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truck box-how to keep condensation from forming

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I know its a not really a Dodge issue. But my tools are rusting in my truck box. I never used one before going full time in my RV and now I need to stop the box from forming condensation inside. Should I drill some holes for air exchange ? I worry water from rain will find its way in and there still wont be enough air exchange to keep the condensation down. I think the black box was also a mistake because it heats up faster in the morning sun when all is still cold from temp drops at night. I also considered tearing out part of the lid seal to help air exchange. Anyone have issues or solutions for this ?:confused:
 
I would line all the inside toolbox w/ that thin foam for tool boxes... the liner can also be bought in rolls at Home Depot. Get rubber contact cement and paint outline and criss/cross on interior flat surfaces. I would drill a small hole and put mesh screen over. Also cushions rattles. You can also buy aerosol canned bed liner and spray interior surfaces.



Let us know what you do and how it turns out



Wiredawg
 
My canopy came with an 1/8 felt liner glued in it and I have a rubber bed mat on the floor and have no moisture problem at all and I live on the Oregon coast.
 
Dmorris,



You don’t need to drill holes for air exchange. Air exchange is creating the problem in the first place.



You are right in assuming that the black color is aggravating the situation. During the day, the toolbox heats up. The air inside expands and forces its way out of the box. At night, the toolbox cools down and the air inside contracts, sucking in fresh air.



The air that’s leaving during the day has had its moisture condensed out the previous night and the fresh air that’s entering the box at night contains a full compliment of humidity. As that fresh air cools, you get the liquid water inside the toolbox again. This will happen every night as long as the temperature fluctuations and humidity are sufficient to create the condition.



This is also how fuel and other tanks get moisture building up inside them over time.



For what it’s worth, you are probably also getting condensation inside your doors and other body panels at the same time.



The best solution is to park the truck in a garage. Since you are full-timing with an RV, that’s probably not going to happen. The next best thing is to park under a carport or other cover to prevent the daytime radiant heating and nighttime radiant cooling. If that is not an option either, you should at least throw a tarp or other cover over the box whenever the truck is parked. During the day, it will help prevent too much of the dryer air from being forced out of the toolbox, and during the night it will help prevent the toolbox from getting even colder than it does now.



Another solution would be to provide some sort of heat inside the toolbox during the night. This will prevent the air from cooling to the dew point, which is the temperature at which you start getting the condensation. You could use something as simple as a lightbulb or a VERY SMALL heat source. Be careful not to choose something that may produce enough heat to start a fire. And be sure you unplug it before you drive the truck away.



Best of luck,

– Loren
 
i really like the idea of spraying bed liner on the inside. the ones sprayed on by the companies are fairly thick which would give some insulating properties, but would also make the box heavier if thats an issue.

\one of my friends puts in a bag of that stuff from the hardware store that people hang in thier basments or rvs for the winter. I believe its a type of silocone that absorbs moisture to help keep his tools from rusting. I dont know how effective it is but I'll try to track him down and find out.
 
Loren is correct here: Another solution would be to provide some sort of heat inside the toolbox during the night. This will prevent the air from cooling to the dew point, which is the temperature at which you start getting the condensation. You could use something as simple as a lightbulb or a VERY SMALL heat source. Be careful not to choose something that may produce enough heat to start a fire. And be sure you unplug it before you drive the truck away.
 
Use silica pellets/gel packs. Silica "absorbs" water with a great affinity--so much so that it can "dehumidify" the air in an enclosed space. The pellets have immense surface area.



For an example go to: Silica Gel Desiccant Dehumidifiers - Eliminate Moisture! - SilicaGelPackets.com



I use silica packets in my gun cases too.



A do-it-yourself way would be to get a tin/aluminum can with a screw top (or unused quart paint can) and fill it with cat litter----NOT just regular cat litter, but the one with CRYSTALS (ie. ExquisiCat or Dr. Elsey's Litter)---Buy the smallest amount you can--you may have to drop by a pet store. The crystals are silica material for moisture/urine/odor control.



Drill small holes throughout the can (smaller than the granules of litter crystals) and fill the can. You now have a home-made dehumidifier. Change the pellets every 4-6 months--depending on local weather.



Cheers.
 
I have tne 90 gal. inbed tank with tool box on top, when I first installed I was getting some moisture inside. Tool box is strip welded to top of tank, i sealed the places where it was not welded and no more moisture. bg
 
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