Top-box Storage Leaks From Below

[pdxkevin]

The top-box storage on both sides of the bed leak. Not up top by the lid. They leak from below!

I just got back from a great weekend out hunting in the High Cascade Mountains. The seriously dry conditions made for a ton of dusty roads. Windows up and covers down on back. I didn't even worry about the stuff in the side storage bins.

I popped one open to get a colapsing shovel out and man you should have seen the dust. Everything was covered in there. It looked like I rooled everything in flour before putting it in there. It was a good thng my binocs. were in a case.

The only thing I can figure is drains at the bottom (right over the wheel well) pump the bins full of dust.

I suppose this could also be an issue with water. Or worse yet, muddy water.

Anyone experience this or have a good easy fix?

 

[mmdavidw]

There are drainage holes built into the bottom of the storage bins. If you need them dust-tight you can put down some rubber or a towel or something along the bottom of the bin and then put your stuff in and it should seal it pretty well. However, if I remember right it's not a water tight seal along the bottom so you may still get dust in the storage bin.

David

 

[Chasman]

I stuffed open cell foam rod into the three drainholes. This allows water to drain and keeps most of the dust out. Foam rod is available from building supply shops or glass companies, as it is used as a backer rod for caulking. The rod can be pulled out when necessary.
It seems to be doing the job for me. In another thread, there were folks looking to try some other type of filter materials, but I haven't looked at that thread recently.

 

[jst4f]

I had the same problem we went off road. The dust even came in the four drains in the bed. I took picture and plan on send them to GM just to see what they say. I agree that it isn't waterproof but they do say it will keep cargo dry and if that dust had been water, the cargo would have been very wet. The good news is that the midgate seals did well except in the one lower corner. I have the pictures on the other computer so I will post one or two here tonight or tomorrow night.

 

[gpfahler]

The drain holes in the cargo boxes are there for a reason. The boxes can be used as ice chests. I think it is listed in the brochures as dual purpose cargo box/coolers.. Nifty idea.

 

[Chief]

The drain holes in the cargo boxes are there for a reason. The boxes can be used as ice chests. I think it is listed in the brochures as dual purpose cargo box/coolers.. Nifty idea.

The cargo box drain holes also serve as ports when you use your bed as a large sub enclosure

 

[lsuflyingtiger]

jst4f,

That is the coolest signature pic. Could you send me that pic at lsuflyingtiger888@go.com? I would appreciate it.

Jim

 

[jst4f]

A day late but not forgotten I hope. I pormised a few pictures of the dust in the side bins and the bed. I have three to post in this and the next two posts.

As for the signiture picture.....I have to remember where I stored it. I soon as I find it I will send it along.

 

[jst4f]

The second picture of dust.

 

[jst4f]

Last but not least this picture shows that the dust did not get past the tonneau seals next to the midgate.

 

[brmiller]

Good photo-documentary, jst4f.

As many of us learned after WildWest, yes, dust get sucked in from the underside. I actually had a bit of dust in the bed too. I figured it came up through the bed drainholes as well.

Anyway, great solution Chasman. I'm not sure what open cell foam looks like, but I'lll look for some.

Brendan

 

[pdxkevin]

Great photos. The dusty bins look a lot like mine. Hey, now I have an excuse to go to Home Depot this weekend ! ! !

 

[empty]

Not just the drain holes...there's a gap where the storage box walls have been cut so they don't meet the cover piece. It's in the corner and why the tool bag gets covered even with the drain holes plugged. I forget whether dust gets in around the cargo lights too. The sources of dust intrusion have been too numerous to count.