If you would like a Sticker buy me a coffee and I will send you one. your support is really appreciated www.buymeacoffee.com/BigVanSmalWorld I have put together a collection of popular campervan building products in my Amazon storefront along with some great ideas for you to look through www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld
I took the roof lining out and spray foamed the whole roof (cab only). Just a single layer of about 25mm (once dried) all over, no condensation and a better thermal barrier. I then filled the void with the recycled plastic bottle insulation. No problems after 2 years. Expanding foam won't stick to black plastic bin bags, so cover everything with them, if the foam gets on to them, let it go hard and then it's a lot easier to remove. No mess.
One of the first things We done on our van. We done it by taking out the antenna and sealing around the with CT-1 We undone ours from the inside and laid flat on the roof hanging over the front to remove it
Hi Mel I have a crafter and this happen to me but it wasn't the arial it was condensation hitting the bolt of the arial . Thank god mine was still under warranty .
Had same happen with a Ford Grand C Max, had condensation build up under roof lining, killed the immobiliser module, so couldn't lock/start car, ruled out the aerial leaking, but still sealed the holes with silicon.
Remove the aerial and put some silicone round it. Then re-mount. Rockwool can be purchased from any building yard. It is like fiberglass but less itchy and will sound proof to a large extent. You may still want to glue some plastic to the back of the light unit for added peace of mind given the cost and implications of a leak. Just my 2 pennies worth.
I've used 3mm sticky back closed cell foam and it works a treat, my next job is to spray expanding foam into the box sections surrounding the windscreen. I've been putting that job off since Mel shared his experiences, it gets everywhere, proper messy.
Mercedes knew what they were doing when they put that expensive system under a potential leak spot. They're a crafty bunch. I've done many 100's of thousands of miles in Sprinters so I know how Mercedes designers think. Either that or Jerry's not as smart as we've been led to believe. Great hack though Mel, well spotted.
Great little hack Mel mate I had one leaked and I removed the aerial all together after sealing it up on the inside and outside but it gets in via pivot part of the aerial so I replaced it with a shark Finn Aerial and and looks miles Better
Alright Mel, both vans suffer from water ingress along the side panels were the running lights are, I’ve seen a few videos were they have to take the plastic side trim off and seal behind it
Hi Mel great videos. I have a nissan primastar lwb ht and I have exactly the same problem with condensation on the cab roof filling the light cluster and dripping down all over the radio and controls it blew fuses I think I shall be looking to spray foam that part of the roof thanks for the tip keep on doing what you do. Nigel
Mel Problem with your solution is that unit needs to breathe as heat can build up in it from your lights and the other electronics need to stay cool a better solution is to use tiger seal seam sealer under the aerial gasket and on the inside where the nut goes it will keep it from leaking and it will out last your van
Smear the Underneath of the Aerial Base and Anywhere Else in the Area that Might Leak in Petrolium Jelly, including the Top of that Unit Imobaliser Jobby👍
Wanted to say thank you again for the mention buddy. Still can’t believe that happened next day after Boxing Day in the middle of the early hours :( Your videos are always amazing abs truly inspiring :) I don’t remember seeing that bit on the end of the members one of poor beck’s with the water I was wondering how you did that 😂. Bless Becks Big hugs to you both :) 🤗🍻
Flipping heck Mel ours did that last year after it had been stood after the long lockdown 👎 didn’t realise it could cause that much damage 😮 will make sure we sort it 👍 thanks very much for that 😉👍 ... ❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠 x
A better idea than the Shopping bag! But I would suggest any water would Capillary itself down those wires to the lights and get in that way? Maybe use a Nitrile glove finger and RTV sealer at the top end to try and stop that and poke the wires through the bag you have used and try and seal it between the two. Maybe a Cable tie might be a good idea at the roof end to create a good seal? Just a thought. We had a Crystal smelly bag in the Centre console of a Peugeot 206 by the ashtray and the damp made it sweat and leaked onto the top of the Airbag Module, It was full of Corrosion as a result and had to be replaced with a new one. Then a Dealer job to Reprogram it! Your Immobiliser would also need Reprogramming?
