Dodge Ram A/C Drain Line Installation

The second generation Dodge Ram drains condensate from the air conditioning from a 1″ long horizontal drain tube that sticks through the firewall. This causes water to run down the firewall and constantly soak the firewall insulation, firewall, and suspension links. Additionally, this can lead to water draining back through the firewall and cause the passenger floor to be wet. Although my truck didn’t have any issues with water draining back through the firewall, I didn’t like the fact that my firewall and suspension was constantly sitting in water so I decided to re-route the drain below the truck.

 

 

 

To fix this, I simply bought an 90* pre-bent heater hose from NAPA and installed this onto the drain coming out of the firewall. This allows the condensate to drain out of the air conditioner and be released below the truck, keeping the truck dry. This took about 10 minutes of work and cost about $20 for tubing and hose clamp.

Parts Used:

Installation:

The first step to this installation is to shorten the short end of the 5/8″ ID L shaped heater hose. Cut the hose so there is about  2″-3″ of hose past the 90* bend on the short side, leave the 18″ long end as is.

Now locate the condensate drain in the firewall. On a second generation dodge this is located on the passenger side firewall directly below the air conditioner accumulator/dryer as shown below.

With the hose cut, simply slip the short end of the hose over the drain and secure with a hose clamp. Route the lower end of the hose on the outside of the firewall between the frame and the inner fender to allow condensate to drain away from the suspension and enjoy.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, September 21st, 2014 at 18:27 • Automotive Information, Dodge RamRSS 2.0 feed • leave a response or trackback

14 Responses to “Dodge Ram A/C Drain Line Installation”

  1. James says:

    This worked perfectly for my “04 Ram 2500. The 5/8” tubing was the perfect size for my truck. I trimmed the short end back about 2 inches and left the long end alone. I tried to put some silicone around the pipe sticking out before I put the tubing on. After I put the the silicone on, I put the hose on and hose clamped it. It came out exactly like the picture. Thanks!

  2. Diana Welch says:

    Although my truck didn’t have any issues with water draining back through the firewall.

    ————————–
    Supplier of MRBP Exhaust
    Start Your Performance Here! There’s no better place to start adding performance to your truck or SUV than with a Performance Exhaust System from one of the leading manufacturers.

  3. michael brumagen says:

    I did this last year on my 2014 Ram…worked like a charm! I’m glad someone else posted pictures of the fix. Keep up the good work!!

  4. Peter Natale says:

    Worked like a charm. 2000 Dodge 1500 pickup. Saved $700.00 dash removal.
    Thanks for sharing.
    P.N. Texas

  5. plumber tools says:

    Great article.

  6. Freddy says:

    What a great idea. Tried this on my gen 4 ram, pipe was too small that I bought from Napa.
    I think i need 3/4 , 5/4 too small.

    • Freddy says:

      Sorry meant to say 5/8 was too small for my gen 4 need the 3/4.

      • miles says:

        Glad to hear you got it to work on the 4th gen trucks. Do you happen to have the part number for the hose you used? I can put it in the article for others to reference.

        • JCBraswell says:

          Had same issue w/my 2016 RAM 2500 Laramie Mega Cab 4×4 w/the 6.7-liter I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine. I got NAPA Part NBH 9820 (90 Degree Heater Hose) which is the 3/4″ hose.

Leave a Reply to plumber tools