There are a lot of different types of lubricants available, but I created this list to try to sort out which lubricants should be used in the various parts of your RV.
White Lithium Grease: When you have metal-to-metal contact, consider white lithium grease. Excellent metal-to-metal lubricant, product may attract dirt; not for use where appearance is important, will not wash out, melt or freeze. It’s a great option for someone looking for a hitch ball lubricant to prevent their hitch ball from getting rusty.
Lithium Grease: The main difference between white lithium and lithium grease is their appearance. White lithium grease sprays do not run, which makes them more controlled and less messy than regular lithium grease. Generally recommended on hitch balls.
Dry Graphite Lubricant: It’s recommended that you use a dry graphite lubricant like CRC Dry Graphite Lube so that you can prevent dirt from sticking to the hitch. One of the biggest concerns opponents of trailer hitch grease have is that it can attract dirt. However, if you use a dry graphite lubricant it will keep dirt away while still maintaining your trailer hitch ball.
Dielectric Grease: Dielectric grease is used to keep moisture out of the electrical connections on your wiring and to inhibit corrosion. Dielectric grease is a lubricant composed of petroleum grease with an added thickener.
Silicone Lubricant: Silicone lubricant is the perfect lubricant for rubber surfaces, but it is also extremely versatile, so it can be used on most other materials, including metal, plastic (except polycarbonate and polystyrene), wood, and even painted materials. Repels water, stops rust, and drives away moisture, great for sliding parts, odorless, will not attract dirt or dust, provides an invisible layer of lube. It is generally recommended for rubber seals and window slides.
BOESHIELD T-9: This product was listed on multiple YouTube RV lubrication videos. T-9’s unique formulation of solvent carrier and paraffin wax coating was engineered to penetrate crevices deeply, displace moisture, dissolve minor corrosion, and leave a clean, waxy coating with lasting durability – without using Teflon, silicone, fluorocarbons, MEK, or acetone. It does not leave a sticky film. Excess should be wiped off immediately. Generally used on moving metal such as hinges and locks.
Silicone Lubricant with PTFE: PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene and it can maintain its lubricating properties at extreme pressures and high temperatures. It is designed to reduce friction and wear on heavy-load and pressure equipment such as power tools, axels, and chains. Many manufacturers and YouTubers recommend this on the slide mechanisms.
| Type of Lubricant | Possible Products | Where Used |
|---|---|---|
| White Lithium Grease | CRC White Lithium Grease | – Trailer Balls |
| Dry Graphite Spray | CRC Dry Graphite Lubricant | – Trailer Balls |
| Dielectric Grease | CRC Dielectric Grease | – Battery Terminals – 7-pin connectors – Electric plugs (especially outdoor plugs) |
| Silicone Spray | CRC Heavy Duty Silicone | Seals – Window seals – Slide-out seals |
| Silicone Spray or Boeshield T-9 | CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Boeshield T-9 | Tracks – Slide window tracks – Sliding door tracks – Drawer runners Locks – Door lock cylinders – Hatch lock cylinders Hinges – Metal hinges (doors, cabinets) – Stair hinges – Stabilizer jacks – Door latches – Awning Hinges |
| Silicone Spray w/ PTFE | 3-IN-ONE® RVcare Slide-Out Silicone Lube CRC Power Lube High Performance Lubricant w/ PTFE | – Slide Out Mechanisms |
| Silicone Lube Grease | Vaseline Thetford RV Toilet Seal Lube and Conditioner | – Toilet Seal |