continue to function for months to come, despite whatever road conditions I may face!

The 16-ounce aerosol can is a generous size, larger than the can from 3-IN-ONE. With this product, I can easily spray whatever metal component I need to and just need to give it a little while to dry. This product dries in a light brown or amber color, not clear, so this is something to bare in mind! However, this gives you a good indicator of just how long the lubricant lasts. And the color will disappear over time.

This product is budget-friendly, and great results can be achieved by following the manufacturing instructions carefully. I would just advise being cautious of getting this lubricant on clothes as it may be tricky to remove! 

You can [amazon link=”B001FCB1JG” title=”decide for yourself and read the reviews on Amazon here.” ]

Best On A Budget: CRC Power Lube Industrial High Performance Lubricant

RVing may generally be cheaper than when I used to rent, but it still comes with costs, so I tend to lean towards budget-friendly options at every corner! That’s why I think this CRC Power Lube is an ideal affordable option. While this product is not designed specifically for RVs and RV slide outs, it doesn’t mean it can’t still be used in many different applications. 

This high-performance lubricant product is ideal when used on a variety of metal applications, including slide out gears and tracks. I found that I only need a small amount of this product to get results, and the final picture is a smooth and easy transition when sliding my slide outs in and out on a daily basis. 

The industrial formula of this product gives me protection from moisture and corrosion as well as dust and debris, which is ideal for when tough weather conditions kick up lots of dirt! While it sprays on wet, it dries well and prevents any buildup. This makes it ideal in an RV setting where I’m constantly surrounded by nature and debris. 

One of the main selling points of this product is the fact that it’s highly pressurized, meaning the aerosol spray reaches deeper and further than the average spray. This can be especially beneficial when used in an RV setting and on a variety of hard-to-reach gears or tracks. 

The main complaint that I have regarding this product is the fact that it only comes in an 11-ounce can. This is significantly smaller than a variety of products on our list, and not the best option for RVers like me who like to stay off-grid as much as possible!

However, you may not notice the smaller can size when using the product. It’s highly concentrated and powerful, meaning less needs to be used overall, especially compared with other products. 

[amazon link=”B000P1E7ZS” title=”Check out the details and reviews on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Best For Full Timers: WD-40 – 490224 Multi-Use Product

I’m a full-timer, traveling in my rig across the country, and ideally, I want products that I’m able to use in a variety of locations. WD-40 is a commonly used lubricant with many applications throughout the average household, and it can also be used on RV slide out components too!

Many people use WD-40 because of its ability to repel moisture and prevent rust and corrosion, but it can also lubricate a variety of metal components. I love that it not only is capable of lubricating my slide outs, but it also cleans out any dirt, dust, or debris that may already be present on the slide out.

WD-40 also has a few different spray patterns as well as an easy-to-use dispensing straw. I have used WD-40 for many years, and it’s the perfect addition to my rig for lubricating specific spots on my RV slide outs that are otherwise difficult to reach. It’s great for getting right into the gears and tracks that are deep inside my RV. But that’s not all that WD-40 is useful for. 

In all honesty, I use WD-40 for a lot more than just my slide outs, such as on door locks and hinges, other metal components, and more. This is why this product is awesome for full-timers, as you can use this lubricant frequently, and since it has a variety of uses, it’s ideal for those lacking in RV storage.

WD-40 will help slide outs move smoother, but it won’t help maintain or protect window seals, so this is something worth considering. However, if you’re having trouble with your metal components sticking or squeaking, WD-40 may do the trick.

You can [amazon link=”B01LZ1WS99″ title=”read all about this product on Amazon here.” ]

Largest Size: Kwikee KwikLube Spray Lubricant 

Not only is this lubricant from Kwikee designed for many RV applications, but it comes in a large aerosol size perfect for multiple slide outs. RV owners with a big rig and more than one slide out will be sorted with this lubricant, and there’s even the option of purchasing a larger 16-ounce container too. That way, it’s possible to get all of your slide outs done using a single can. 

Designed to coat RV slide-out components in a protective coating, this lubricant can be used on all metal parts of an RV slide out including gears and tracks. It helps prevent moisture from intruding on the delicate RV slide out system, but I also love that it helps prevent grime build-up too.

