Lubrication
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3302
Printed Date: 14 May 2024 at 5:14pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Lubrication
Posted By: Camper Bob
Subject: Lubrication
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2013 at 3:42pm
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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 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Replies:
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2013 at 4:01pm
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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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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 4:42pm
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I've always used white lithium grease ( http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/3/AutoFluidsChemicals/LubricantsPenetrants/PRD~0381563P/3-in-1+Professional+White+Lithium+Grease.jsp?locale=en - 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 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 5:51pm
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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) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 6:37pm
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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 Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2013 at 7:50pm
303 Aerospace Protectant ( http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Paddling/RepairMaintenance/PRD~4015-217/303-uv-protectant.jsp - 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 ( http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/TireWheelCare/PRD~0392900P/Meguiars+Tire+Foam.jsp?locale=en - link ) every 2-3 weeks on the trailer tires. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2013 at 12:05pm
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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. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2013 at 4:13pm
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 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2013 at 5:53pm
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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 |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2013 at 2:00pm
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Try looking at boating/marine stores for 303. They are generally the best way to find it locally.
------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2013 at 5:50pm
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303 Protectand is available on Amazon, too. It's good stuff. It's a lot more expensive than Armor All, but I've had much better luck with 303. It seems to do a lot better job over time. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2013 at 8:09pm
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After reading your input on 303 I have ordered 32 oz. from Amazon. I've never heard of it before but quite a number of very impressive reviews. It says it can also be used on tires and our fiberglass shells. Looking forward to using it. Again, thanks for your suggestions. The weather here in Portland is slowly warming and drying. Our first scheduled trip is the end of April to the Gold Beach area, if any are familiar. Then for a full summer of camping trips. Have reviewed Techntreks check list for dewinterizing. Am soo ready to start it. But, I think to be prudent, I will wait another couple of weeks. I did find my smoke detector in the Pod beeping once every 42 seconds or so. Have replaced the battery twice with new batteries which both tested "good." I did look thru my 3 ring binder with all of the brochures on all the appliances installed in the Pod. Did find the instructions for the smoke detector. Seems the detector has a 10 year warranty. So will be contacting the manufacturer tomorrow to see about a replacement. The brochure specifically mentions not to take it back to the dealer. Will report in tomorrow what the final result is. (We're so ready to go camping.) Hope to see you in Seaside in August. 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 |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2013 at 2:26pm
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Camper Bob and others new to 303: It's a quality product, but you need to be a little careful when you apply it. Make sure you don't apply it in direct sunlight or when it's very cold out. Applied in sun, it will tend to streak and necessitate a reapplication. When cold, it doesn't penetrate and dry well. P/S Bob, my Gorilla Nuts are holding up and working well. Thanks. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2013 at 3:29pm
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Thanks for the heads up. I ordered a 32oz. refill of 303 from Amazon. With shipping about $18. Seems that the smoke detector is ok but the unit next to it was beeping. Changed its battery and now all quiet on the western front. Gonna start checking inventory on the Pod today. Paper towels, tp, etc. Very anxious to head out. My Gorilla's are also holding up nicely. I did, prior to taking delivery last year of our Pod, did also purchase a torque wrench for the first time in my life. I religiously tighten the bolts prior to each trip. Great peace of mind. 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 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2013 at 4:48pm
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Not sure if I have this on the dewinterization checklist, but I always take the batteries out of the smoke detector and CO2 detector when I winterize. I leave the smoke detector dangling open to remind me to put the batteries back in, in the spring. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2013 at 8:11pm
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After re-reviewing your instructions, you did mention the batteries being removed for the winter months. Did not do that. But now all is well. Can we expect you in August in Seaside? 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 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2013 at 9:36pm
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Seaside?
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2013 at 9:11am
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Yea. Our August roundup in Seaside, Oregon. C'mon out and join us. Going to be a party!! I have contacted FROG and we are awaiting confirmation from the campground. If they will set aside 15 spaces for August 15th to 18th, FROG will sponser our roundup and invite all Forest River products to join us. If they do FROG will also sponser a dinner for all. There is an Rpod maufacturing site about 120 miles from Seaside and we will try and get some factory reps to come out. That is still pending. In any event, make it your big trip for the summer. For all you locals, hope to see you there too. 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 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2013 at 8:34pm
We'll be doing all of the southern US for most of July so Oregon in August would require winning the lottery well before then.  ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2013 at 10:11pm
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After following the excellent de-winterization guide that has been so expertly prepared by TechnTrek, we are now ready for the camping season. I did use the lithium spray on the steps, door hinges, leveler jacks and all are operating as smoothly as anyone could want. Those balky steps now undo very easily. I am awaiting a little warmer weather to apply the 303 to the door gasket and possibly the tires. Amazing stuff. We are headed out in a little more than 3 weeks for our maiden voyage for 2013. Thereafter have made reservations at other locations for a total of 5 more trips thru August. Sept. is still open. For all of you who are still battling the winter elements, I commiserate with you and can safely say, Spring will arrive, soon. In any event, all have a wonderful camping season and I hope to meet lots of you in Seaside in August. I have also begun the search for our next tow vehicle. I was initally looking into something with a 3500 lb towing capacity, but after reading some of the many comments on T/V have decided to up the ante. Looked at the Honda Pilot today with 4WD and its towing capacity with its V6 is 4500 lbs. Gives us a little more margin for towing up the mountains. Probably wait for the 2014's before trading in our Tahoe which will be sorely missed. Till then, 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 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2013 at 5:01pm
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With your Tahoe already in your back pocket, if you are looking at getting a smaller vehicle for day-to-day use, what about keeping the Tahoe for towing and getting a mid-size car for the rest?
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2013 at 7:07pm
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With both of us being retired, no need for a second vehicle. Plus the expense of maintenance and insurance make it truly unnecessary. I did go to a local Honda dealer yesterday and sat in one. Big enough cabin on the drivers side to be comfortable. A new Tahoe approaches $55K and at our stage of life, not necessary. The Honda Pilot seems to fit all our needs and fully eqipped is about $20K less and has gotten great reviews. With a tow capability of 4500 lbs. should be very adequate. Of course nothing like a Suburban, but not necessary either. Just the two of us. We'll see. 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 |