Water in storage compartment under rear seat

[dk_ace]

While detailing my truck a few weeks ago, I discovered the carpet was wet in the storage compartment under the rear seat on the driver side. It wasn’t mildewed, smelled like water, but I wasn’t sure if it came from outside or not. Detailed the truck and decided to just keep an eye on it. No signs of water in the weeks since but we also haven’t had much rain.

Last night a good storm came through and dumped a lot of water on us. Checked that storage compartment tonight and it’s wet in exactly the same way I found it weeks ago. The wet carpet is at the deepest point, most forward closest to the driver seat on the driver side. It extends up the center slightly. Towards the back of the compartment is dry, but it is sloped forward also.

I believe it is limited to the driver side, but I have the factory subwoofer taking up the other side so I’m not 100% sure. As far as I can fit my fingers down on the passenger side, I don’t feel any water.

I don’t see or feel any signs of water coming in anywhere from outside, but that’s clearly what is happening.

Anyone have any ideas on where water could come in and wind up only in that spot?

Thanks,
D

 

[mtofell]

Several possible causes - leaking 3rd brake light (easy fix with a new gasket between the lens and body), leaking rear window (usually the track and weepholes being full of debris - spraying out with compressed air often works), or behind seat "cab vents" - this one is a PITA. Rear seats must come out.

I just tackled the cab vents and they have been "upgraded" and don't fit into place like everyone told me they would. Too big to fit through the openings from inside and snap into place (they snap in from the back/outside), too wide to slide into position from between the cab and bed. I ended up re-using the stock ones that can be pushed through from inside but mangled the gaskets that seal against the back of the cab (outside). The fabric flaps on mine were all gone (this is why they were leaking) so I got strips of vinyl and re-did them. Then, caulked all around from the inside due to the missing gaskets and it's fixed for now. I'm still thinking of something I can fit between the bed and cab to help divert water around the vents - pool noodle, some type of rubber stripping.... not sure yet. I'll figure something out before winter.

With your truck being a 2015 and the Texas heat I'd bet your flaps are all gone like mine were (2014 truck). You may have a combination of the things I list.

Here's the thread I started for my journey.... haven't put in a final update as I'm still screwing with it but there should be some good info anyway:

Leaking Rear Cab Vents

So, I've been down the road of the 3rd brake light and got that solved a few months after I got my truck back in 2014. Just lifted the rear seat and found the storage bin under the driver's side full of water and it looks like it's the dreaded leaking rear cab vent. Everything at the headliner...

www.ramforum.com

 

[mdc1990zr1]

Several possible causes - leaking 3rd brake light (easy fix with a new gasket between the lens and body), leaking rear window (usually the track and weepholes being full of debris - spraying out with compressed air often works), or behind seat "cab vents" - this one is a PITA. Rear seats must come out.

I just tackled the cab vents and they have been "upgraded" and don't fit into place like everyone told me they would. Too big to fit through the openings from inside and snap into place (they snap in from the back/outside), too wide to slide into position from between the cab and bed. I ended up re-using the stock ones that can be pushed through from inside but mangled the gaskets that seal against the back of the cab (outside). The fabric flaps on mine were all gone (this is why they were leaking) so I got strips of vinyl and re-did them. Then, caulked all around from the inside due to the missing gaskets and it's fixed for now. I'm still thinking of something I can fit between the bed and cab to help divert water around the vents - pool noodle, some type of rubber stripping.... not sure yet. I'll figure something out before winter.

With your truck being a 2015 and the Texas heat I'd bet your flaps are all gone like mine were (2014 truck). You may have a combination of the things I list.

Here's the thread I started for my journey.... haven't put in a final update as I'm still screwing with it but there should be some good info anyway:

Leaking Rear Cab Vents

So, I've been down the road of the 3rd brake light and got that solved a few months after I got my truck back in 2014. Just lifted the rear seat and found the storage bin under the driver's side full of water and it looks like it's the dreaded leaking rear cab vent. Everything at the headliner...

www.ramforum.com

I was able to angle the replacement vents from the inside to the outside and pull them in to me. They just snapped into place. I didn’t caulk anything. My truck is a 2016

 

[mtofell]

I was able to angle the replacement vents from the inside to the outside and pull them in to me. They just snapped into place. I didn’t caulk anything. My truck is a 2016

How long ago? Were they the exact same as the ones that came out? The replacement ones I got were noticeably bigger (see photos in my thread I linked). No way they were going through without being ruined.

