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Are the rear cargo cover panels waterproof

A

AVnAZ

Full Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Messages
188
Location
Scottsdale,Arizona
Again thanks for all the great feedback.

Are the rear cargo panels, when in place, water proof in a heavy rain?

Thanks again in advance,
Mike
 
I had my AV for 25 months and no problems with the cargo boxes.
 
More like water resistant. It depends on how good the seals are mated and if your rain gutter is working.

I wonder what's going to happen after a few years when the rubber becomes hard and brittle. They'll probably leak like a sieve.
 
atomsite said:
I wonder what's going to happen after a few years when the rubber becomes hard and brittle. They'll probably leak like a sieve.
Click to expand...


(sarcastically)Thanks for the confidence in the AV ,.....


Probably true
 
If you use a Silicon grease on all the seals on the truck..Door seals as well as the covers it will keep them from ever getting dry rotted like that...I have done this on all the trucks I have ever owned and had some for almost 20 years and the seals are still really soft just like new.. :)

Just thought maybe I could help you out:)

You can use the Silicon grease in a tube or spray can..either works great:)You can get it at Wal-Mart too,the spray can of it anyway:)
 
Sadly, my Av leaks...... :6:

To make it worse, it decided to leak when my wife's camera bag was back there. Thankfully her Fuji S2 didn't get damaged or wet. Maybe she had the foresight to buy it an Av-proof camera bag.
 
There are many threads about this, I'm sure a mod will link them soon. Basically, it's important to install the panels correctly. Install panel 1 (closest to window) and don't forget that panel has 4 latches (I forgot the 2 window side latches once). Then slide panel 2 at a 45 degree angle into panel 1. Latch each side seperately (don't do both at once). Repeat that step for panel 3. Slam tailgate shut.

After 10 months, no rain...condensation yes, rain no.

Craig
 
I have had no problem either. I agree that a little silicone would go a long way to keep the seals soft.


Tractman
 
As per the manual things will remain dry on the mat.....

The outer edges may get water as it is a part of the drain system....

Try a search lots more info and well personal experiences too....

HTH
 
No leaks in my old ones. New ones are untested at this point(New due to fading not leaking) . Some one mentioned that there is a certain way to install the covers some thing like a 45deg angle then lock them down.
 
Mine are sitting in the garage right now and aren't leaking a bit :2:

Bed mat sure is wet though :p

Seriously, never had a leak problem with mine, knock on wood.
 
My leaks like a lawn sprinkler. Been back numerous times with no fix in sight other than buying a Silverado and putting a one piece cover on it. :-[ Major dissappointment!
 
vf454 said:
My leaks like a lawn sprinkler. Been back numerous times with no fix in sight other than buying a Silverado and putting a one piece cover on it. :-[ Major dissappointment!
Click to expand...

Are the panels leaking, or is it the window or midgate? Are the panels sagging or bowed? Are there other signs of the panels not fitting tight? Have you cleaned out your drainage system?

Craig
 
I still use plastic containers with wheels on them when taking things I don't want to get wet. Traveled with them in my '01 Silverado. Even though I have the panels I still use it for the stuff I don't want to get wet in my AV. better safe than sorry.
 
Never hard a problem with water on my mat due to covers leaking. Had it for over a year in Michigan, winters and all...

Mike :B:
 
I have had 2 AV's, the first one did leak between the rear panel & the center.

My 03 has never had a problem with leaks.
 
Well, here on the Gulf Coast of Texas we tend to get a tropical storm or two. Ferried my mother-in-law and friend home because they were stranded in pouring down rain and flooding. Found out later it was at a rate of about 12 inches and hour.

No leaks!!! In short, you keep the gaskets lubed and all and all the latches will snug up and the bed will be water tight. Have never had a problem.

Well, almost never. I am trying to fight the MOD disease. LOL!!!

As someone put it, so many mods so little time!

RLT ;D

PS: It has got to be some kind of disease!! :eek:
 
Bandit said:
If you use a Silicon grease on all the seals on the truck..Door seals as well as the covers it will keep them from ever getting dry rotted like that...I have done this on all the trucks I have ever owned and had some for almost 20 years and the seals are still really soft just like new.. :)

Just thought maybe I could help you out:)

You can use the Silicon grease in a tube or spray can..either works great:)You can get it at Wal-Mart too,the spray can of it anyway:)
Click to expand...

So a product like WD-40 spayed onto a rag and rubbed on all the seals is a good idea? Does it attract dirt? How often do you usually apply, every detail job, etc??

Tthanks,

SpottyJ
 
I am not sure about the WD-40 to be honest..I have only used the Silcone...but I do it every year atleast once a year ....if you get the spray can of it,it is easier to apply and not get to much...if you get the tube,it is easy to get too much and then you have to rub it alot....but no it doesn't attract dirt or anything at all...It just keeps the seals lubricated good and shiny black like brand new..I have a 90 pickup along with the Avalanche and the seals on the truck look just as good as the Avalanche....If I am not mistaken it says something about lubricating the seals in the owners manual too..and even lists a part number for that silicone in a tube that GM sells.. :)


Follow this link to see the pic of the stuff I get at Wal-Mart but you should be able to get it at any AutoParts store. :B:

http://www.prestone.com/products/37.jpeg
 
I use 303 or similar for rubber seals.......not WD40...it is a different type of silicone not really good for rubber...

The best stuff is Ghummi Phledge by BMW motor cars.......Kinda thick and well great stuff for rubber seals....

HTH
 
CraigF said:
Basically, it's important to install the panels correctly. Install panel 1 (closest to window) and don't forget that panel has 4 latches (I forgot the 2 window side latches once). Then slide panel 2 at a 45 degree angle into panel 1. Latch each side seperately (don't do both at once). Repeat that step for panel 3. Slam tailgate shut.
Click to expand...

This process is what's kept my bed dry for almost...um...almost 16 months now! ;D

Kim
 
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