The aerosol design of this can make it easy to use in a wide variety of locations, including my RV steps, windows, and door latches, which is great as I don’t need to head to the store to buy a separate product. I like that I can trust this lubricant to work in many different seasons and weather scenarios, as it’s been tested up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

However, this particular product dries greasier than other RV slide out lubricants, which may make dirt and dust build up on some components. I love how easy the dispensing straw with WD-40 is to use, but the nozzle with this Kwikee lubricant doesn’t work quite as well, and is something I hope will be improved!

[amazon link=”B000BGOI92″ title=”Check out the product in more detail on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Best For Rubber Seals: Thetford Premium RV Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner and Protectant

For my slide outs, I need a reliable lubricant and protective spray for the rubber seals, which is why this product from Thetford is an absolute steal. Whether you’re new to RVing or an old pro, you’ll likely recognize the name Thetford from a variety of other RV products. Let’s talk more about this rubber seal conditioner now. 

Maintaining the rubber seals of RV slide outs is just as important as keeping the metal components in shape. It’s easy to just focus on the tracks and gears of slide outs, but realistically, the rubber seals are just as important to maintain to keep slide outs working optimally.

This Thetford lubricant is designed to prevent fading, cracking, and breaking of all rubber seals found throughout an RV. These include the seals surrounding slide outs, as well as doors and storage compartments that may get affected by hot weather conditions. I like that I can also use this product in my RV plumbing, such as on the rubber seals of my toilet or black water tank, making it multi-use.

Not only does this product give my RV slide outs a protective coating to prevent harm from UV rays, but it also creates a barrier to protect against moisture and dust too. I find the aerosol can makes this product easy to distribute, and I love that there’s no need to wipe up any excess moisture or lubricant as it makes for an easy clean up. 

The only drawback of this product is that I can’t use it on the tracks and gears of my RV slide out, as it’s only designed to be used on rubber seals. However, the seals are equally important and should be treated with the same level of care as the gears and track, just purchase a different spray that’s more suited to them! 

You can [amazon link=”B000NJ6EZ8″ title=”decide for yourself and read more on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Longest Lasting: 3X:Chemistry – 127 99033 ‘EZ Slide’ Slide-out Lubricant

Designed specifically for RV slide outs and RV slide out mechanisms, this product called EZSlide from 3X:Chemistry is ideal for RV living. Not only does this product coat slide out mechanisms in a non-greasy formula, but it’s designed to last longer than many other products, bringing costs down in the long run. 

This lubricant understands that an RV deals with a lot of dirt and debris when on the road. That’s why it forms a protective coating or barrier that helps prevent all dust and dirt from settling onto the delicate gears of slide outs. It’s also designed to prevent moisture so RV components don’t rust or corrode. 

This 3X:Chemistry lubricant is designed to limit the amount of friction occurring when the slide out moves in and out. This can help the slide out motor work at an optimum level so it doesn’t burn out or face any unnecessary strain. Plus, I love that I’m able to easily apply this lubricant using the aerosol can that it comes in, as I’m often RVing solo and need products I can use easily.

In general, this product works for months to come, when applied correctly and given ample time to dry. I do have to mention that you may find that this product does not dry completely or takes a long time to dry, and this could potentially lead to some amount of dust buildup on your RV, but I haven’t found this to be an actual issue. 

You can [amazon link=”B00B9DECUG” title=”read all of the reviews and decide for yourself by checking out the product on Amazon here.” ]

Best Brand Name: Camco 41105 Slide Out Lube & Protectant

Besides Thetford, Camco has to be one of the biggest brands of RV equipment and utilities on the market today. They make a variety of items, including tank treatments, RV accessories, and, of course, slide out lubricant. Let’s talk about this product from Camco now.

This aerosol lubricant comes in a generous 15-ounce can which should cover multiple slide outs through the use of a single can for ultimate convenience. This product is designed as a protectant against rust and debris, as well as a lubricant for all of the metal components in an RV slide out, so I can trust I’m covered whether the weather rains or shines!

This aerosol can comes with a detachable straw for applying the lubricant in hard-to-reach places, which I find happens frequently in slide outs. As I always take safety seriously, I particularly like that this product doesn’t contain any chlorinated or fluorinated solvents. Additionally, it can take over 300 hours of salt and water exposure without causing rust or corrosion, great for when I’m driving on salty, gritty roads in winter.

This particular product from Camco has extremely similar ingredients to WD-40. This is something to consider, given that WD-40 is far more affordable than RV-branded products, including reasonably priced products from Camco. However, this slide out lubricant is made for RVs, which should make its performance better in the long run.

