If you want smooth RVing, you have to oil things

There is an old adage that says that if it moves and it's not supposed to you put Duct Tape on it and if it is supposed to move and it doesn't, you put WD-40 on it.

Believe it or not, there's something better than Duct Tape. It's Gorilla Tape. When it comes to Duct Tape, I've found that Gorilla Tape is stronger and better. It's just a new and stronger version of Duct Tape in my opinion.

To prevent the need for the WD-40, spray silicon lubricant on everything that moves, at least once a month. Start with all of the hinges inside and out.

You will probably remember to oil hinges, but make sure you get all of them. There are hinges on all of the cabinet doors inside the RV, but don't forget to spray the hinges on the outside storage bins. They take a beating with all of the rain and wind. And of course, be sure to oil the hinges on the entrance door and the screen door.

Another thing that you need to spray silicon oil often is the struts (like the one shown below) that keep the overhead cabinet doors up when you open them. Don't forget the ones outside.

Almost everything you buy for an RV is expensive, but here is one thing that was surprisingly inexpensive. You can get a pair of replacement struts from Amazon for $8 to $10 depending on which supplier you buy them from. Here's the link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VAT8KE

I had a hard time finding these because I forgot what they are called. They are struts just like the ones that hold the hood of your car open--except shorter, of course.

Here's a partial list of some of the things you might forget to oil:

• TV antenna gears -- This makes it so much easier to crank up and down.
  
• Steps -- If you don't oil these frequently, they will start sticking and not go all the way in or all the way out.
  
• Leveling jacks -- These are expensive to replace, so crawl under your RV and spray all sides of the shiny cylinder at least once a month.
  
• Slide gears -- If you don't keep these oiled, they will stick or put a heavy load on your motor. Slide motors are expensive to replace.
  
• And of course, grease the chassis when you change the oil.
  
• Handles on the storage bins.
  
• Entrance door latch and handle.
  
• Recliner -- An occasional spray of silicon will keep it operating smooth and quiet. Put a piece of cardboard under your recliner overnight, so any excess oil won't end up on your carpet.
  
• Driver's seat and the co-pilot's seat-- including all of the cables and controls.
  
• I'm sure you will find other things that you can spray. Go for it.

Bottom line: Yes, I carry WD-40 with me, but I normally don't need it as long as I keep things moving freely in the first place by spraying everything, regularly with silicon spray. And by spraying everything I don't have to listen to squeaks either.