Hair spray is a good lubricant for sliding on the tubing. When it dries it
becomes like an adhesive.

Another suggestion would be to cut the rubber tubing into about 6" lengths,
which you push on one at a time, butting them end-to-end. If this is the
drive system for a tumbler, it shouldn't matter that there are seams. Short
lengths can be pushed easily, but don't try pulling--that makes the diameter
smaller and the tubing grips like a Chinese finger trap.