Assuming your catches are typical plastic type found on most vans. One of the problems with trying to lubricate 'plastic' is that you can rarely be sure exactly which plastic has been used in components and assemblies, and often there is a mix of different materials in an assembly. The crux of the problem is that different types of plastic have very different resistance to chemicals, some of them being very susceptible to damage indeed, so you have to choose carefully which lubricant you use. Most lubricants are a cocktail of chemicals, especially aerosols which have solvents and carriers and propellants to give them their characteristics.
Caravan windows themselves are generally made from Acrylic, which is not the best in chemical resistance, so whilst it may not be the target of any lubricant, you have to consider over-spray from aerosols on application, as well as longer term leakage and creepage from any targeted catch! The catches themselves are anyone's guess, but more than likely something like Polyamide (Nylon) which is pretty good.
I'd err on the side of caution and go for something that specifically claims safe for use on plastics. Use the minimum, clean off any excess ASAP, and shield the windows from over-spray during application. Something like this should be OK, available from many outlets like Screwfix etc.: https://wd40.co.uk/product/high-performance-silicone-lubricant/ . It's particular good in that it's a 'dry' lubricant, in as much as once the initial solvent/carrier fluid has dried off, the residual lubricant is dry and tends not to seep/creep out from target catch. You could also consider the 'Seal Lubricant' from Thetford for lubricating the seals on their toilets.
Bet the OP wasnt expecting that dissertation. I use silicone grease - as i have round the window seals as well. This is the sort of stuff used on taps and rubber washers etc, and does a good job.
Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 04/4/2022
Bet the OP wasnt expecting that dissertation. I use silicone grease - as i have round the window seals as well. This is the sort of stuff used on taps and rubber washers etc, and does a good job.
Trouble is if you use the wrong lubricant and it buggers your windows, your looking at big bills, if it damages your catches you've got an insecure van that you probably can't even tow without risking loosing a window, so it always seems best to explain WHY a recommendation is made.
..... and probably far too many years explaining things to people at a professional level, often picking up the pieces of their cock ups, so the OTT levels run high!
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Topic: Stiff window catches
via mobile 04/4/2022 at 12:35pm
