Slides not used since 2008

[Jamespray]

I recently bought a 2008 Bighorn 3670 RL. The previous owner did not close the slides and it has been parked at an rv camp in Florida since 2008. Does anyone have any advice about how I might be able to get them closed or advice about things I should be concerned or should I leave slides open.
Jim

 

[danemayer]

Hi Jamespray,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum.

Have you tried operating the slides? The hydraulics depend upon having a good charge on the battery. If the battery hasn't been maintained, you may need a new one. And of course, you need to be connected to shore power to charge the battery.

 

[JohnDar]

As Dan said, try operating them before you shoot up distress flares. Take a look in the front compartment on the door side and check the level of fluid in the hydraulic reservoir (look for any leaks there, too). The battery is below the hydraulic pump. Most likely there will be valves like in the photo of mine. Make sure they're open all the way (turn counterclockwise). Then press the switch located near the pump or use the one inside the trailer (be sure nothing is in the way of their travel paths). Most likely, they will work. You may notice some start and stopping, but that's how they operate if all valves are open at the same time.

The labels on the valve photo were added after the pump photo was taken.

 

[cookie]

That's a long time to be sitting idle. Look under the slides at the mechanics. Check for severe rusting and you may have to clean the hydraulic ram of rust before attempting to move the slides.

Peace
Dave

 

[mlpeloquin]

After cleaning the slide hydraulic ram, lube it well with slide lubricant, or CRC Power Lube Industrial High Performance Lubricant with PTFE, or any Dry PTFE Lubricant Spray. None of these will attract dirt or hold it in the slide ram and gears. I have also used Blaster Garage Door Lubricant. It too will not attract dirt or hold it where it is spayed.

 

['Lil Guy']

I wonder if the wipers and seals on the slide have hardened or rotted sitting in the sun for so long and not being flipped. You might want to apply some protectant to them first.

 

[carl.swoyer]

Everyone is on the right track.
I've been using bowsheild t-9
I would lubricate everything first. Charge the batteries and use shore power the first time retracting the slides.

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[JohnDar]

Everyone is on the right track.
I've been using bowsheild t-9
I would lubricate everything first. Charge the batteries and use shore power the first time retracting the slides.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

I use that (and it's cleaner) on my woodworking tool surfaces. Great stuff.

 

[pjones1969]

All good suggestions, I’d also make sure the tops of them are cleaned off.

 

[jbeletti]

Another +1 on the Boeshield T-9 (link).

I'd hit the unpainted steel gear and rack really good.

 

[carl.swoyer]

Another +1 on the Boeshield T-9 (link).

I'd hit the unpainted steel gear and rack really good.

Thanks Jim for your "tip" on the bowsheild t-9

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[jbeletti]

Thanks Jim for your "tip" on the bowsheild t-9

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Carl - Kevin W and I used those on our gear packs and rack and ran the slide in and out - wow, you could really tell the difference. Way less friction.

 

[carl.swoyer]

Carl - Kevin W and I used those on our gear packs and rack and ran the slide in and out - wow, you could really tell the difference. Way less friction.

Jim, I have to say since applying the bowsheild t-9 my slides are incredibly quite and smooth.

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