• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Does your Avalanche bed leak water?

Thank you for this thread, and all of the ideas. . . I am having a bad leak at the gutters and where the rear window and foldable gate/trim is. Water is actually leaking into the cabin and under the rear passenger seats.

Still looking into what to do but this thread helps

Thanks  (y)
 
I always recommend AV owners should get this "AVALANCHE AND ESCALADE EXT WATER MANAGEMENT SERVICE PROCEDURES" manual/DVD, prices varies but worth it. Explains how the water management system is designed to work, how to trouble shoot and fix problems.. A must for every AV owner..



https://www.ebay.com/itm/SERVICE-KNOW-HOW-AVALANCHE-AND-ESCALADE-WATER-MANAGEMENT-PLUS-DVD-DN1679-DS15/162931023677?hash=item25ef721f3d:g:hnIAAOSwrxJanXdH
 
Randy said:
I always recommend AV owners should get this "AVALANCHE AND ESCALADE EXT WATER MANAGEMENT SERVICE PROCEDURES" manual/DVD, prices varies but worth it. Explains how the water management system is designed to work, how to trouble shoot and fix problems.. A must for every AV owner..

or read this:
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=34739.0
 
Looking at the seals on truck lids and passeger doors I think Chevy really over thought this; like Lt. SMontgomery Scott said "The more they over think the plumbing the easier it is ti stop up the works" only in this case it's gonna leak!. I think there must be a way to get one piece of door seal and install it around the entire perimeter of the bed. There is a new cover on what used to be JC WHITNEY.com that says it'll hold 400 lbs. (you can stand on it if you weight less than 400lbs) and is water tight. All you need is about $1,000.00. Considering what Chevy is asking for new panels (yes, they are available (each panel has a diffeerent list price what's up with that?) at around $800.00 to $900.00 each. I hope Soft Seal (makers of body seals for Classic vehicles) soon makes a kit for our truck!
 
Hey CAFCNA, I got my first AV a month ago. I bought it used from a Chevy dealership.
It's a 2008 LT with about 65k mi.
To my surprise, it's had problems with leaks.

I'll try to make a complicated situation simple...
the bed leaks! :E:
With the tonneau covers on. Correctly in place and latched.
With what looks like good rubber seals.
The bed, covers and rubber molding are stock and in good shape.

After sitting in my level driveway for a few days in some heavy rain,
I went to put something in my bed, and there water back there.
It was only a few cups or so, but enough to render my bed useless for that days task.
I was attempting to load something that I needed to stay dry.

Is this normal? Do these all leak? Does the dealership tell you that when purchased new?
I got a bumper to bumper warranty on my AV so if these beds are supposed to remain dry,
I have a valid claim with service.
If it's common that these are not water tight or get wet inside, then I'm afraid I may be out of luck.

Please advise! :help:
-3-5.jpg

:B: :B: :B:
Had the same problem, removed the rubber trim and cleaned out the old caulking, and applied black gasket compound and no more water leaks.
 
Also make sure that the valleys or drip trays that run the panel are clear of debri , you should be good 👍
 
Now I see why you do not drive it in the rain - I wouldn't trust the seal either if I were you.

CES - you may also want to check to see if the water channel under the top seal is in tact. In my O7 after I noticed some water in the bed, I found that the gutters/channels on each side of the bed were split down the center. I thought about replacing them but in another thread duct tape has been used. I went the black duct tape route and have not had a problem since.
Hi
I have this problem with my 2005 I did throw these away now I'm looking for new ones . What are these called do you know?
 
I'm looking for the name of this part to try and replace them both sides and there also a piece in the front of the #1cover I'm missing. Does anyone have a clue what they are called and where I can order them? 2005 avalanche.
Someone mentioned gutter/channels?
 
I'm looking for the name of this part to try and replace them both sides and there also a piece in the front of the #1cover I'm missing. Does anyone have a clue what they are called and where I can order them? 2005 avalanche.
Someone mentioned gutter/channels?
My tonneau covers are leaking on the sides and front.
 
I think the gutters are the main reason most see water in the beds. Mine never leaked and all of a sudden after a wash or rain it would have water in the bed. I checked the gutters and all looked good until I twisted one side and discovered what GHP is showing in his post, the gutter was split down the middle. I ordered both sides and problem solved. They are about $24.00 each.

I would start there since the seals between the panels are about $80.00 each...

GMPartsDirect.com

Gutter Center Left PN- 20787412
Gutter Center Right PN- 20787413
Are these on the sides of the truck that's what I may be looking for too?
 
Mine leaks aswell but so Cal weather doesn't need water proofing as much, tarp things if worried about leaking. Usually from washing in automatic ones, the air blasters almost always cause water to get through bed panels. Will also spill out any caught in the gutters. I keep the 4 bed drains clean so drys out quickly if leave open on short drive if possible.
 
What some don't realize is that the bed of the Avalanche is not waterproof and was never designed to be. The gutters and drains actually bring the water inside the bed and direct it under the bed mat to the floor drains which you mentioned and have the good practice of checking and keeping clean. There is a GM Training video that was part of the dealer training for the techs that is now on youtube.. Watch it and you will get a better understanding of its design and how to trouble shoot problems..
 
What some don't realize is that the bed of the Avalanche is not waterproof and was never designed to be. The gutters and drains actually bring the water inside the bed and direct it under the bed mat to the floor drains which you mentioned and have the good practice of checking and keeping clean. There is a GM Training video that was part of the dealer training for the techs that is now on youtube.. Watch it and you will get a better understanding of its design and how to trouble shoot problems..
It does the job of covering & keeping things out of view from passers by. I enjoy the knowledge it locks enough for my needs to keep people honest.
Like my father says locks usually only keep honest people honest, criminals will usually get past if motivated enough.
I wouldn't expect it to be water proof, especially 3 separate pieces. Age & weather will always change seals, allowing water through. Even the sylacone/other sealants mentioned prior will slowly lose elasticity & leak over time. I agree it does well enough to keep out most moisture, what does get in will drain out bottom drain holes.
* keep them clean, mine get plugged often and easily, there are little valves iv considered removing but I've seen too many vheicles get mice,rats, or other pests in openings not covered somehow.
 

Attachments

  • 20220210_130558.jpg
    20220210_130558.jpg
    175.7 KB · Views: 23
  • 20220210_130626.jpg
    20220210_130626.jpg
    136.4 KB · Views: 23
I know this is quite an old post, but I so appreciate the information @Randy on getting these replacement gutters! I am always excited when I can source actual GM replacement parts to keep my 20+ year old 2500 in tip-top shape. Sad that many times, even once you find the actual part numbers they have obviously been discontinued. GM Parts Direct has been an amazing source for some pretty obscure things I have needed, including these rails.....they still both in stock.
 
Back
Top