Rust on Frame with A/C drain mod fix

Apparently the 2020 Tacoma's have the same issue as well. So I guess tomorrow I'll be putting in this mod as well.

 

With out going through 35 pages of posts I have not seen anything on to why these lines drain like that. I know when you use the AC its not uncommon for cars to drip after they are parked. My Tacoma needs a diaper because it leaves a 12 inch diameter puddle on the driveway after it is parked and leaves a trail up the driveway while I am backing in. That cant be normal. I hardly use my air conditioning. I always thought that is what windows are for. This happens quite often but I never seem to be loosing any fluids when I check. I have had several Toyota products over the years and have never seen any do this. My wife thinks it maybe because I leave the defroster set all the time. Windows fog up around here every morning. Any thoughts as to why?

 

Ditto on the window defroster/ac.

 

Defrosters use the A/C system to blow dehumidified air on your windows to help remove the moisture. They've done that for as long as I can remember. If you are running your defrosters, you are running your A/C.

Windows only work so well. When it is really humid out, having them open just slaps you in the face with the wet air. Also it doesn't work very well when the kids are trying to read books in the back or the wife has her hair down and complains about it blowing around and in her face. Also it is just straight up more comfortable. I love A/C in my car and house and wouldn't ever go without it.

 

Spend a summer in Phoenix, you will be using your AC.

 

When you cool ambient air, some water condenses. That's why almost all A/C units, whether vehicle-mounted or stationary, have a hose draining water from the evaporator. It's basically distilled water, very clean. That's why Toyota doesn't care the water drips onto the frame. If you drive through any kind of salted roads in the winter, the condensate water has a negligible effect on frame corrosion.

Nissan Frontier drains at the same spot:

 

Thanks for the feedback I have gotten on this. The comments on the defroster being in use all the time makes sense. I just also read that some earlier Tacoma's drained water from the cowl that way as well. Here in Ohio where they salt the roads that would concern me because of all the salt and ice draining through that way if it applied to the newer Tacoma's. Water from the AC is different. I am going to extend the drain line lower to clear the frame.
The reason for leaving the defroster set on is because every morning when I leave for work at 5 my windows fog up badly from all the damp air we get here even in the summer. With the defroster set on its lowest setting that usually doesn't happen by the time I am pulling out of the driveway. With the windows down I don't even notice it. My wife does though. Thanks again.

 

to those that have done it, is the 5/8" diameter heater hose, ID or OD?

 

Better to drain on the ground than to get your floor/carpet wet. I've fixed a bunch of Lexus cars where the A/C drain would get plugged and the water would end up in the car. Not good.

 

5/8 ID

 

I just extended the drain hose down about 9" with a clear piece of hose I had in the garage and a radiator clamp. The hose was so tight over the drain hose I doubt I really needed to use the clamp. It now just clears the frame. Also was able to do this from the top. Its not that hard to get at either way.

 

Yes, for a preventative!

 

Did a gentle curve down along the frame and out before the cross member. I reinforced the new hose with zipties that hold the new hose in a curve to take pressure off the factory drain hose. I also used oil to work the new hose all the way over the factory hose. Fingers crossed, but seems pretty stable.

 

This thread is super helpful! Thanks guys. I just noticed mine dripping the other day and after climbing under the truck I was incredulous that they would design it this way!

 

Was just about to post this lol. Shit, spend February in Phoenix, or just about any other month and you will want your AC. I used to drive an '82 Toyota truck with no AC. Not in Arizona luckily

 

I've already posted this a few times in here, but Toyota has been doing this for over 20 years, maybe more. My '99 single cab has the exact same AC drain. It must not be that big of a concern for them if they haven't changed it in forever.

 

No disrespect intended but Toyota has been selling trucks with frames that rot to pieces for 20 years too. We keep buying them so why fix it.

 

To make it last 21 years.

 

Yeah I guess I've been lucky. I've never lived anywhere but CA and AZ so rust has never been an issue for my trucks. And the A/C is an absolute must here in Phoenix for at least like 8 months out of the year damn near

 

Shocker... the '21s STILL require this mod. I did this on a '16, a '17, and now a '21... I guess I should not be surprised.