TO LUBRICATE OR NOT LUBRICATE the Schwintek RV Slide - May NOT apply to NEW COMPOSITE MATERIALS

[@livingwithrob]

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[@MichaelKellen-y4z]

Thanks for addressing this topic and the explanation you gave as to the reason some have given the recommendation to not lube. As a new Micro Minnie owner (not taken it out yet), it's very much appreciated.

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks for watching. I hope it's helpful to you. Congratulations on your purchase and I hope you really enjoy your new rig. 😁

[@dowmer3093]

Rob, thanks for the info. I have one of the first FLX to come out and I’ve been fairly lucky. Battery settings seem to be ok and I’ve had very few issues. The one failure was the Schwintek slide towards the end of the first year. I had it repaired under warranty and the dealer was very helpful (I know, that is a rarity) Winnebago told me that the type of Schwintek system was the point of failure. They upgraded to a different type (I can tell since the track bolts up slightly different) and I have had zero issues since. I also lube with CRC and I agree with you. Metal on metal needs lube. No more issues with slide and I’ve had it on about 25 trips.

[@livingwithrob]

This is a great report. Apparently they installed the original slide tracks upside down, or "inverted". Whether they were upside down in error or a flaw in the design, this did create problems. When I talked to WB they said my rails were post bad install so I would be ok. I hope this remains the case. Thanks for watching and being here.

[@synonyx]

It’s metal on metal. You bet it needs a proper lube! I was told by my dealer it isn’t recommended as they worry the lube will attract dirt and grime and eventually lock up the slide. I don’t see any reason to worry as long as you make sure the tracks are free of debris / dirt before you bring it in. My FLX will be getting lubed on the next trip out ;)

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks for watching. This dirt collecting issue is why in the Lippert video, they say to ONLY use the CRC with PTFE for lubricating the in wall slide. Apparently it does not attract dirt.

[@larrylangley9240]

If you collect dirt and grease, the slide may fail while it is still under warranty. If you don’t lube at all it will eventually grind to failure, but it will after the warranty has expired.

[@livingwithrob]

@@larrylangley9240 This particular lube, the one specified in this video, from what I understand, is formulated in such a fashion that it will not collect dirt. I believe this is why in the Lippert video mentioned, they state use only this brand and this exact type.

[@gardnetbush9768]

Sorry there is a video where Lippert them self say don't lube check it out

[@haroldb5569]

I’m with you on that I lube with CRC on mine Schwintek system.

[@livingwithrob]

Right on

[@markmccardia9282]

After having gotten different info, I researched the video you linked. LIppert states that was done in 2014 and it was to fix a certain problem with certain units. They now have a video stating definite no. The newer models have composite gears. Which I do know that certain composites lubes cause more friction rather than less. Thank you for the video, and if I have problems or noise I will go with the lube. But just wanted to share what I discovered

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks.

[@46fd04]

I on a 2011 KZ fifth wheel with Schwintek on the bedroom slide. Been lubing it once a year for 3 years and its working great.

[@livingwithrob]

Great feedback

[@viper16vet]

Thanks for sharing, totally agree 100% on lubing the slide motors/bushings. I feel Lippert has a messaging issue and they should rectify this so you don't get some thinking that lubricating a mechanical drive system shouldn't be done. This should be crystal clear from the RV techs to the customer to the dealers.

[@livingwithrob]

I agree

[@Fischxx1]

Same here against the recommendation from Lippert i am lubricating mine with CRC had the same noises and it was also very slow and looked like the motors were fighting. After lubricating it went in and out as smooth as it can be. So far i am not regretting it. Micro Minnie 2100BH

[@livingwithrob]

My exact experience as well. It's no wonder slide systems fail if people aren't lubricating them.

[@gordtaves3878]

I’ve had this system in our Coachman Apex which we bought in 2013. Was surprised to see on the Lippert site that it was not recommended to lubricate anymore, and referred to their video from 2014. (The one that I always used for lubrication instruction) I’ve never had a failure, and have always lubricated it as the video instructions are with the CRC lubricant.

[@livingwithrob]

Excellent! Thanks fir sharing. 100% agree with you.

