Q. I have been trying to locate a lubricant for scissor jacks and the like. Most lubes will get really dirty and collect road grime and the like. Is there anything that will keep the jacks lubed for extended periods, without collecting all the dirt along the road?
— F.F.D., Kent, Washington
A. Almost any kind of oil-based lubricant on an exposed surface under an RV is going to attract dirt and crud. There are several types of “dry” Teflon-style lubricants on the market that apply wet, then the carrier dries and leaves a lubricating film on the surface. This film should provide less of an adhesive effect to attract dirt. Check your auto parts or hardware store, or an industrial supply house, for dry lube.
You might also try installing a sheet of aluminum or galvanized metal, cut larger than the outline of the collapsed jack when stored for travel, on the forward side of the jacks. This acts as a mud flap of sorts and, while it can’t keep drifting dust away, it does help keep dirt kicked up from the tires away from the jack threads.
— J.J.
Jeff Johnston, TL consulting editor, started RVing at age 6. During his more than 20 years as a writer/photographer, he has worked for Truckin’ and Four Wheeler magazines before joining TL’s technical staff in 1985. Johnston also has produced an award-winning travel video and TV commercials.