Mel this is a question unrelated to the light cluster protection video! But are you able to suggest the type of battery charger I should look for to use when on 240v hook up that would work alongside the Ring dc to dc 12 volt charger? I'd want to use the 12volt equipment while the 240v charger was working. I've got two 105ah AGM leisure batteries. I hope that makes some sense. Thank you.
Hi Mel, love the channel 🤙 another product you could use is some old school "damp start" you know, the sealant spray we used to cover distributor caps and HT leads with in the good ol' days 👌👌 thatll keep any damp out of the back of the light cluster 🤙
Good information! Though interestingly in my 2012 Sprinter light cluster is genuinly "dumb" and just has a basic metal switch for the interior light and the microphone for the original headunit. So it would appear that this was a big enough problem that Mercedes resolved the issue by moving the gubbins somewhere else? Or you have additional features on your van that i dont have on mine such as keyless entry.
As u know, over time, your arial base gasket would deteriorate.... like anything else youve done on you roof.... (solar wire box and solar panel brackets and roof fan) why not use the same silicone sealer.. (forgot what its called) Just a thought 🤔
I’m so so sorry 😢 thank you for letting me know I get overwhelmed with notifications I don’t see them all I feel devastated as I’m sure you are too oh Debbie please do stay in touch my deepest condolences 💐
Your a nice guy but your not addressing the problem, its easy to get ,,,,to open the doors dropped the windows and you can stand up there with one foot on the seat and one on the front of the door where you have dropped the windows albeit you have to attack it from either sides. I've just done a temporary fix as after a snow storm it pissed in, it has leaked before but I thought it was a drain in the front scuttle. I've used dubbing to keep it at bat till I can sort it properly if it can keep water out of my Mendel boots I'm sure it can cope with the job in hand!!!
If you would like a Sticker buy me a coffee and I will send you one. your support is really appreciated www.buymeacoffee.com/BigVanSmalWorld
I have put together a collection of popular campervan building products in my Amazon storefront along with some great ideas for you to look through
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld
Well done Mel, knowledge is power, spreading the word for the greater good.
I took the roof lining out and spray foamed the whole roof (cab only). Just a single layer of about 25mm (once dried) all over, no condensation and a better thermal barrier. I then filled the void with the recycled plastic bottle insulation. No problems after 2 years.
Expanding foam won't stick to black plastic bin bags, so cover everything with them, if the foam gets on to them, let it go hard and then it's a lot easier to remove. No mess.
I have found roofing felt works, it’s waterproof and breathable 👍
That's a better idea why didn't I think of that being a roofer😂😂
My rear roof grommet was also leaking.
wouldn't it be easier just to put some silicone around the entry hole?
One of the first things We done on our van. We done it by taking out the antenna and sealing around the with CT-1
We undone ours from the inside and laid flat on the roof hanging over the front to remove it
Well done 👍
Curbsidecrafterts - Until your comment I was unaware of CT-1. Looks like an amazing product, thanks for the enlightenment.
Hi Mel I have a crafter and this happen to me but it wasn't the arial it was condensation hitting the bolt of the arial . Thank god mine was still under warranty .
Had same happen with a Ford Grand C Max, had condensation build up under roof lining, killed the immobiliser module, so couldn't lock/start car, ruled out the aerial leaking, but still sealed the holes with silicon.
Good tip for people who own one of these makes .the cost to replace one must be unbelievable.
Remove the aerial and put some silicone round it. Then re-mount. Rockwool can be purchased from any building yard. It is like fiberglass but less itchy and will sound proof to a large extent. You may still want to glue some plastic to the back of the light unit for added peace of mind given the cost and implications of a leak. Just my 2 pennies worth.
Any voids behind the headlining could maybe get insulated with water resistant insulation. This should reduce condensation in this area.