[@danielchung5010]

I have a Grand Design 268BH with the same tracks. After just a dozen of of usage, the slide started to slow down and squeak. I lubed it with CRC Power Lube and it's been great. A lot smoother!!

[@livingwithrob]

Great report

[@douglasross3488]

Thanks, Rob. We just bought a used 2022 2108 TB FLX and we felt the same way - that this is one for us. I watched your slide maintenance video and it will be one of my first jobs when I take delivery later this month. I was really concerned about how to do this and the Lippert video you linked us to was most helpful. Thanks again.

[@livingwithrob]

That's great. I'm glad you shared! All of my future RV content is moving to youtube.com/@robthervguy on KZbin. FYI

[@jimwhalen6769]

Thank you so much for this information! I have another slide where the gearbox gear stripped, oh it is a plastic gear (WHY use plastic?). I ran across this video and decided to watch because 2 of my slides are the same type and I have not lubed them. We purchased new about 3 years ago. You bet, I have some of that lube on the way and off to watch the Lippert video! Thank again! (Yes, I smashed the like and Subscribe buttons)

[@livingwithrob]

Thank you. You will find all of my RV related content now over at youtube.com/@robthervguy You can find videos on the slide lubrication from a few of the online techs.

[@neptune0312]

Won't argue that lube will help but do not agree lubrication was the main reason for the majority of slide failures or will fix a slide that is compromised. Mine, 2108TB Flex, failed within 3 uses and as Schwintek was giving me my case # to get it fixed under warranty he said the Inverted slide design that they went to in 2021/2022 was the culprit. All of the Facebook posts I have seen are all from people who just started using their Flex's. Also the severe bouncing the slide unit takes as it's going down the road has also been suggested to be a reason for slide failure. Lube may be good but won't fix the above.

[@livingwithrob]

100% agree.

[@JIMPETERSON-n7i]

So how are these slides supposed to be supported so they don't bounce up & down going down the road?

[@neptune0312]

@@JIMPETERSON-n7i I use foam yoga blocks as do many people. Whether these will help or not I can't say for sure although I believe if you have a compromised slide it will eventually fail no matter what you do. Obviously many many peoples slides work just fine without any support.

[@JIMPETERSON-n7i]

@@neptune0312 -- Thanks for the quick feedback! :)

[@hardindon8361]

Hi Rob and everyone! My first time watching today and I subscribed. This is a controversial topic and I was impressed by the thorough coverage, explanation, links and finally the great responses to recent information. It allows us to look into things ourselves with all the recent data covered. It would be nice to have a definitive answer on which models are made from the new non-metal materials. I saw an approximation of 2020 being the year of change. I may call Lippert for this information. If I find anything out, I'll post it.

[@livingwithrob]

@hardindon8361 thanks friend!

[@pzwiez]

We have a 23fbs Vintage Cruiser by Gulf Stream coach, we were told the something not to lubricate our Schwintek slide by the manufacturer and by Lippert technicians. I'm with you they need to be lubricated. Everything works better with lubrication.

[@livingwithrob]

Yes

[@davidlaramie8713]

Where is the video to show where to spray? Thanks

[@livingwithrob]

There are links to both places as well as their diagrams down in the description.

[@RVLIFE-mt9bn]

But you didn't put a link to the later Lippert video that says to NOT lubricate the slide. That is their latest guidance. I'm not saying I agree with it, but that IS the latest manufacturer guidance.

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks. I'm showing my experience going from not lubricated to lubricated. It's only my opinion basedon real world experience with it. Further, I did a quick online search for the video from Lippert you mention and come up with nothing. Neiher did I see it on their website in their series of videos about maintaining and operating the slide system. However the "how to lube" video is still there. Please share the link if you have it.

[@arnoldra006]

@@livingwithrob Here is the new video from Lippert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWjHqot8nJ56mLcsi=S6N8AuzkYmQ5RfDD Sounds like they are stating that newer systems made with composite components do not need lubrication as the excessive noise/etc has been eliminated by the new materials. I have a 2016 Grey Wolf 26DBH and it is noisy as all get out, and I've had it bind on retraction and have had to help it in. I will definitely be trying this lube, already ordered a can.

