6 Best Waterproof Greases For RV Suspension Nomads Swear By
Protect your RV’s suspension from water and wear. Discover the 6 best waterproof greases that seasoned nomads trust for all-weather reliability.
You’re pulling out of a campsite after a surprise downpour, and every bump and turn is met with a chorus of groans and squeaks from beneath your rig. That sound isn’t just annoying; it’s the cry of metal-on-metal friction from a suspension system begging for lubrication. For nomads who push their homes-on-wheels through all kinds of weather, the right waterproof grease isn’t a luxury—it’s the first line of defense against costly, trip-ending failures.
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Why Waterproof Grease is a Must for RVs
Your RV’s suspension is constantly exposed to the elements. It’s not just about the occasional rainstorm; it’s about the relentless spray kicked up from wet highways, the morning dew that settles on everything, and even that tempting creek crossing you navigated last week. All that moisture is determined to work its way into the critical pivot points of your suspension—the shackles, bushings, and equalizers.
When water gets in, it displaces the grease meant to protect those components. This leads to two major problems: rust and wear. Without a protective film of grease, metal parts grind directly against each other, accelerating wear and leading to that dreaded squeaking. Over time, this wear can cause suspension components to fail, which is a dangerous and expensive problem to have in the middle of nowhere.
This is where waterproof, or marine-grade, grease becomes non-negotiable. Unlike standard automotive grease, it’s specifically formulated with additives that help it resist "washout"—the process of water flushing it away. It creates a durable, water-repellent barrier that stays put, ensuring your suspension remains lubricated and protected even after driving for hours through a coastal storm or parking in a humid, boggy field. Choosing the right grease is preventative maintenance that pays for itself many times over.
Lucas Oil Marine Grease: All-Purpose Champ
If you ask ten different RVers what grease they use, at least half will probably say "the blue stuff." They’re talking about Lucas Oil Marine Grease. It has a legendary reputation for a reason: it’s incredibly tacky and tenacious, meaning it sticks to metal surfaces like glue and refuses to be washed away. This makes it a fantastic all-around choice for the varied conditions nomads face.
Its distinctive blue color is more than just branding; it’s a practical feature. When you’re pumping new grease into a zerk fitting, you can easily see when the old, dirty grease is purged and the fresh blue Lucas grease starts to appear. This simple visual cue helps prevent over-greasing and ensures you’ve fully lubricated the joint. For general-purpose use on spring shackles, wet bolts, and stabilizer jacks, it’s a reliable workhorse that won’t let you down.
Sta-Lube Marine Grease for Heavy-Duty Use
For those with heavier rigs—think big fifth wheels or toy haulers—the demands on the suspension are significantly greater. This is where a heavy-duty grease like Sta-Lube Marine Grease shines. Its secret weapon is a calcium sulfonate base, which provides exceptional performance under extreme pressure and heavy loads. It’s built to handle the immense forces exerted on suspension components when a 15,000-pound rig hits a pothole.
This grease offers superior corrosion protection, which is a huge benefit if you spend time near the coast where salt air is a constant threat. The tradeoff is that it can be a bit thicker and sometimes more expensive than other options. But for heavy-duty applications, that extra protection is worth it. Think of it as cheap insurance for your rig’s most stressed components. It provides peace of mind that your suspension is protected, no matter how much weight you’re carrying.
Valvoline Marine Grease: Trusted Protection
Quicksilver 2-4-C Marine Grease with Teflon provides superior lubrication and resists breakdown in wet conditions. This versatile, lithium-based grease protects steering cables, bearings, and other components from friction and wear.
Sometimes, you just want a product from a brand you know and trust, and Valvoline fits that bill perfectly. Their Marine Grease is a high-quality, lithium-complex-based formula that does exactly what it promises: protect against water, rust, and wear. It doesn’t have the cult following of Lucas or the extreme-pressure specs of Sta-Lube, but it’s a solid, dependable performer.
