Weatherproofing the Bed

I would like some tips and tricks to weatherproof the bed of my truck before I get a cap put on it. I tried to search but either I didn’t find anything or I’m searching with the wrong words. Any links to other threads would be appreciated!

 

I’m talking about sealing gaps so dust and water won’t ruin anything in the bed

 

Most cap mfg supply weather stripping to seal the cap.

 

alittle weatherstripping around the tailgate is pretty much all you neeed

 

Yes I understand that, I’m talking about the gaps between bed rails, gaps by the tailgate, the gaps in the front corners of the bed, etc. I keep reading that people do that but they don’t say what the use RTV? Silicone? Bubblegum? Or how they get to certain spots

 

Yes, the gaps at the front corners of the bed need to be sealed. My canopy dealer used some black putty like stuff that I believe is known as dum dum. I have seen where people have used black silicone caulking. You should remove the front bed rail and seal under it as well.

 

I believe I’ve seen people use caulking, but not 100% sure. I’m interested as well.

 

They make an automotive caulk...3M... you can get it at NAPA. It works.

 

This has worked great so far:

$50 ESI ROK Block 4.25" Tailgate Gap Cover and Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal 6ft for Sidewalls

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R8KBV9Y

It comes with enough to do the sides an extra time.

 

Dum dum.. guessing you work in the electrical field...

We use to seal.conduit and risers at work

 

Here's what I did, in order of importance/priority. There are separate threads on TW describing each step.
1) seal the huge gaps at the top-front of the bed, where the side rails meets the front rail. Use putty (black putty or RV style putty tape)
2) seal underneath the black plastic side bedrail caps. Use silicon sealer or something better (I used Geocel Proflex) The caps need to be removed. The sealer is applied to the metal side.
3) seal the gaps in the plastic bed near the tailgate. I used RV putty tape.
4) use weatherstripping to seal the tailgate itself (there are kits you can buy for $20-30)
5) hope your canopy doesn't leak.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-6515#post-21202501

 

My dealer has used GE Silicone in black for years, once cured its pretty durable. Take the front bed rail off, lay a bead and reinstall. Seal the corners too.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-GE-S...ck}:rt+dln:{583613}+qu:{ge+silicone+black}:qu

 

Used the same with my leer shell and it's working great.

Black 3m silicone around corners of bed towards the cab.

 

Don’t forget the drain holes in the bed storage boxes. Mine are always getting dirt in them.

 

Use hvac duct seal putty. Stays put. Easy to remove.

$5 Gardner Bender Available DS-110N 1-Pound Duct Seal Compound, Gray Green

https://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender-Available-DS-110N-Compound/dp/B000BO8XD6

Tailgate gaps u need a stick on gasket

 

If you’re talking about TDC gasket, I’d rather not, I use that at work and it’s not all that amazing

 

This is my experience. The overwhelming majority of dust and water come in between the tailgate and bed on the sides of the truck. You can see daylight between them.

 

Damn didn’t realize 3rd gens had all these gaps. Didn’t have to do all that on my 2nd gen.

 

?? The 2nd Gen is nearly the same except your header rail is different, I believe.