Regarding the suggestion to use metal ammo boxes, I'm trying to
picture NattyBumppo using them for his urban boxes in Washington, DC,
or the person who placed a box at the Canadian border behind a
utility box.
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "John"
> Much of it is condensation. Also, rubbermaid style containers
> generally weren't designed for outdoor use. Although in the
> refrigerator and freezer they hold up a good seal, outdoors you
have
> constant temperature swings. Each time as the plastic shrinks or
> swells, moisture is allowed in. As far as plastic containers go,
the
> high-end containers hold up better than your cheap dollar store
> variety do. They're usually thicker and have a more secure seal.
>
> Metal ammo boxes usually do an excellent job of keeping things dry.
> Their major downfalls though include they can be pricey depending
on
> where you are and in urban areas, they can set off a "bomb scare"
> (Even though a bomb could just as easily be in a plastic
container.).
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "thedoubtfulguests"
>
> > What could be more disheartening than finding a box full of water
> > and a soaked, ruined log? Kudos to all for efforts to double bag
> > wherever we go.
> >
> > I have seen many boxes with a lot of water in them. Many of
these
> > are good freezer style Rubbermaid containers that appear to be
> > sealed well. How does the water get in there?
> >
> > - Not really sealed well?
> > - Not closed tight?
> > - Temperature changes and humidity?
> > - Condensation?
> > - Do bigger boxes with lots of air allow more condensation?
> > - Do paper towels and paper pages attract it?
> > - Flooding?
> > - Do we have to test new boxes before planting them?
> >
> > My mind imagines a body farm with letterboxes scattered about for
> > testing.
> >
> > Scarab