Underseat Drawer Condensation

JuanVecino2023

JuanVecino2023

VIP Member
Messages
1,095
Location
Minchinhampton
Vehicle
T6.1 Ocean 150
Has anyone experienced excessive condensation in the underseat drawer?

I haven’t used the drawer in a month or two and the van hasn’t been driven much lately.

I got something out today and there was lots of moisture on all the contents.

Nothing has been put away wet in the drawer.

I appreciate it’s a cold spot, so likely area for condensation.

Just wondering of anyone else had experienced this?
 
No, I haven't.
Are you sure no one wet him/herself on the rear bench?

Yes, it is a colder place, and because of the full metal, may cause some condensation, but I never experienced anything there getting wet, or even moist.

Was there anything in what contained water, or wasn't fully dry?
 
Nothing wet goes in at all - everything in there is hard surface materials eg pegs, plastic stools, mallets that sort of thing.

There was condensation on the metal edge of the drawer which made sense, but not the surface film of water over everything in there.
 
I’ve started to realise it’s not a good idea to leave cloth and bedding in the van. We have waterproofs and a fleece or two in the wardrobe. I had a gillet in the rear cupboard and felt it got damp. I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the drawer, just a bad idea to store stuff in the van.
 
Lambeth Cali said:
I’ve started to realise it’s not a good idea to leave cloth and bedding in the van. We have waterproofs and a fleece or two in the wardrobe. I had a gillet in the rear cupboard and felt it got damp. I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the drawer, just a bad idea to store stuff in the van.
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I tend to agree. After sleeping in it for a few nights with lower temps outside I'm surprised by how much condensation accumulates, and thats with one occupant. Double, triple the occupant count and add the dog and there are going to be consequences. I try to thoroughly aire the van in the morning to avoid an accumulation of moisture.
 
I use the Pingi sacks and have 2 permanently in the van. I think they are of limited benefit. Maybe useful for long term storage when the Cali is not being used. Does nothing for habitation condensation.
 
Corradobrit said:
…. Maybe useful for long term storage when the Cali is not being used.
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That was, I understand, the OP’s question. The Pingi’s certainly are not much good for habitation condensation: for that you need the auxiliary heater and lots of air changes.
 
acer said:
We use those too. I feel it helps with condensation on the windscreen. But never had a problem with condensation in the bench drawer or wardrobe though.
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Yes, I thought it was an odd one.

Especially given there are no soft finishes to absorb moisture - no carpets anywhere and waterproof seat covers.

Not been slept in since August and 90% just me pootling about on occasion since.

Anyhow, no biggie. Just odd.
 
JuanVecino2023 said:
Yes, I thought it was an odd one.

Especially given there are no soft finishes to absorb moisture - no carpets anywhere and waterproof seat covers.

Not been slept in since August and 90% just me pootling about on occasion since.

Anyhow, no biggie. Just odd.
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Might it just be above average nighttime humidity? I guess you could buy a few small hygrometers and leave in the vehicle and monitor things:

Loading…

www.amazon.co.uk
 
JuanVecino2023 said:
Nothing wet goes in at all - everything in there is hard surface materials eg pegs, plastic stools, mallets that sort of thing.

There was condensation on the metal edge of the drawer which made sense, but not the surface film of water over everything in there.
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strange, never had any issues with condensation in drawers or cupboards in our old Cali
 
larrylamb said:
strange, never had any issues with condensation in drawers or cupboards in our old Cali
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This was why I was intruiged. I am wondering if it’s related to leaky roof. Although that’s obviously down at the moment
 
JuanVecino2023 said:
This was why I was intruiged. I am wondering if it’s related to leaky roof. Although that’s obviously down at the moment
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if there's damp left in the van somewhere from your leak it could show itself as condensation in the coldest parts of the van but I wouldn't have thought the underseat drawer.
 
larrylamb said:
if there's damp left in the van somewhere from your leak it could show itself as condensation in the coldest parts of the van but I wouldn't have thought the underseat drawer.
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Aye. It surprised me indeed
 
JuanVecino2023 said:
Aye. It surprised me indeed
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I have some ruuvi sensors mounted in the van - they measure temp, movement and humidity. They aren’t cheap but high quality and satisfy my appetite for data! Might be worth looking at to monitor condensation build up in the van, especially if you plan to not use it for a while?

I have one in the fridge, one on the roof (for external temp) one by the water tank (to warn me if I need to empty it in low tempatures, it’s never happened!) and one inside the van.

IMG_1477.jpeg
 
I have exactly same problem. On my 2019 Cali. Never noticed this before. All metal sides of the middle under seat drawer was soaked. The warning sign was that the contents of drawer (I used it as a tin food storage area, whilst on a 4 month trip around Scotland) and the tins were wet! Since arriving home to Sussex, it hasn't stopped raining! But day/night temperatures are high 16-18. I think this contributed to high condensation levels. As van not driven for 3 weeks, I'll use it more regularly, with heater on, and window open.
 
If there is nothing wet left in the van then I would suggest that the most likely cause is water leaking in from the side window above the sink. This will drop down inside the van and cause local humidity. From the various threads it would seem that the side windows often leak if the seals are not carefully cleaned.
 
Go to the local "cheap shop" and buy a pack of moisture traps. Our beach used to use two a winter when parked up, it used to be given a run once a month.
 
Try lining the bottom of the underseat drawer with thin foam or similar (bit of old carpet would also work). This will insulate the draw better from the floor, which in my experience gets pretty cold overnight when the temperature drops.
 
A long shot perhaps but when you drive it is the air conditioning always on? That also helps to dry out the interior by delivering dry air through the vents.
We find silica gel bags are good to keep the moisture at bay, as well as cracking the front windows behind our silver screen at night when occupied. When the bags get heavier, leave out in warm sun or on a hot radiator to dry them out and pop them back.
Hope you sort it out - I’ve not read anyone else having this issue.
 
Baldrick said:
A long shot perhaps but when you drive it is the air conditioning always on? That also helps to dry out the interior by delivering dry air through the vents.
We find silica gel bags are good to keep the moisture at bay, as well as cracking the front windows behind our silver screen at night when occupied. When the bags get heavier, leave out in warm sun or on a hot radiator to dry them out and pop them back.
Hope you sort it out - I’ve not read anyone else having this issue.
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Good tip about air con, not had the van long and drying it as you travel home after a trip is worth doing. I have a caravan and always ventilate that by opening vents and internal cupboards and use a fan to help move the moisture laden air from people and pets. If it’s cold use a heater on low to help. Will check the drawer for condensation when in the van next.
 
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