[catalin]

Not sure where to post this but has anyone else noticed water inside the frame channels when reaching into these from the inside of the van?

Not sure if that makes sense but I have some pooling inside the vehicle. Can't be normal?

 

[alarmguy]

Could be from condensation. Where are you located?

 

[catalin]

I'm in Vancouver BC Canada.. there way about a 1/4" of water in there..it is my first van as well..

 

[alarmguy]

I'm practically in BC Mexico. Condensation is not an issue here.

 

[Ram3500']

1/4 inch of water is weird, have you contacted your dealer about this?

 

[keithwwalker]

These vehicles are spot welded with seam sealer, and then painted. Which frame channels are you referring to, top or bottom?

 

[catalin]

I'm referring to the bottom ones that extend just below the floor.

I will be going by the dealer sometime soon and will post the results.

 

[makevx73]

I'm referring to the bottom ones that extend just below the floor.

I will be going by the dealer sometime soon and will post the results.

Did you ever solve this issue?

 

[catalin]

Hmm I actually haven't checked for water in the rocker panels again. It's been raining a bit here and I should probably check. All that was done was some silicone around the cab lights.

 

[Domitype]

Do you have the rooftop marker lights? They are a known point of leaking in rain - there is supposed to be a recall in progress but I haven't seen any follow-up yet.

 

[seapro]

On many if not most new vans there is a plastic trim molding a few inches high along the outside low down. This is for appearance and protection from car doors being opened in parking lots. The trim is attached to plastic "clips" that are pushed through holes in the sheet metal. Rain runs down the body side behind the plastic trim strip and will come through into the van. Looking inside some vans when built actually have a waxy protective material applied just below each attachment clip hole after the interior in painted. The water is intended to drain into and collect in the "trough" at the bottom. This area has at least one drain hole usually at the back end. This hole must be kept open. Is the van normally parked outside on a slope with the drain hole up-hill? Not good! If you drill additional drain holes be sure to rust proof the metal.

 

[makevx73]

Hmm I actually haven't checked for water in the rocker panels again. It's been raining a bit here and I should probably check. All that was done was some silicone around the cab lights.

Not sure what you mean by "rocker panels"? I happened to take off the last plastic cover, the ones that run along the bottom of each sidewall, on the driver side. Was curious how much space was in there for wiring ect. Mine was a little damp which surprised me.

On many if not most new vans there is a plastic trim molding a few inches high along the outside low down. This is for appearance and protection from car doors being opened in parking lots. The trim is attached to plastic "clips" that are pushed through holes in the sheet metal. Rain runs down the body side behind the plastic trim strip and will come through into the van. Looking inside some vans when built actually have a waxy protective material applied just below each attachment clip hole after the interior in painted. The water is intended to drain into and collect in the "trough" at the bottom. This area has at least one drain hole usually at the back end. This hole must be kept open. Is the van normally parked outside on a slope with the drain hole up-hill? Not good! If you drill additional drain holes be sure to rust proof the metal.

Good thoughts here. I think that explains the dampness I found. I didn't have time to explore it further but will get back in there with a flashlite and mirror and look some more. I park slightly "nose-down" so your comment on additional drain holes may be important. Will post more when I figure something out...

 

[MsNomer]

I checked mine below the triangles. I found very slightly damp silt. Bear in mind that although the can is new to me, it was built October 2013 and sat on the dealer' slot for nearly a year.

As a result of this discussion, I have decided to maintain access to these triangles in my build.