I'm also totally confused on how some people mention slipping them in from the back. Even if I could get them in the sides, top, or bottom (which I can't), the contours of the cab prevent them from moving around. Seems like a stretch but do different models of truck have different clearances between cab and bed? I don't expect you to answer all of this.... just venting/thinking out loud

 

[dk_ace]

Several possible causes - leaking 3rd brake light (easy fix with a new gasket between the lens and body), leaking rear window (usually the track and weepholes being full of debris - spraying out with compressed air often works), or behind seat "cab vents" - this one is a PITA. Rear seats must come out.

I just tackled the cab vents and they have been "upgraded" and don't fit into place like everyone told me they would. Too big to fit through the openings from inside and snap into place (they snap in from the back/outside), too wide to slide into position from between the cab and bed. I ended up re-using the stock ones that can be pushed through from inside but mangled the gaskets that seal against the back of the cab (outside). The fabric flaps on mine were all gone (this is why they were leaking) so I got strips of vinyl and re-did them. Then, caulked all around from the inside due to the missing gaskets and it's fixed for now. I'm still thinking of something I can fit between the bed and cab to help divert water around the vents - pool noodle, some type of rubber stripping.... not sure yet. I'll figure something out before winter.

With your truck being a 2015 and the Texas heat I'd bet your flaps are all gone like mine were (2014 truck). You may have a combination of the things I list.

Here's the thread I started for my journey.... haven't put in a final update as I'm still screwing with it but there should be some good info anyway:

Leaking Rear Cab Vents

So, I've been down the road of the 3rd brake light and got that solved a few months after I got my truck back in 2014. Just lifted the rear seat and found the storage bin under the driver's side full of water and it looks like it's the dreaded leaking rear cab vent. Everything at the headliner...

www.ramforum.com

Thanks, I’ll look into those things. I recently replaced the third brake light gasket like is recommended here. It was leaking and blowing bulbs. I will have to look into the two other areas you mention.

D

 

[04fxdwgi]

How long ago? Were they the exact same as the ones that came out? The replacement ones I got were noticeably bigger (see photos in my thread I linked). No way they were going through without being ruined.

I'm also totally confused on how some people mention slipping them in from the back. Even if I could get them in the sides, top, or bottom (which I can't), the contours of the cab prevent them from moving around. Seems like a stretch but do different models of truck have different clearances between cab and bed? I don't expect you to answer all of this.... just venting/thinking out loud

When I changed them in my '16 two years ago:
1. New style ones "looked bigger", but were same physical size and fit fine.
2. Removed rear seat
3. Removed old ones from inside truck. Tie string to it so it doesn't fall between cab and bed.
4. Installed new ones from inside truck. Tie string to it so it doesn't fall between cab and bed.
5. Used no sealer, just cleaned everything real good and snapped in place
6. While in there, modded seats to fold down. Very GOOD mod.

So, yes, it can all be done from inside truck.

 

[mtofell]

1. New style ones "looked bigger", but were same physical size and fit fine.

So, yes, it can all be done from inside truck.

Did you look at the pics in the thread I linked.... not the same size. +/- 1/4" bigger. Just enough that they don't fit through.

 

[Snapper 60]

My 2018 Ram 2500 had water leaking in through the third brake light and her in Australia the Dealer only wanted $4,600 for a complete new unit so I bought one from Amazon for $40.00. But the rear cab vents are leaking and I'll replace them soon thats were I found my leaks hope this helps.

 

[_icepick_]

My 2016 ram 1500 was leaking as well. I ended up using some weather stripping from the hardware store to go around the 3rd brake light. but I think mine was actually coming from the shark fin looking antenna above the rear drivers seat. I had to pull the headliner down enough to get to the bolts to loosen it and then used Lexel sealant made by Sashco, one of the best clear sealants I have found. I have not had water leak in since and my truck sits outside for both summer and winter weather.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Did you look at the pics in the thread I linked.... not the same size. +/- 1/4" bigger. Just enough that they don't fit through.

I did and you have one inverted so I can't absolutely compare them.

Like I said, I 100% absolutely did it from inside truck on mine. Are you absolutely using OEM or a Chicom knockoff?

 

[mtofell]

I did and you have one inverted so I can't absolutely compare them.

Like I said, I 100% absolutely did it from inside truck on mine. Are you absolutely using OEM or a Chicom knockoff?

The OEM was changed. I originally ordered from Geno's Garage and when it was different I assumed it was just an aftermarket problem so I went to the dealer and it was an exact replica of the one from Geno's. Parts guy said it was changed/redesigned. While the overall dimensions are similar, the OEM one has a thick gasket that can be "squished" through the opening. The new one has a much thinner gasket but the plastic has been extended in one dimension.