Condensation

[seanwinder22]

Hello everyone
So this morning having a tidy up in the motorhome
I went to the storage behind the drivers seat
Top shelf I noticed it was wet my heart sank horrible feeling
But after a closer inspection of the ceiling and walls … nothing bone dry heart felt a little better
So more digging about - I come to a relay switch
I’m not 100% what this does being a new van
But turning the control panel on above the door, this relay clicks
Anyway the heat comes off this is pretty warm to touch
It’s just in here dangling neatly touching the shelf

I’m guessing with the temps dropping to below freezing last few days
This relay being warm. Then caused condensation in the shelf surface
I took off the oyster satellite in November for room for more solar
So this oyster box I disconnected from the side of the wall left it on the shelf
It’s got water in it being so close to this relay
Anyone know what they use these relays for ? is it to do with the oyster satellite a power source
Thanks

 

[Richard n Ann]

Something is inside that is damp and the moisture is migrating to the coldest point in the van. Dry it as best you can and ventilate the van.

 

[Richard n Ann]

My shed ceiling is the same. The half facing north has got condensation drips hanging under it. As the sun warms the shed it's the coldest place.

 

[seanwinder22]

Something is inside that is damp and the moisture is migrating to the coldest point in the van. Dry it as best you can and ventilate the van.

Ok thanks
I have checked all areas the ceiling and walls no damp at all
I was drawn to this ssr switch because it’s hot you can feel the heat coming off it
Reason I thought this being hot near a cold shelf in a freezing van could cause moisture on the shelf and to then get wet
We have had no rain so definitely no leak

 

[Richard n Ann]

Reason I thought this being hot near a cold shelf in a freezing van could cause moisture on the shelf and to then get wet

Don't think so, unless the relay is warming something wet up and causing it to evaporate.
Either way there is damp somewhere inside the van.

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[PP Bear]

Was the wiring like that when you picked up a new vehicle or am I reading this wrong.

 

[seanwinder22]

Was the wiring like that when you picked up a new vehicle or am I reading this wrong.

It’s not a new van brand new.. But a new van to me yes
this wiring was like this tho yea with the ssr
I think it’s for the oyster that was on the roof . No idea but I hear it click when turn the control panel on
The ssr switch is very hot tho to touch
When it’s cold in the van and this is hot that was my thought for condensation on the shelf

 

[PP Bear]

Thanks for your reply, I’m just surprised at how shoddy they’ve left it for you. I have Oyster 2 satellite, but not the relay you have, so not sure what’s going on there.

I do get little areas of condensation in areas, I had one 2 days ago on a random shelf in the cupboard, but noted I hadn’t allowed the air to circulate through that particular cupboard.

 

[Richard n Ann]

If the relay clicks it's not a solid state relay.
It shouldn't be getting hot. I'd put a clamp meter on all the wires as the first job

 

[seanwinder22]

Thanks for your reply, I’m just surprised at how shoddy they’ve left it for you. I have Oyster 2 satellite, but not the relay you have, so not sure what’s going on there.

I do get little areas of condensation in areas, I had one 2 days ago on a random shelf in the cupboard, but noted I hadn’t allowed the air to circulate through that particular cupboard.

I agree it’s definitely bodged
It’s a bessacar e660 I have read they use a solid state relay to trigger from the control panel for light etc
But this looks like it’s providing power to the oyster
Maybe a ssr because shuts off power completely when the panel is turned off
Won’t drain the battery then
And yea .. it’s the first time I have had condensation I did have the heating on yesterday while working in there . No windows or vents open
I really think tho the heat coming off this relay in a freezing van caused condensation on the shelf

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[PP Bear]

I agree it’s definitely bodged
It’s a bessacar e660 I have read they use a solid state relay to trigger from the control panel for light etc
But this looks like it’s providing power to the oyster
Maybe a ssr because shuts off power completely when the panel is turned off
Won’t drain the battery then
And yea .. it’s the first time I have had condensation I did have the heating on yesterday while working in there . No windows or vents open
I really think tho the heat coming off this relay in a freezing van caused condensation on the shelf

Defo agree with the reason. Best thing is that you know now so can make allowances.

You said earlier about your heart dropping thinking it’s water leaking in. Think we’re all the same and instantly looked for water ingress, but just a local area of moisture.

Every days a school day and I’m still learning about my van and I’ve had this one 12 years

 

[royandsharont]

Can’t see what age your van is but looks similar to my old Bessacarr. I don’t quite understand the shelf your talking about but ours had an over the cab storage locker with door on it. Swift had not put any insulation in the roof of that GRP housing and it was a known problem at my dealer. I got condensation there once, the first Autumn frosts, and the dealer solved it by fitting insulation inside the void. Never had any after that, even camping in sub zero in the Austrian Alps.

