Condensation Mitigation
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Senior User
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Condensation Mitigation
'94/5 Lance 3000 extended overcab TC.
There is a piece of aluminum between the two interior roof panels just above the beginning of the overcab area.
I've noticed water drips along this piece of aluminum. I suspect that it isn't leak though the roof as I'v sealed up every opening on the roof.
If it is just condensation, any ideas how to prevent it from continuing to form and drip onto the bed?
I live in the dry California foothills, so don't have much experience with condensation mitigation.
There is a piece of aluminum between the two interior roof panels just above the beginning of the overcab area.
I've noticed water drips along this piece of aluminum. I suspect that it isn't leak though the roof as I'v sealed up every opening on the roof.
If it is just condensation, any ideas how to prevent it from continuing to form and drip onto the bed?
I live in the dry California foothills, so don't have much experience with condensation mitigation.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
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If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck . . .
Definitely not disputing whether the water is condensation, and at the same time skeptical that it is not a leak. Water can travel quite a distance prior to appearing.
And if it is truly condensation, where is the gap that is introducing the moist air? (Open window(s) or vent?) Find that hole and report results from sealing it.
Definitely not disputing whether the water is condensation, and at the same time skeptical that it is not a leak. Water can travel quite a distance prior to appearing.
And if it is truly condensation, where is the gap that is introducing the moist air? (Open window(s) or vent?) Find that hole and report results from sealing it.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
years ago my grandfather was battling the same problem in his class A.
could figure out how condensation was getting up above the headliner until he pulled the headliner out and saw thousands of pin holes in the outer aluminum skin. a bad product of galvanic corrosion was the culprit in this case. they were too small to see from the outside, but you could see the daylight through them from the inside.
his fix was a new headliner, a few yards of rayon from the fabric store, and a few gallons of fiberglas resin from the body shop. he sealed the roof with fiberglas and called it done.
just some food for thought and something to check out.
could figure out how condensation was getting up above the headliner until he pulled the headliner out and saw thousands of pin holes in the outer aluminum skin. a bad product of galvanic corrosion was the culprit in this case. they were too small to see from the outside, but you could see the daylight through them from the inside.
his fix was a new headliner, a few yards of rayon from the fabric store, and a few gallons of fiberglas resin from the body shop. he sealed the roof with fiberglas and called it done.
just some food for thought and something to check out.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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Condensation would be caused by warm air hitting a cool surface. If cooler temps are what's causing it you could fabricate something with insulation and a vapor barrier. The foil bubblewrap insulation adhered to the metal with spray adhesive can help with this. Then maybe some thin closed cell foam board. Reducing the humidity inside could help as well, perhaps some rechargeable dehumidifiers.
Of course this is all assuming that the moisture is from condensation and not a leak,
Of course this is all assuming that the moisture is from condensation and not a leak,
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After checking during a warmer rain storm, it appears that condensation is the problem, not a leak (whew). I think I'll apply something to the aluminum strip to prevent the rapid temperature change that leads to condensation. Thanks for the suggestions.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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You can also look at dehumidifier options as well. I have been looking at options for my van since winter camping causes a lot of condensation, especially if I use my Mr Buddy heater at all. I have a coworker that is building a camper out of a Dodge Sprinter cargo van. During winter camping he runs a dehumidifier. He had solar and a battery bank that allows him to do this. He also has a lot more exposed metal to worry about. Most of my condensation is window related since I have a lot of barriers between the cab and exterior metal.
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