I've used 3mm sticky back closed cell foam and it works a treat, my next job is to spray expanding foam into the box sections surrounding the windscreen. I've been putting that job off since Mel shared his experiences, it gets everywhere, proper messy.
What about re-making /renewing the antenna mount seal to prevent it from starting to leak ?
I love videos like these Mel , great tip
Great quick solution Mel 👏 - Another possibility is to use a shrink wrap or cling film sheet & hair dryer on the back of the light cluster?????
Brilliant idea 👍
Another super vid Mel !
Well done
Thank you 🙏
Mercedes knew what they were doing when they put that expensive system under a potential leak spot. They're a crafty bunch. I've done many 100's of thousands of miles in Sprinters so I know how Mercedes designers think. Either that or Jerry's not as smart as we've been led to believe. Great hack though Mel, well spotted.
😂😂 There a great van but they have some weird and wonderful shite to put up with.
Great little hack Mel mate
I had one leaked and I removed the aerial all together after sealing it up on the inside and outside but it gets in via pivot part of the aerial so I replaced it with a shark Finn Aerial and and looks miles Better
Nice 👍
Alright Mel, both vans suffer from water ingress along the side panels were the running lights are, I’ve seen a few videos were they have to take the plastic side trim off and seal behind it
I wonder if theres a de humidifier that would help with condensation?
Hi Mel great videos. I have a nissan primastar lwb ht and I have exactly the same problem with condensation on the cab roof filling the light cluster and dripping down all over the radio and controls it blew fuses I think I shall be looking to spray foam that part of the roof thanks for the tip keep on doing what you do. Nigel
Thank you buddy and good luck 👍
Great advice and very useful.
Mel Problem with your solution is that unit needs to breathe as heat can build up in it from your lights and the other electronics need to stay cool a better solution is to use tiger seal seam sealer under the aerial gasket and on the inside where the nut goes it will keep it from leaking and it will out last your van
No worries it’s got plenty of ventilation
Smear the Underneath of the Aerial Base and Anywhere Else in the Area that Might Leak in Petrolium Jelly, including the Top of that Unit Imobaliser Jobby👍
Thanks, Mel, this tip was quite illuminating. ;-)
Welcome 😂👍
Would cling film not be easier ?
Great tip ! 👌👍👍😎
Wanted to say thank you again for the mention buddy. Still can’t believe that happened next day after Boxing Day in the middle of the early hours :(
Your videos are always amazing abs truly inspiring :)
I don’t remember seeing that bit on the end of the members one of poor beck’s with the water I was wondering how you did that 😂. Bless Becks
Big hugs to you both :) 🤗🍻
Thank you buddy look forward to seeing you in the summer out and about 👍
Can’t believe this. I need to check mine now! 💦😱
I’ll do it later for you 😂👍🔔
What about potential condensation building up between the bag and the printed circuit board?
This was my thinking too 🤔
Or a short fuse causing the bag to melt
No worries it’s got plenty of ventilation
Flipping heck Mel ours did that last year after it had been stood after the long lockdown 👎 didn’t realise it could cause that much damage 😮 will make sure we sort it 👍 thanks very much for that 😉👍 ... ❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠 x
You’re absolutely welcome 🤓👍
I had the crafter aerial leak on a 2016 crafter when it was less than 6 months old. 😂
Oh my goodness me
A better idea than the Shopping bag! But I would suggest any water would Capillary itself down those wires to the lights and get in that way? Maybe use a Nitrile glove finger and RTV sealer at the top end to try and stop that and poke the wires through the bag you have used and try and seal it between the two. Maybe a Cable tie might be a good idea at the roof end to create a good seal? Just a thought. We had a Crystal smelly bag in the Centre console of a Peugeot 206 by the ashtray and the damp made it sweat and leaked onto the top of the Airbag Module, It was full of Corrosion as a result and had to be replaced with a new one. Then a Dealer job to Reprogram it! Your Immobiliser would also need Reprogramming?
