water in exterior compartment

[str8strm]

We are the proud new owners of a 1985 345 and have a question (first of many no doubt!) The exterior compartment curbside (under where the sink is inside) has a moldy smell and water inside it. The interior under the sink is dry. Is there a drain that could be in the wrong place? thanks in advance for any help Debbie

[swebster]

It's likely that this is just water that has entered the compartment on it's own. These storage "lockers" have weatherstripping around the curved aluminum outer skin as well as on the lockable door on top. Two of mine had bad leaks and would get wet in the rain. The battery locker was so wet I needed to replace the steel bottom.

Try cleaning them out completely and replacing the weatherstripping (Home Depot). While you are in there check for rust, etc.

You may also want to make sure your kitchen sink feeds/drain is not leaking (it's above this compartment).

Keep the questions coming.

[Chaplain Kent]

It is my understanding that these compartments will never be completly dry. I have put on new weather stripping, re-alligned the doors, and adjusted the locks. They are dry most of the time but in heavy weather they take a beating. My solution was to use heavy plastic bags for everything we carry under there. This has an added benefit since the bags have handles I can reach things easier and pack it better.
Happy to have you with us.

[swebster]

Thats a good point. I forgot to mention I drilled drainage holes in mine and we carry everything in those plastic totes from KMart/WalMart/Target. My wife found some that fit in there perfectly.

[str8strm]

thanks for the info, have read some great material in the forums Debbie

[ALANSD]

I sealed the inside of the lips with rubber molding, it helped some, but I still get some leakage. I also painted the bottom of the cabinet with rust preventive coating as there was some surface rust starting in mine. My water heater was dripping into the cabinet below it, and once I stopped that drip the problem got a lot less annoying.