You can [amazon link=”B000BUU5VS” title=”read all of the reviews and decide for yourself on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Four Season Use: 3-IN-ONE-120138-C RV Care Rubber Seal Conditioner

I travel in my rig whether it rains, shines, or snows, so I need products able to handle four-season use. That’s why I was drawn to this conditioner from 3-IN-ONE. It’s a rubber seal product that makes slide outs perfect for four-season use. Not only does this aerosol has a unique application straw and two stream sizes, but I can also use it in a variety of locations throughout my RV, making it useful in a multitude of scenarios.

I’ve used this conditioner to lubricate the mechanical parts of my slide outs, but it’s ideally used to protect and coat rubber seals against four-season issues. Some of these issues can include UV ray damage, which is notorious for cracking, fading, and weakening RV rubber seals.

Given that this product is a silicone-based formula, it’s able to still work well in all seasons and extreme weather scenarios. To get the best results, I just need to remember to let this product cure for an adequate amount of time, then it should be effective in both freezing weather and hot summer months. 

As I’m able to also use this product on a variety of other rubber seals, including the ones around my RV’s windows and doors, I feel as though this is a superb, affordable option with impressive capability. You may even find this conditioner useful for the rubber seals surrounding RV storage boxes and beyond.

It has a lot of uses, and can really help maintain RV slide outs from top to bottom, as shown in the video below:

However, this product isn’t technically designed to lubricate the metal tracks and gears of your slide out. I actually had to purchase another product for completing the job in the best way possible. If you are seeking a product that helps protect against harsh UV rays, however, you can’t go wrong with this option!

[amazon link=”B07QL37GPN” title=”Check out all of the reviews and product benefits on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

Runner Up: STAR BRITE RV Slide-Out Lubricating Fluid

It was a tough choice between our best overall product and this slide out lubricant from STAR BRITE. Consider this aerosol can as a runner-up to our best overall spot. It has a lot of powerful product packed into a 12-ounce can. But what makes this product so special? Let’s check out the details!

While this can may be smaller than many other options on this list, this slide out lubricant has a lot to offer. Keep in mind that it just might not be able to cover all slide outs with a single can if you have a large RV with several slide outs. 

All that said, this product cleans, maintains, and protects RV slide outs, including the track and gears. I can easily reach all the most difficult spots using this can and applicator, and the Cerflon-based product protects against rust, debris, dirt, and corrosion.

STAR BRITE made this product specifically for RVs and boats, so I can only imagine the variety of moisture and salt conditions it can handle! This is especially key for when I’m traveling during the winter months and along roads covered in salt and melted snow. I can rest easy, knowing my slide outs will stay protected and dry using this product! 

If you find that the STAR BRITE doesn’t work effectively for you then you try giving the product ample time to cure. I always try to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and this product is no different, that’s why I saw great results from this runner-up product.

[amazon link=”B01MYQXUEN” title=”Check out all of the positive reviews and product details on Amazon by clicking here.” ]

How To Apply RV Slide Out Lubricant?

While you may not be certain of what RV slide out lubricant you want at the moment, you should know how to apply it either way. Here is a helpful step by step guide of how to apply lubricant to your RV slides, mechanisms, and windows!

Lubricate The Slide Out Gears And Rails

These components are a necessary part of your RV and they often get squeaky or misaligned first. Spray or wipe some of your lubricant on these components while the slide out is fully extended. Move the slide in and out once more to fully distribute the product. A little goes a long way in this particular area of your slide out, so keep this in mind when lubricating! Plus, lubricating your gears and rails only needs to be done once or twice a year.

Lubricate Slide Out Seal

This is where you should avoid using petroleum lubricant, as it has a high chance of drying out your rubber seals. Instead, use a silicone or dry lubricant, and wipe down all of your seals thoroughly. This process should be repeated every couple of months, and you may consider a lubricant that blocks harmful UV rays or inclement weather. Your slide out seals are very important, so taking care of them is a must!

Lubricate Slide Out Windows

Finally, lubricate the windows on your slide out. This may seem like a silly step, given that it’s just a window, but you may want to use slide out lubricant on all of your RV windows twice a year. This helps them move and stay pliable so that you can let fresh air into your rig for years to come!

Final Thoughts

Finding a reliable RV slide out lubricant doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it should be easier than ever using our handy guide! You can find the product that works best for your RV and lifestyle, without the hassle of searching. Enjoy your RV to the fullest, including your slide outs!