All of my (unlocked) sliding windows are almost impossible to open. After opening them a little I have to also open the screen and then try to push the window open on its open side with all my strength.
I just tried to open the back window on the passenger side and managed not more than a third. When I closed the window again a little I could see that the window is apparently scraping something away from the track - in the attached photo you can see where the scrape ends. It is as if the window is a little big too large, and as if the windows have never been opened. This window is the most difficult to open. I don't know whether I scraped something of the other tracks but all windows are difficult to move.
Is this a common problem, or is there something that I can do to make the windows open easier?
When we bought ours the tracks needed a good cleaning, then I put a coat of furniture polish (Lemon Pledge) on the track. That helped us get them sliding better. Due for the Pledge treatment again.
"....is there something that I can do to make the windows open easier?"
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Yes. Clean the tracks well first; vacuum them, then scrub the track with white vinegar on a shop towel (paper or fabric) or a rag. If your tracks are really dirty, use an old toothbrush first (and the vinegar) to get most of the build-up off. When the tracks are dry, you spray the tracks lightly with silicone spray; be sure to use the little "straw" (that comes on most containers) and carefully apply the silicone to just the track. Avoid getting the silicone spray on the "fuzzy" sides of the track; silicone will loosen the adhesive on the fuzzy tape!
While you're at it, you might want to clean out the weep holes on the outside window frames; if you have a compressor, blast any crud out of the holes/channels. Otherwise, craft sticks (cheap and sold in several widths in any craft store) or popsicle sticks work very well.
"... blast any crud out of the holes/channels..."
Everything Joan said is spot on! An item I've found handy is a can of compressed air such as that used to get the dust out of the cracks and crannies of a computer keyboard. One such is called "Dust-Off" sold at Fry's or Staples. ;)
Thanks for the tips. The tracks appear to be very clean. I will clean them; there is no dirt in them. I will clean them anyway and then put some silicone spray onto them. I suppose “dry” silicone spray is the stuff to use here - correct? See here: Amazon.com: 3M 08897 Silicone Lubricant (Dry Type) - 8.5 oz.: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/08897-Silicone-Lubricant-Dry-Type/dp/B000PJED72).
"..."dry" silicone spray is the stuff to use here...."
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Yes.
Once the tracks have been cleaned and blown out, I spray them with Mclube Sailkote
SailKote Marine Dry Lubricant & Coating for Sails, Rigging, Deck Hardware... (https://www.mclubemarine.com/sailkote/)
MCLUBE SailKote High-Performance Dry Lubricant, 8 oz. | West Marine (https://www.westmarine.com/buy/mclube--sailkote-high-performance-dry-lubricant-8-oz--17757741)
It's the longest lasting dry spray lubricant I have found, originally suggested by Bill Atkins, an old member here.
Larry
Well, another thing to add to my shopping list! ;) Thanks for the reference, Larry!
I wonder if it might work on the tow-bar arms.
I wonder if it might work on the tow-bar arms.
Sure, as long as you clean the arms of grease and dirt.
The SailKote is pricey, I used a inexpensive dry lube on the tow bar arms, since they are lubed often..
Liquid Wrench Dry Lubricant | 210658 | Pep Boys (https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/210658/00975)
Works better than silicone, which attracts dirt.
Any lube is better than no lube, as long as the arms are kept clean. Dirt damages the tow bars slide bushings.
Larry