[@livingwithrob]

@@arnoldra006 Thanks for sharing. Funny. To me, it had nothing to do with noise. It had everything to do with functionality. Again, anecdotal, for sure, but in my experience, before lubricating my slide, I can all but guarantee you that at some point, my slide would have ceased up and failed. I can also all but guarantee you that in no way would Lippert "warranty" the slide mechanics when the time came it failed. Look at how everyone involved right now is trying to pass the buck on the Frame Flex issues and catastrophes customers are experiencing around the nation! If lubricating it does not damage it, and I noted he never once says "don't lube it or you will damage it", then I can do no harm in doing so, provided, again, the right lube is used. I chose to error on the side of caution and have chosen to listen to the repair techs in the field working on these units stating..."were these lubricated, this could have been avoided". At least that's my thinking. 🙂

[@justanotherguy7798]

I just bought a 2023 Renegade Vienna and it came with the lube that you used and a TSB on how to lube the system. Anyone know what year the composite material is being used in the Schwintech system. Also there is a video out there about a system that replaces Schwintech with what looks like a more durable and heavy duty unit, no modifications necessary the system is designed similar but with heavy duty materials. The system upgrade installed was around $5,000.

[@livingwithrob]

I like the aftermarket system you mention

[@billbrodhead8014]

Darien in a one on one interview also recommends tubing the track above the gearing that a gib slides on. I agree with that. You need to emphasize supporting the slide while towing. Any bump on the road will slam the slide up and down in the trailer and pop out the button outside screws. That's a big cause of the failures.

[@billbrodhead8014]

Not tubing, lubing the track

[@livingwithrob]

I know and have watched that video. I agree and do that myself.

[@torqdog]

Thanks for the reassuring video. I have always lubed our slide and haven't had any issues. The recent Lippert "no need to lube" video is a complete disservice to owners. Very disappointing. In regards to lubing both inside and outside, it is next to impossible for me to access the rear slide area due to the trailer design. After studying the Lippert lubrication instructional video, I came to the realization that both the inner and outer gib can be accessed from the outside. If one looks at where the straw is positioned in front of the wheel, I found that by simply working the straw to the other side of the wheel was sufficient. It is not necessary to lube the coupler from the inside. Again, looking at the Lippert instructional video, the coupler is one area not divided like the gib so a few squirts of lube from the outside is all that's needed.

[@livingwithrob]

@@torqdog agree! Thanks for the great comment.

[@wynkibabb1648]

great and informative video. I also recommend "power lub" on the track and some in the slot, and very important, be sure your level when you deploy your slide out. I'm ERV rv repair services on long island ny and I am an RV tech. There are some very good videos on slide out units of varying types so, KNOW YOUR UNIT or you'll be calling a tech and paying. Spend time learning your unit and you'll be so much better off. And please share your knowledge. We are a community of RVers and everybody wins with knowledge.

[@livingwithrob]

Amen and thanks for the input. You are so right. We must take care of each other and help each other.

[@garryholyoak9960]

My walk thru when upon delivery of a 2013 DRV, they showed me how to lubricate the slide

[@livingwithrob]

@@garryholyoak9960 that's great.

[@byronewhite]

The video from lippert has been removed on the Lippert site. The reason is the new slide have a different system that can be damaged by the lub. No longer metal on metal but a synthetic block on the slide. I need to call Lippert and find out when they did the change

[@livingwithrob]

Probably a good idea

[@rhondabuma651]

Your shortcut to the lube is different than the can you had in your hand. Can you confirm which type of CRC lube?

[@livingwithrob]

Thank you Rhonda for bringing this to my attention. You are correct. It is now fixed. Here's the link amzn.to/3TCESBR Again, thank you!

[@doubled9361]

Lippert has pulled there video on slide lubricant. The newer slides are not on metal on metal. So they claim lubricants now damage a slide.

[@livingwithrob]

So I've heard. Proceed with caution.

[@hughhodges5924]

Hi Rob, Don you have a video of the slide motor lubrication. That would be awesome to have in your series of Winie Weds !

[@livingwithrob]

Hi Hugh! In the description, there are 2 links. One to a video on how and where to lube and another to a photo diagram of the area so you can see the component locations.

