Decked system, Gaps, Bikes, etc...

I just bought a used Decked system for a 3rd Gen DCSB. It was previously on another DCSB, but I'm not 100% sure it is the model number made specifically for the DCSB Tacoma. Are 1/2"-3/4" gaps on each side of the box normal? (Between the box and the bed sides)

If so, has anyone come up with a clever idea to keep debris from accumulating in the gap? I'm thinking about a fairly porous foam strip that will allow water to pass through but prevent leaves and other things that may fall into the bed from composting under the box...

Also, I've previously used tailgate pads to haul our bikes to the mountain...I think the 8" or so that the Decked system sits below the tailgate will make this pretty sketchy. has anyone come up with a good system to haul bikes? I'm thinking about trying to hang the wheels over the leitner ACS rack, but that's certainly not ideal.

 

It's been a while since you posted this, but in case you happen to still be working on your DECKED system...

One of the most common requests we received was to 'seal' the edges of the deck to the truck bed. A decent way to do this is with a foam weatherstrip stuck to the bed, or better yet, a bulb seal in a D profile. Don't make a hard piece to connect and fill or you'll crack the decks. They expand a lot in the sun and will quickly crack, which is why the gap exists in the first place.

Second, bike racks are tricky in a Tacoma with a system installed. I have made a few different systems for mine, but the easiest way (with a Leitner ACS) is to slide the rear bar forward, put the rear bike tire under it, and then use a Voile strap to tie the tires to the uprights. Sounds tougher than it is, and it works well for two bikes. You can't use a tailgate pad with the DECKED system installed. I may eventually get around to making an actual rack, but the voile strap method is hard to beat for me.

 

I slept in my truck bed last night on my decked system and almost lost my glasses and truck keys to the gap. A lighter did make its way down.

I was gonna go to Home Depot and grab some form of rubber or foam padding to stuff between but was curious if anybody had any other suggestions for prevention when using the truck bed as a camper

 

I ended up using that adhesive expanding foam trim molding (not the stuff in a can, but the stuff that comes in a black roll), and it works great. Allows for the flex of the truck bed and hot/cold expansion, and will keep most anything from falling through the cracks.

 

Did you figure out a better system to mount the bikes?

 

Do you have a link to what product you used? I installed a Decked today and had been thinking of using a spray foam with a couple of small tubes as weep holes.

 

I've attempted to use spray foam for various projects and have always been disappointed in the results...it's just too hard to make it look good. I think it's also a little to rigid for this application.

I used a foam weather strip tape that expands a bit to fill in the gap pretty nicely. just make sure the truck bed is as clean as possible when applying it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/M-D-13-ft-Expand-N-Seal-Foam-Window-Weatherstrip/3434324

I've used this in my Ram 2500 for the same thing as well. I've been happy with the results. It keeps the big stuff from getting below the boxes and lets air flow nicely.

 

I actually sold the 3rd gen a few months after this post and bought a 2nd gen....and I don't have the leitner rack anymore, sadly. I did use a 2x4 frame that I built with some 1/4" plywood (almost identical to framing used in interior residential walls but with ply instead of drywall). I covered it in some cheap black carpet and used it like a tailgate within the tailgate. It filled the gap between the decked box and the truck's tailgate well. It also worked well with the leitner rack crossbars pushed back towards the cab.

 

I used this:

$13 19.7 Feet Long Weather Stripping Seal Strip for Doors/Windows, Self-Adhesive Backing Seals Large Gap (from 5/16" to 11/20") Seal Strip

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WTYXDCY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1