I too recently purchased a 2002 Avalanche and I have the same problem. Dealer said that was normal (?!) and that they had theirs priced so low that they did not want to try to make the bed waterproof.
If anybody has come up with a remedy, please let us know. Does anybody think brand new panels might help? Anybody know how much these parts cost??
When you say your bed is wet is it just some water in the back? Keep in mind that the bed of the AV is water resistant not water proof. The Avalanche has a "Water Management System". Make sure that your rain gutters that run along the side of the bet are intact and not cracked. They are there to channel water as it leaks through the seals in the bed panels to the drains. Make sure all your drains are clear. It is recommended to clean them all out every 6 months or so. We have a lot of pine and maple trees on our property and they drop crap that plug up my drains all the time.
The drains are under the rubber bed mat and under the grate looking parts near the sail panels. The grates pull out.
Other things that you can do are to make sure that the bed panels are in a line. Basically not offset from each other. Also when installing panel 2 & 3 sllide them forward to meet with the penel in front of it with the back side up at a 45* angle. Does that make sense? Don't have it flat sliding it up on the rail. By holding it at an angle when they come in contact with each other they form a better seal.
As for a dealer doing anything about water they won't in the bed. There are things that can be done to correct water issues in the cab though.
Re: In the Wet
