If you have a large RV, chances are you bought it because it provides you the perfect amount of extra space. Having an RV Slideout is a great way to extend living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more so you can bring along friends on your trips. But having an RV Slideout can bring additional headaches as time, weather, extreme temperatures, and extended use come into play. RV slideout weatherstripping is a common problem we see with our customers’ RVs. Today, we’ll be talking about how you can replace RV slideout weatherstripping and get your coach back out on the road working perfectly.
Identifying RV Slideout Weatherstripping
If you’re a new RV owner or want to become more familiar with what weatherstripping looks like, there are ways to identify the area and see if there’s something wrong. Your RV Slideout weatherstripping is what protects the slideout from damage. If you start having problems with RV slideout – leaks, weird sounds, problems extending or retracting – your weatherstripping could be the culprit. Here are some signs to look for: 
- Deterioration
- Cracked
- Not touching the slideout
- Peeling
- Discolored
- Removed from some/all areas
If you notice any of these issues, chances are you will need to replace the RV slideout weatherstripping. These types of damage allow rain, sticks, dirt, rocks, small animal, and other debris get inside and hurt your RV even more. Let’s talk about how to replace RV slideout weatherstripping if you notice any of these problems!
How to Replace RV Slideout Weatherstripping
If you are going to attempt to replace your RV slideout weatherstripping by yourself, you’re going to need special tool and supplies like:
- Adhesive
- Adhesive remover
- Alcohol wipes
- Scissors
- Masking Tape
- Gloves
- Scraping tools
These will need to be specific to RV materials, so be cautious of where you buy them. You don’t want to use materials that can further damage your RV.
Step One: Finding a New Seal
Each RV is different depending on the brand, make, and model. So naturally, there are going to be different weatherstripping seals for each vehicle. Depending on the type of model your RV slideout is, you will have to identify the weatherstripping seal that goes with it. Some seals will have bulbs and lips. Seals will also come in different lengths and widths. It would be beneficial to come to talk to an expert or do your research before buying the wrong seal. You might want to find a seal that has a longer lip that will move against the RV slideout for protection.
Step Two: Removing Your Old Seal and Cleaning Things Up
This is where all your special tools come in. It is also where things start to get tricky. If you are replacing the seal around the entire slideout, you can use your masking tape or a washable marker to mark where your new will be placed. The seals are actually somewhat easy to remove. Once you identify where your seal is coming off, you can cut away a section and keep pulling it off until the entire seal is removed.
Now that everything is removed, you can begin cleaning. Yes, unfortunately, you will need to do some cleaning. Your RV has probably built up a lot of grime while you’ve used it, so sweep, wipe, wash, and dry either your whole RV or at least the areas surrounding your slideout before applying the new seal. There are adhesive cleaners that will help you scrape off the old glue. Use scraper told to remove the gunky old adhesive. Give the area a final wipe with an alcohol pad to make sure there is no oil residue left behind.
Step Three: Installing the New RV Slideout Weatherstripping
Using a smooth applicator such as a pallet knife or even popsicle stick, you can apply the new adhesive for the new seal. Apply glue to both the RV slideout and the seal. A double bead of glue will help thing really stick! Take your time with this process. You are going to be going around the slideout with a large piece of the seal. You might need a couple of people to help you. Measure out how long of pieces you will need. Always leave a little extra on the ends so you can trim the right amount you need.
Trusting the Professionals
Most RV owners will tell you it can be tough keeping up with the maintenance of their vehicle on their own. There are always DIY routes you can take, but unless you have years and years of experience, there are always things that can go wrong. With replacing RV slideout weatherstripping, it may be wise to trust trained technicians at a reputable RV repair shop. This type of work requires knowledge of the materials, RV models, seals, and tools to be able to perfectly complete the repair. It will also require more than one or two people.
At Coach Specialists, our repair technicians are specially trained and experienced in everything RV related. They can identify damaged, underperforming RV seals from miles away. If you need help with your RV slideout weatherstripping, contact us at Coach! We’d love to check out your RV and get you back out on the road ready for all types of weather.