It should drain OK -IF- you have a good drain at the bottom.
I being a conservative character would also plug the top and cover with
tape. A: it can't hurt. B: it is one less place to drop antenna nuts and
parts into. C: a nice rounded top on a tower leg is easier on my body
than the sharp edges of a tower section.
If you live where there is real winter with snow and ice, I would
definitely seal them. Leaves or other debris can get into the tube and
plug it part way down and then cause water to accumulate and cause
freeze bursts.
It is rather scary to be climbing a tower and see a burst section at
the 100 foot level!
I like the rubber stopper idea.
de n0yvy steve
Dennis Schaefer wrote:
>
> Steve suggested that I ask the group about this. I am re-installing a 50
> foot 25G tower (replacing some 20G sections). The top section will be
> "straight" instead of "pointy". I was wondering if the openings at the top
> should be "capped" to keep rain out.
>
> Steve said moisture accumulation shouldn't be much of a problem if I put
> gravel under the base. The base went in over 10 years ago, and I THINK I
> did that properly. He said condensation was more of a problem than rain.
> That makes sense, so maybe the tops should be open instead of sealed?
>
> What do you think - seal or not seal, and if so, how? (I was thinking
> about using rubber stoppers from the hardware store).
>
> 73,
> Dennis
>
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