RAM Trucks Hood Insulation Pad

[MJWenrich]

I have two of the diesel trucks and live in a foothill area. I am having trouble with squirrels under the hoods of both but night before last, one chewed up the insulation pad on the 2004 and I now have an anti freeze leak dripping down the inner fender. Probably chewed through a supply line to the radiator but I will have to remove the inner fender panel to see where the leak is located. Would anyone know where we might purchas a pad other than the dealer? I tried Rock Auto and they show a generic pad for cars.

The little Bas**** has also been chewing on the wiring. So far drier sheets are not working and I don't have moth balls....yet. Bought a squirrel trap yesterday but nothing this morning. I imagine at some point I will be needing a pad for the 2014 so figured I would post here in case others are in need.

Mike

 

[jelag]

I use either d-con - mouse bait blocks or Tom Cat mouse killer... these blocks have a hole in the center(2x4x5")... I have a block of wood with a wood screw that's 4" long screwed through the block (6-8 of these)... and push the bait blocks onto the screw.(2 blocks on each screw)... leave them around where I park my truck and 5er.... let the little buggers go after it... they seem to like the bait blocks better than the insulation and the inside of the basement of the RV.... when you first put it out... you'll use a lot.. check daily... as you kill them off... the usage will fall off... . I buy the stuff by the bucket on amazon-prime.... I also take these with me when I travel in the 5er.... and place them out when I camp..... of course they will get mice, rats, as well as your squirrel problem..

I'd chase down the part number for the factory insulation and see if a google search turns up a supplier who is 50% less than the dealer.. I've found all kinds of factory parts discounted that were new....

let us know what you find..

 

[MJWenrich]

Good info and thank you. I pulled the pad down yesterday and found that the critter was using the padding in the middle for the nest. That along with some of the firewall insulation. He left me some acorns though. Then I went after the leak. Turns out the windshield wiper fluid supply line had three bites thru it. Would not think that tastes good to them. I had to pull the inner fender panel and air filter box to get to the line where it was leaking. Replaced a one foot length and added a plastic link. The battery box was the hardest part. Especially getting it back in place. Has a couple position tits that go rubber grommets. Had to lube them to get them back in place and it's a really tight fit so the box goes in at an angle rather than straight down. Really a pain.

 

[Stab]

A good pellet gun is fun.....

 

[seafish]

I have read that if possible leaving the hood OPEN during the night will discourage them from nesting in the engine compartment....obviosuly it no longer feels safe or protected to them. Where they go from there, though, is anyones guess...

 

[gsbrockman]

and I now have an anti freeze leak dripping down the inner fender. Probably chewed through a supply line to the radiator

Simply allow the little TURDS to continue to drink FREELY :-laf

 

[MJWenrich]

I was hoping for that. Turns out it was windshield washer fluid but I have not seen the critter since so maybe that stuff will also do the trick.