This grease provides excellent water washout resistance and holds up well in both fresh and saltwater environments. It’s a great middle-of-the-road option that balances performance and cost effectively. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, get-the-job-done grease from a reputable manufacturer, Valvoline is a choice you can make with confidence. It’s often readily available at auto parts stores, making it easy to find when you’re on the road.
Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease: Premium Performance
If you’re a full-timer who puts serious miles on your rig or travels through extreme temperature swings, Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease is worth a hard look. As a fully synthetic grease, it offers a level of performance that conventional greases can’t match. Its primary advantage is its incredible temperature stability. It won’t thin out and run in scorching desert heat, nor will it thicken and stiffen up in freezing mountain cold.
This consistency ensures your suspension components are properly lubricated whether you’re in Arizona in July or Montana in January. Synthetics also tend to have a longer service life, meaning you might be able to extend the intervals between greasing. This is a real benefit for those who prefer to spend more time exploring and less time on maintenance.
The main consideration here is cost. Mobil 1 is a premium product with a premium price tag. But if you view maintenance as an investment in your rig’s longevity and your own safety, the superior protection and extended performance can easily justify the higher upfront cost. It’s for the RVer who wants the absolute best protection available.
Star Brite Grease with PTFE for Smooth Travel
Star Brite’s Marine Grease with PTFE offers a unique advantage for specific applications. PTFE, more commonly known by the brand name Teflon, is a super-slick additive that dramatically reduces friction. This makes it an excellent choice for components that experience a lot of pivoting and movement, like the wet bolts in an upgraded suspension system.
By minimizing friction, this grease helps ensure smoother suspension travel, which can translate to a better ride quality. The reduced friction also means less wear and tear on your bushings and bolts over the long haul. While any quality marine grease will do the job, the added lubricity of PTFE can provide that extra bit of performance and longevity, especially for rigs that see a lot of miles on rough roads. It’s a specialty choice that delivers a noticeable benefit.
CRC Marine Grease: A Reliable, Solid Choice
CRC is another one of those trusted names you see in every workshop and garage. Their Marine Grease is a high-performance lithium complex formula that provides a fantastic balance of features. It’s highly water-resistant, offers excellent corrosion protection, and has a good temperature operating range suitable for most RV travel scenarios.
Think of CRC as a direct competitor to Valvoline—a reliable, widely available, and cost-effective solution. It doesn’t necessarily stand out in one specific area, but it performs well across the board. For the average RVer who needs a dependable grease for routine maintenance, CRC is a workhorse that delivers consistent results without breaking the bank. It’s a smart, practical choice for keeping your suspension in top shape.
Applying Grease to Your RV Suspension System
Knowing which grease to buy is only half the battle; applying it correctly is what truly matters. Your first task is to locate all the grease fittings, commonly called "zerks," on your suspension. You’ll typically find them on the spring shackles and equalizers. If you have an upgraded wet bolt kit, each shackle bolt will have one.
Before you attach your grease gun, always wipe the zerk fitting clean with a rag. This prevents you from forcing dirt and grit directly into the joint, which defeats the whole purpose of greasing. Once clean, firmly attach the coupler of your grease gun to the zerk. It should snap on securely.
Start pumping the grease gun slowly and steadily. Watch the area around the bushing or joint. Your goal is to pump until you see a small amount of fresh grease begin to seep out from the edges of the joint. This indicates that the old, dirty grease has been pushed out and the joint is now full of fresh lubricant.
Be careful not to overdo it. Pumping with excessive force or continuing to pump long after fresh grease appears can blow out the seals. Once you see fresh grease, stop, remove the grease gun coupler, and wipe away any excess. Repeat this process for every zerk fitting, and you’ll be rewarded with a quiet, smooth, and protected suspension system.
Ultimately, the best grease is the one you actually use. Don’t get paralyzed by choice; pick any of these quality options, get a good grease gun, and make suspension maintenance a regular part of your RVing routine. A few dollars and thirty minutes of your time every few thousand miles will save you from major headaches and keep you rolling safely toward your next adventure.
