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Camper Bob View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Lubrication
    Posted: 07 Mar 2013 at 3:42pm
Now that we are approaching our second season with our Rpod, I was wondering what to lubricate on the outside and which lubricant to use?  Do I use 3in1 oil on the step pivot points, what to use on the leveler jacks on each corner to keep them lubricated without attracting a lot of road dirt.  The wheels have already been lubed last year.  What other items to check on to lubricate and what to use.  Don't really want to tangle with the waste gate at the black water tank, but should I.  Anything else to oil or lubricate?  Awaiting suggestions, and thanks in advance.  Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
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Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Location: S. Mississippi
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Posts: 171 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 2013 at 4:01pm
I  have only had my rPod for two weeks and the steps were stiff.  I sprayed lithium grease on the joints and now they are smooth like butter. Personally, I think 3/1 oil is too light for much more than sewing machine. That is just my unexpert opinion.
 
Silicone spray is good too on RV stuff like door latches.  Possibly corner jacks, does not leave heavy residue to attract dirt.
Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 4:42pm
I've always used white lithium grease (link) for outside hinges and joints like the jacks & steps of my trailer.  Light oils like WD-40 n such will just wash away in the rain...
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 5:51pm
Thank you both.  Will the lithium grease attract and hold road dirt?  Anywhere else that I should lube on the outside?  While I'm asking, what about the door gasket.  What to use on that to preserve the rubber?  Any thoughts?  Safe Travels. 
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
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2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 6:37pm
Lithium grease will definitely become contaminated with grit, but it is easily cleaned / renewed, and offers 
about the best all around lubrication.  It stays put and does the job.  We use it to lube the upper and lower
trunion pockets, per the advice of our WDH manufacturer, as well as the leveling jacks and stair pivots.
Bob and Joyce
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 7:50pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob

While I'm asking, what about the door gasket.  What to use on that to preserve the rubber?  Any thoughts?

303 Aerospace Protectant (link) is about the best UV protectant around for rubber gaskets.  It keeps gaskets soft and pliable, protecting them from drying out/cracking.  Use it on your vehicle's door gaskets too.

There really isn't much you can do for the gaskets on the storage bay doors.  Just replace 'em when they start to deteriorate.  Its just regular old household weatherstripping that you can pick up at Home Depot or wherever for a couple bucks.

While I'm at it... I also use a tire foam with UV protectant (link) every 2-3 weeks on the trailer tires.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Mar 2013 at 12:05pm
Not sure if my local Ace Hardware carries Aerospace Protectant.  I will get the lithium grease.  However will silicone spray work on the rubber gaskets, as well?  Thanks again for the answers.  Safe Travels.
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Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Mar 2013 at 4:13pm
Originally posted by Camper Bob

However will silicone spray work on the rubber gaskets, as well?

To tell you the truth, if you can't find 303, I suggest just using regular old Armor All every month or so.  Its got a UV protectant, its designed for rubber gaskets (among other things) and it doesn't leave a residue.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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Joined: 26 Sep 2011
Location: Portland Oregon
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Posts: 913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Mar 2013 at 5:53pm
Went to Ace and lo and behold, they had lithium spray lubricant.  I was just aware of lithium grease and was a little dubious.  I wasn't aware that it also came as a spray.  Have sprayed all I could find outside.  The step does swing down much easier.  I also sprayed the jacks and excercised them.  Seems they work more better, as they say in some parts of the country.   Before I head off to Ace again, I do have silicone spray.  Will it be just as good as Armor All?  Or should I spring for a can of Armor All also.  Safe Travels.
Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund)
2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod)
2016 Lance 1685
2015 Nissan Pathfinder
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Joined: 03 Apr 2012
Location: Salt Lake, UT
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Posts: 68 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Mar 2013 at 2:00pm
Try looking at boating/marine stores for 303.  They are generally the best way to find it locally.
2012 177 HRE
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