 

[seanwinder22]

Can’t see what age your van is but looks similar to my old Bessacarr. I don’t quite understand the shelf your talking about but ours had an over the cab storage locker with door on it. Swift had not put any insulation in the roof of that GRP housing and it was a known problem at my dealer. I got condensation there once, the first Autumn frosts, and the dealer solved it by fitting insulation inside the void. Never had any after that, even camping in sub zero in the Austrian Alps.

Hi buddy it’s a 2010 bessacar e660 Glad you got it sorted

 

[seanwinder22]

Defo agree with the reason. Best thing is that you know now so can make allowances.

You said earlier about your heart dropping thinking it’s water leaking in. Think we’re all the same and instantly looked for water ingress, but just a local area of moisture.

Every days a school day and I’m still learning about my van and I’ve had this one 12 years

Yes it was a horrible feeling
8 week ago it had its hab check and the guy said was no damp at all
So was very worried to feel water on the shelf

 

[seanwinder22]

Can’t see what age your van is but looks similar to my old Bessacarr. I don’t quite understand the shelf you’re talking about but ours had an over the cab storage locker with door on it. Swift had not put any insulation in the roof of that GRP housing and it was a known problem at my dealer. I got condensation there once, the first Autumn frosts, and the dealer solved it by fitting insulation inside the void. Never had any after that, even camping in sub zero in the Austrian Alps.

Also yes I have storage above the cab in lockers
But this is direct above the kitchen table 1 moment I will grab a image of the lay out

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[seanwinder22]

Can’t see what age your van is but looks similar to my old Bessacarr. I don’t quite understand the shelf your talking about but ours had an over the cab storage locker with door on it. Swift had not put any insulation in the roof of that GRP housing and it was a known problem at my dealer. I got condensation there once, the first Autumn frosts, and the dealer solved it by fitting insulation inside the void. Never had any after that, even camping in sub zero in the Austrian Alps.

The one above the tv is which has all the equipment in from the satellite including that ssr switch that throws off some heat that switch

 

[seanwinder22]

If the relay clicks it's not a solid state relay.
It shouldn't be getting hot. I'd put a clamp meter on all the wires as the first job

Maybe it’s not a ssr but it’s definitely a relay

 

[seanwinder22]

If the relay clicks it's not a solid state relay.
It shouldn't be getting hot. I'd put a clamp meter on all the wires as the first job

What ever this relay is caused is very warm a lot of heat comes off this

 

[seanwinder22]

What ever this relay is caused is very warm a lot of heat comes off this

It’s a 5 pin relay on closer look

What ever this relay is caused is very warm a lot of heat comes off this

it’s a 5 pin relay on a closer look

 

[Lenny HB]

What ever this relay is caused is very warm a lot of heat comes off this

Looks like an automotive relay the coils on them tend to be fairly high power and often run warm.
The relay maybe to lower the dish when the engine is running.
Looks like GJ did the wiring.

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[seanwinder22]

Looks like an automotive relay the coils on them tend to be fairly high power and often run warm.
The relay maybe to lower the dish when the engine is running.
Looks like GJ did the wiring.

yes the wiring is sloppy lol it’s a D+signal I’m thinking for the satellite to lower on ignition start up maybe ? Or when the control panel is turned on this relay sends power to the oyster and when panel off it’s isolated so no power
I don’t know
I do know it’s very warm
In a very cold van in the storage dangling like this close to the shelf was my idea for moisture build up

 

[seanwinder22]

yes the wiring is sloppy lol it’s a D+signal I’m thinking for the satellite to lower on ignition start up maybe ? Or when the control panel is turned on this relay sends power to the oyster and when panel off it’s isolated so no power
I don’t know
I do know it’s very warm
In a very cold van in the storage dangling like this close to the shelf was my idea for moisture build

Can’t see what age your van is but looks similar to my old Bessacarr. I don’t quite understand the shelf you’re talking about but ours had an over the cab storage locker with door on it. Swift had not put any insulation in the roof of that GRP housing and it was a known problem at my dealer. I got condensation there once, the first Autumn frosts, and the dealer solved it by fitting insulation inside the void. Never had any after that, even camping in sub zero in the Austrian Alps.

What did they use to insulate the locker above the seat mate
I know which you mean because I have them
I have noticed they are just grp
Did they insulate the ceiling inside the locker

 

[seanwinder22]

I unplugged this relay so no power gets to it
And no moisture on the shelf dry as a bone
When those temps are low that’s a warning to myself to check any heat source below freezing temps

 

[royandsharont]

What did they use to insulate the locker above the seat mate
I know which you mean because I have them
I have noticed they are just grp
Did they insulate the ceiling inside the locker

I’m not absolutely certain but they cut square holes in the top outside and understood they filled it with a solid block type of insulation. They then sealed the holes with a GRP cover.

On our E480G van we had longitudinal decorative covers at the top front to back similar to yours but without the bars in them. They attracted moisture inside which then leaked out along the seam in places. There was no risk to water penetration as the roof and sides were sealed and the the covers were decoratI’ve so they filled those too and no more condensation either.