Diesel Soot inside cabin

[DaveFL]

It is the truck, but finding the opening into the trailer is the problem, there is a long post on how road dust was getting in by way of plumbing under toilet and vanity, carpenters cut big holes for pipes and don't seal. I you are towing with vents open it would even pull more in. Where the soot is in the trailer might not have much to do with where it is coming in. Laying white paper towels throughout might, but conditions would have to be the same. Including a load of fuel with the same junk added by supplier.

[A W Warn]

You may have already, but I would check these.

1. Could power be turned on to the Fantastic Vent, sensors making it open and close while you are moving?
2. Have you checked the window gaskets? On my Safari they either shrunk so much or were installed so badly that they pulled away from the corners and all were leaking big time.
3. Are you closing the vent in the toilet while you travel (and all roof vents)? If there is an easy vent out, it tends to suck air from another location (openings for the plumbing pipes in the floor).
4. Are you latching the vent on the range hood while you travel?
5. Is a gasket missing on one of the roof fan cover?
6. Is the gasket in contact all way around at every hatch and entry door?

[vegangirl57]

Hi everyone,
I have read all your posts...Thank you.
Every single item you have mentioned, we have done as far as vents being closed, power off to the fans, range vent closed, bath vents closed, window seals are tight and locked.

We will try to vent the exhaust further from the truck, as was mentioned.
If it is the trailer, then Airstream is going to have to deal with it. For as much as we pay for these babies, I don't think it is my job to fix their errors.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by vegangirl57

Hi everyone,
I have read all your posts...Thank you.
Every single item you have mentioned, we have done as far as vents being closed, power off to the fans, range vent closed, bath vents closed, window seals are tight and locked.

We will try to vent the exhaust further from the truck, as was mentioned.
If it is the trailer, then Airstream is going to have to deal with it. For as much as we pay for these babies, I don't think it is my job to fix their errors.

There seem to be two problems going on.

We have a 2003 Ram diesel. We have towed 2 different travel trailers with it, at times with vents or windows open. I have never smelled diesel fumes in the trailer let alone seen soot. For that matter, unless the truck has not warmed up, the diesel exhaust smell is not very noticeable even outside in the area around the truck. If you are getting soot on your truck, it means the truck needs servicing. You may see it on other trucks, and that means they are either a lot older or need servicing also or both. A properly running modern diesel pickup does not leave soot on the side of the truck.

Secondly, you may be getting airflow through the trailer from some area near where the truck exhaust is located, but since is as bad as you say, I think you should be able to see it visually. Since your trailer is a 2011, it must still be under warrenty. Have you talked to the dealer?

I think the first thing you should do is have the truck checked by a Dodge dealer. I am pretty certain that if you lived in an area where emissions checks were required, your truck would not pass.

Regards,

Ken

[tpi]

I agree w/ w7ts. On my truck there is no evidence of soot around the exhaust pipe on the body panels, bumper, or on the trailer exterior. I have unintentionally towed with vents left open. No sign of soot. For soot to permeate the cabinets, etc it would have had to be very heavy and visible. I also think the truck should have some scrutiny.

[xrvr]

Are any of the sensers inside going off? CO, smoke or LP. Wonder if the smoke detecter would go off if it were diesel? jim

[richinny]

Originally Posted by vegangirl57

Help!
However, the huge quantities of diesel soot that have spread throughout the entire cabin have persisted.....We thought the water heater was the culprit, but now we don't know what it is. The soot has impregnated the white plastic around the Fantastic Fans and it has stained the white covers of the sterilite containers. It has been found inside every cabinet in the cabin, and on the walls. We have taken it on ONE trip since we bought it.

i also cast a vote for something with the fans. either the seals aren't right or they're opening. remove the fuses from them on the next run.

have someone follow and observe the truck exhaust while you tow up a steep grade.

how long was the "one trip"?

[vegangirl57]

Hi everyone,

Again, Thank You all for your ideas. i have read them all. We will talk to the Dodge Service folks. The truck is a 2005 model.

Our one trip was 4000 miles.

Thanks again!