[@hughhodges5924]

Thanks for the quick response! We have the same 2022 Micro Minnie FLX although we have the 2108 FBS and wre interested in seeing how you lubed the slide motors . I'll take a look at the video s you recommended. Blessings !

[@livingwithrob]

@@hughhodges5924 email me directly if you have any questions [e-mail]

[@davidlaramie8713]

Do you have a video where to spray? Thanks

[@MikeyMK-ct7jr]

Go to " MY RV Works" youtube - Darren has a great video on lubing the Schwintek Slide.

[@livingwithrob]

I agree, It's actually his video on this topic that got me started on this whole rabbit hole. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6bLlXl8eM-UpKMsi=zzjLIy9e3GymwLzD

[@livingwithrob]

Here's a second one by him that I found when I started looking into this last year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/il7Sep-FhcRghpIsi=y3faSOv90XGwnHcG

[@MikeyMK-ct7jr]

@@livingwithrob Yes, saw this one also 👍🏻

[@MikeyMK-ct7jr]

@@livingwithrob Same here! He was the first tech I ever heard say to lube the Schwintek set up.

[@djknapp4707]

I just went to Lippert website, and in the FAQ section, it specifically states NOT to lubricate the Schwintec slides. Newer systems are composite and not metal to metal. I am still trying to figure out, however, when they changed these components….

[@livingwithrob]

Difficult to know

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks for dropping by. Our new RV content will all now be posted to youtube.com/@robthervguy.com

[@Rick-x8h]

Tho I’m not subscribed I’ve that brand of slide out on bothe my slides, living room and bed room. I sync them going out and in by holding the rocker switch about 3 seconds or so and only special lube the main track and wipe it with crc and the “wheel” per se on the motor. But equally according to schwinntek having a good level rv. And fact of the matter you’ll get pros and cons of not to lube or to lube the schwinntek systems. My opinion after talking to schwinntek and gulfstream is exactly what I do. Others may do differently which is fine, it’s their rv. What your putting out is a nice reminder and maybe valuable to someone new to rv’ing but it’s old news out here.

[@livingwithrob]

Syncing properly is very important.

[@donswain7859]

The video I watched from your link says not required

[@livingwithrob]

@donswain7859 That's true. It's not "required". My observation has been, those who have experience in the field state emphatically almost every slide failure they repair lists not lubricating as a significant if not the culprit to the failure. Ultimately, it's up to each owner to decide to trust Lippert or those in the field. After Lipperts initial adamant denial of issues with all the frame failures going on out here, I choose to side with filed techs.

[@jimwhalen6769]

Well it looks like Lippert removed that video and now state lubrication is NOT required. Maybe you can do a video on how you lubricate your slides, Please?

[@livingwithrob]

I can't do so any longer. Our Bigfoot has no slide.

[@RealRocdad]

It's the 😮 frame failing... but yes lubes should always be used on moving parts, the right lube is important also...

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks for watching! I haven't heard much about these models and frames failing, but I do know a number of Micro Minnie owners along with Grand Design owners are experiencing the problems with the slides and I really believe it's largely because of not lubricating them.

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

I use the dry lubes. They don’t attract grime

[@livingwithrob]

Agree

[@EarlBalentine]

The new Schintek don't need lubicate per Lippert.

[@livingwithrob]

Time will tell...if their slides keep failing...

[@robertfleming2654]

WD-40 have the same or similar product that’s what I’m using.

[@livingwithrob]

@@robertfleming2654 as long as it's PTFE

[@Stanf954]

Lubrication is important on any mechanical device. If it wasn't necessary, then why are lubricants made for specific purposes?

[@livingwithrob]

I agree with you.

[@daviddion3731]

HUGE Difference between talking about lubing and DEMONSTRATING how to lubricant.

[@livingwithrob]

If you look in the description you will find links from Lippert to videos about how and where to lube as well as diagrams showing where to lube.

[@neallisaquigley703]

@@livingwithrob Apparently Lippert is not recommending any lube and has taken down any videos that they had on their website. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWjHqot8nJ56mLc. So now how do you lube these slides

[@RS-hp5hu]

The new slides are not metal on metal after on new systems they now use a composite. No lube on composite if it is the old metal on metal then Lube

[@livingwithrob]

Agree. Thank you.

