Arctic Fox slide wipers curled inward

[joe barber]

My arctic fox slide seals are half curled inward and half outside on the slide. How can I reposition them to face outward?

 

[Rene T]

How old are they and how long have they been doing this?

 

[Domo]

Many people fuss about them and many do not. You are seeing the slide wipers, not the seals. The slide wipers are there to help keep dirt and excess water from entering the coach when the slides are retracted. The actual seal is on the inside of the coach positioned where it compresses between the inside of the coach outer wall and the slide frame around the edges. There is a similar seal on the outboard side of the slide that compresses against the outer wall of the coach when the slide is fully retracted.

Regarding the position of the slide wipers, some folks add abrasive strips (adhesive backed sandpaper about 1" wide) a couple of inches in from the coach side of the slide - thus, when the slide is extended, the slide wiper will hit the strip and friction will help pull it out so it looks pretty.

Many folks use their awning pull-rods to help pull the wipers out and many, many more people ignore the slide seals unless they are cracked, ripped and flapping in the wind...

... and, of course, most rubber seal manufactures do NOT recommend using anything but soap and water to maintain the seals with the exception of 303 UV protectant. "RV" labelled cleaners, lubricants and restorative products are not recommended and are usually a means of getting more cash from RVr's. We've used the same soap and water we wash the MH with for many years - after 16 years I finally had to change our slide wipers as a couple had the corners frayed and ripped and could allow torrential wind-driven rain to sneak past and collect at the bottom and find a way into the coach past the lower inside seal.

There are some that flip the seals like a religion, and some that ignore them since they continue to do their intended function.

 

[joe barber]

My arctic fox slide seals are half curled inward and half outside on the slide. How can I reposition them to face outward?

I’m

Many people fuss about them and many do not. You are seeing the slide wipers, not the seals. The slide wipers are there to help keep dirt and excess water from entering the coach when the slides are retracted. The actual seal is on the inside of the coach positioned where it compresses between the inside of the coach outer wall and the slide frame around the edges. There is a similar seal on the outboard side of the slide that compresses against the outer wall of the coach when the slide is fully retracted.

Regarding the position of the slide wipers, some folks add abrasive strips (adhesive backed sandpaper about 1" wide) a couple of inches in from the coach side of the slide - thus, when the slide is extended, the slide wiper will hit the strip and friction will help pull it out so it looks pretty.

Many folks use their awning pull-rods to help pull the wipers out and many, many more people ignore the slide seals unless they are cracked, ripped and flapping in the wind...

... and, of course, most rubber seal manufactures do NOT recommend using anything but soap and water to maintain the seals with the exception of 303 UV protectant. "RV" labelled cleaners, lubricants and restorative products are not recommended and are usually a means of getting more cash from RVr's. We've used the same soap and water we wash the MH with for many years - after 16 years I finally had to change our slide wipers as a couple had the corners frayed and ripped and could allow torrential wind-driven rain to sneak past and collect at the bottom and find a way into the coach past the lower inside seal.

There are some that flip the seals like a religion, and some that ignore them since they continue to do their intended function.

Thanks I have a whole new perspective. Appreciate the info

 

[Rene T]

I had a piece of aluminum flat bar maybe 1/8 thick and 1” wide and 2’ long. I would start at the bottom of the seal and just slide the bar up to bring the sealing edge out, no big deal.

 

[Edd505]

I had a piece of aluminum flat bar maybe 1/8 thick and 1” wide and 2’ long. I would start at the bottom of the seal and just slide the bar up to bring the sealing edge out, no big deal.

I have an extending pole & brush to wash the RV and I use that pole to slide under the seal and get it facing out, I have also used a broom handle. The pole collapses to fit in a basement compartment Pole & Brush