License plate light drain?

[vhord]

There is a plastic tube running from my license plate light housing through the top of my rear compartment door frame. It appears to be some sort of drain but why would it be needed and why would it be routed where it is?


Vernon

P. S. - The PO's trailer ball bracket in this picture will be removed at the first opportunity!

[overlander64]

This is a guess on my part, but could it be a vent tube for a rear mounted battery box? My '64 Overlander has a rear mounted battery box with a vent tube that is directed to a small opening near the center rear below the window.

Kevin

[Darol Ingalls]

The license plate light is the farthest 12V electrical point from the TV connection. The tube is to drain off excess electricity after you disconnect from the TV to avoid electric shock or accidental spark. (Now, if you believe that - - - -). Kevin is, of course, correct. The original battery box had a lid with a vent that supposedly vented off battery gasses. Didn't work very well and PO's usually got rid of the box and the vent. You should provide some sort of vent for any battery except GMA or Gellcells which do not give off gasses as they charge. Darol