[@ronaldmatthews7903]

A later video says that the metal components have been changed to composite so that there is no longer metal on metal contact and therefore no lube is needed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWjHqot8nJ56mLcsi=b2juW9-F-1A-Lg7E

[@livingwithrob]

Maybe so. I remain true to my opinion on lubricating based on witnessing how much better my unit preformed after lubricating compared to before...which is the entire premise of this video. If people prefer to listen to Lippert it's certainly their prerogative. I'm simply offering my first hand experience and outcome.

[@ronaldmatthews7903]

@@livingwithrob If you bought your trailer in 2020, that may have been before Lippert made the change to composite materials. That makes sense with the motorhome observation of metal shavings. I have a 2023 Montana with a bedroom slide and have put 17K miles on it in the last 18 months or so. No problem so far but I was trying to research what I should be doing in the way of lube on the bedroom slide. Thank you for posting your real world experience. I'm thinking it (probably?) couldn't hurt to lube the newer design.

[@livingwithrob]

@@ronaldmatthews7903 see, that's my thinking. If a consumer uses the CRC lube with PTFE...my thought is...what the heck can it hurt? Slide rooms are HEAVY and they put tremendous stress on the joints at the motor. I just decided to err on the side of being overly cautious. In my view, it certainly isn't going to HURT the components. And if it helps to eliminate a slide failure...well...it was worth it to me. At least in my case. Again, the difference in the slide performance post lubrication was notable. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your input.

[@JIMPETERSON-n7i]

@@livingwithrob -- The composites are also known as "self-lubricating" because the plastic wear bits/powder seem to help things move against each other. But IMHO, proper lubrication will minimize that wear and permit even the composite parts to last that much longer. I'm a huge fan of whatever works and couldn't possibly care less about what the OEM recommends unless they're willing to give me a lifetime warranty on parts *and* labor wherever I might need a repair. And we all know that ain't never gonna' happen.

[@livingwithrob]

@@JIMPETERSON-n7i 100% agree. Thanks for the input.

[@georgethompson4726]

Recent video from Lippert themselves stating NO LUBE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWjHqot8nJ56mLc

[@livingwithrob]

Again, per the comments below addressing this video...you can choose your own options regarding this matter. Trust a company who ardently denied their "Frane Flex" problems until it became too big to do so any longer on KZbin...or trust the techs in the field dealing with this every day who believe these slides and their failures can certainly have not lubing as one of the potential contributions to it's failing. Those of us who lube our slides take the latter position.

[@georgethompson4726]

@@livingwithrob I personally lube my slides because it can't hurt. I haven't met many mechanical devices that didn't benefit from some lubrication on moving parts. But posted this because it came from the mfr. Have a great day!

[@livingwithrob]

Thanks George. A few other's have also shared the video or brought it into question. I appreciate you being here and watching. Hope all is well.

[@paulfarrell1976]

Hmmm, this video from Lipert says different and why that original video was meant for a specific issue and NOT maintenance kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWjHqot8nJ56mLcsi=BFZSR6blFDvAv5UG

[@livingwithrob]

It's a personal choice as to whether or not to trust them.

[@paulfarrell1976]

Agreed! I went ahead and did it and you’re 100% correct! It works much better. I think they want it to break down so you buy more of those motors lol

[@livingwithrob]

@paulfarrell1976 one sure wonders!

[@PhilCouling]

I thought this was going to be definitive, but I went to the Lippert link that you shared and found a video from them which unambiguously says NOT to lubricate them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWjHqot8nJ56mLc&t

[@livingwithrob]

Metal on metal...in my view...as well as many other seasoned RV techs requires lube. I can state that my experience was SIGNIFICANT improved slide performance when extending and retracting before and after lube. It never had a thing to do with "noise" as the video you shared references.

[@charliematt4808]

Not telling consumers how to properly maintain their product (Schwintec) is VERY UNETHICAL. They should be trusted about as much as a used car dealer.

[@livingwithrob]

Agree