I would remove the aireal and seal the hole up, and then move the aireal domewere else 100%
Mel this is a question unrelated to the light cluster protection video! But are you able to suggest the type of battery charger I should look for to use when on 240v hook up that would work alongside the Ring dc to dc 12 volt charger? I'd want to use the 12volt equipment while the 240v charger was working. I've got two 105ah AGM leisure batteries. I hope that makes some sense. Thank you.
I use this one amzn.to/3qjE1al
Good idea? But is this not diverting a potential problem and creating another with posible condensation using the bag
No worries there as it’s got plenty of ventilation
You always give good info , one question is your 2kw heater enough for your van and is it noisier than 5kw ( fan speed)
It’s perfect size no difference in sound
Hi Mel, love the channel 🤙 another product you could use is some old school "damp start" you know, the sealant spray we used to cover distributor caps and HT leads with in the good ol' days 👌👌 thatll keep any damp out of the back of the light cluster 🤙
Oh brilliant buddy 👍
Good information! Though interestingly in my 2012 Sprinter light cluster is genuinly "dumb" and just has a basic metal switch for the interior light and the microphone for the original headunit.
So it would appear that this was a big enough problem that Mercedes resolved the issue by moving the gubbins somewhere else?
Or you have additional features on your van that i dont have on mine such as keyless entry.
mine no electronics in it! I did had the same leaking problem just put some sikflexkit around the antenna base
My van is fully loaded with all the extras so you could be rite there 👍🤓👍
Did you insulate the roof space mate. Took the headlining down on both of mine. Thermolined and then wool 👍🏻
Yes I did
@@BigVanSmallWorld 👍🏻
Won't that bag cause condensation??
No it’s got plenty of ventilation
good vid on you channel thanks
Thank you 🙏
Funny how Land Rover Freelander had the exact problem.
Yes it is 👍
Hi Mel,
I storethem from new unregistered ones from Germany and they leak from the start.
👍
Due to the air pocket ubove the cabin, every time you have the heater on it will always trap moisture.
As u know, over time, your arial base gasket would deteriorate.... like anything else youve done on you roof.... (solar wire box and solar panel brackets and roof fan) why not use the same silicone sealer.. (forgot what its called) Just a thought 🤔
Thank you that’s not a bad idea I always use tiger seal it’s never let me down 👍🤓👍
At 0:20 You were on the roof next to the antenna. You could have replaced it and the leak then.
Thanks for that
hi Mel not sure if know but a video has been put up on marks channel
Sorry I just woke up I’ll go have a look now thank you
I’m so so sorry 😢 thank you for letting me know I get overwhelmed with notifications I don’t see them all I feel devastated as I’m sure you are too oh Debbie please do stay in touch my deepest condolences 💐
@@BigVanSmallWorld it was only way to let you know Mark thought very highly of you and saw you as a friend
@@wanderingpebbles1206 thank you, Debbie look me up on Facebook mel pettifer if ever you need to chat ill be there
Any moisture will just run down the cables directly into the unit. AJ
Oh well that was a waste of time then lol 😂
My first thought is won't the heat from the lights melt the plastic?🤔... l know nothing about car/vans 😂💜
The lights are on but no one is home lol 😂
@@BigVanSmallWorld 😂😂😂
I have a leak coming from the firewall area 🤦♂️
Anyone else had it ?
I can’t find where it’s coming from 🤦♂️
Good luck 🤞
Mine was full of rain water. Nightmare
Your a nice guy but your not addressing the problem, its easy to get ,,,,to open the doors dropped the windows and you can stand up there with one foot on the seat and one on the front of the door where you have dropped the windows albeit you have to attack it from either sides. I've just done a temporary fix as after a snow storm it pissed in, it has leaked before but I thought it was a drain in the front scuttle. I've used dubbing to keep it at bat till I can sort it properly if it can keep water out of my Mendel boots I'm sure it can cope with the job in hand!!!
£150 for a used replacement... I paid that for my first car! 😲
Fantastic video thay should replace it call them all in it's a manufacturing problem the cheap skatets. 👎👎👎👎😒🤨🤥🤥🤥🤥🤥🤥