How to keep odor out of a truck that isn't driven often

[Shadowdub]

Any suggestions on how to keep odors from developing in a truck that doesn't get driven often?

I bought a Suburban to tow my ski boat and for trips to the ski area when the roads are bad. This winter the Suburban has mostly sat in the driveway since there has hardly been any snow in mountains since Christmas and it has started to smell musty inside. I also need to avoid using any sort of fragrenced product as my girlfriend is allergic to artificial fragrence.

[Restlessone]

Try vinegar, works for some odors.

[FireRed]

If it stinks it is getting wet!!! My 97 smelled fine for many years then started to get musty, what I found was the very typical leak along the top of the back windows the seam where the roof meets the side panels. I asked my buddy at the body shop for ideas, he said most all of them leak and most people do not catch it as it drips onto the sides. His fix which I did three years ago was to clean the grove at the top the carefully apply silicone, I used black and it is not noticeable and has not had one drop since. Go out after a good rain and feel the spare tire cover and the carpet edges, also lift the carpet you may be surprised how damp it can be. It took a lot to get mine dried out and rid of the odor, but like I say it has been fine for three years now.

Phil

[plumber_rob]

I had a friend who use to have a few projects parked in the back of his shop. He use to put an open bag of charcoal brisquets inside them to absorb the odors. I think he would put a new bag in every three months or so.

[cascott325]

if you have wind visors, then crack your windows a little on nice days to let it air out. but as stated before, if you are getting a musty smell, then you are getting moisture somewhere. try getting someone to stay in the truck while you run a garden hose over the body. listen for dirps, watch for leaks, etc. you can also run it through an automatic car wash which will force water in through some places that a garden hose may not get, but a long soaking rain would.

[cascott325]

also try gettin a couple boxes of baking soda an placing in the car. they will absorb some of the smell. you can sprinkle it around and let it sit for a while. it will absorb any moisture leaving evidence of a leak and take out a lot of odors. then just vacuum it up

[fredbird]

We use a moisture aborber for RV's in my truck while it sat for 8 months. I had no problems with moisture or odor inside the truck. They are cheap and can be found at any parts store or wal-mart.

[KidHauler]

Chris beat me to it. I set a small cup of baking soda on the floor of the Mustang when it sits for the winter. Always seems fresh in the spring.

Good luck,

[tlperry68]

I'd try to open it up every once ina while when the weather permits. Also look into getting the carpets and seats steam cleaned. That might be a help.

[tbplus10]

I use box's of baking soda in my vehicles I dont drive much.
I have a softop Jeep that I put a bucket of silicone beads in the passenger seat and it keep things dry in there.