Dew is an oft misunderstood phenomenon. It appears to fall, because, as you observe, it shows up most plentifully on horizontal surfaces. Dew however, is only condensate, and it will accumulate to varying degrees on any surfaces that: a) fall in temperature below the dewpoint b) have open access to the air c) have "condensation nuclei" or an irregular surface (initially, water won't condense on a perfectly smooth surface, as it has nowhere to condense) grass accumulates lots of dew because it has all three in abundance, and it is close to a source of moisture that is usually warmer than the surrounding air. Eric and Chris are both correct, dew causes rust. If you have to park outside, you could (conceivably) run a small electric space heater in your van. You wouldn't have to keep it toasty warm, just warmer than the dewpoint by about 10-15 degrees. The extra margin (10-15 degrees) would probably be enough to conduct through the metal of the van so that the undercarriage is at least above the dewpoint by a degree or two. It is STILL raining here in NC. I guess the drought is over here. G. Matthew Bulley Director Bulley-Hewlett & Associates www.bulley-hewlett.com Cary, NC USA 888.468.4880 tollfree
-----Original Message----- From: Mark Gajewski [SMTP:mgajewski@MANVILLERUBBER.COM] Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 9:58 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Lots of talk about Rust... This moisture condenses >and becomes "dew" or water. The advantage this has, to rust your vehicle, >is that it is on the inside of your vehicle by way of the air. Its >in places the you cannot get to, after the vehicle was welded together >from the factory. I have heard many times that dew will rust out cars....used car dealers refer to "lot rot" which occurs on cars that just sit on the lot. The dew collects but without driving the car and getting ventilation around it it never really dries out and the next night more dew collects. As far as the vehicle getting wet from dew everywhere air can get to, I'm not so sure.......I believe the dew only collects on vertical surfaces similar to rain and then runs down the sides, drips past moving window seals etc. Just had breakfast outside this AM and the top of my outdoor table was wet with dew, but underneath it was dry. The chairs pushed under the table were also dry so that's my scientific proof!! Mark |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.