Slide seal

[racefan]

2018 Freedom Elite 24FE. The seals at the front and rear of the slide have these gaps. You can see light inside when I shine a flashlight from the outside. I need to seal the gaps to keep bugs and mice out. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Chateau_Nomad]

A couple questions... did you buy this new? If so, have you kept the rubber seals treated with a protectant/conditioner?

I can't tell whether the side seal is rolled under by your pic. But if the rubber isn't kept treated, it becomes brittle and can even crack/split from UV exposure.

[ducksface]

Slather that corner of the slide with a deep layer of silicone caulk.
Put saran wrap over wet caulk.
Spray seals with silicone spray.
Open slide.
Leave Open until dry.
Silicone spray and saran Will work as a release.
Silicone caulk will conform exactly to seal.

(I've owned a lot of convertible cars)

[racefan]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

A couple questions... did you buy this new? If so, have you kept the rubber seals treated with a protectant/conditioner?

I can't tell whether the side seal is rolled under by your pic. But if the rubber isn't kept treated, it becomes brittle and can even crack/split from UV exposure.

No we didn’t buy it new (1290 miles on it when we bought it) the seals are soft and pliable.

[racefan]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Slather that corner of the slide with a deep layer of silicone caulk.
Put saran wrap over wet caulk.
Spray seals with silicone spray.
Open slide.
Leave Open until dry.
Silicone spray and saran Will work as a release.
Silicone caulk will conform exactly to seal.

(I've owned a lot of convertible cars)

If I understand, the caulk will permanently stay on the top corners of the slide and ride along until it meets the seal and fills the gap?

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by racefan

If I understand, the caulk will permanently stay on the top corners of the slide and ride along until it meets the seal and fills the gap?

Yes.
The seals will
Extrude
The wet silicone to the exact shape it needs to fill its gaps.

On a convertible car:
Put top down.
Slather silicone
Cover with saran wrap
Close top
Allow silicone to cure completely
Latch top
Now the a arm gaskets meet the top exactly.
Trim sprue/overflow until it's pretty.

[JimOIB]

I have a 2017 FW 24F. Just opened my slide and took this picture as a reference for you. I spray with silicone spray twice a year. It looks like where your two seals meet is the issue. Maybe the vertical one is a bit too long?

[racefan]

I’m learning about slides and seals🤣 I took a pic from inside, the bulb seal is a couple inches short on each end. Quality build at its finest, like I was told once “if you want high quality you have to add a couple more zero’s to the purchase price”🤔