Stopping Dust Entry in the Gen 1.

Probably already been posted. Thought I would share, just in case. 97 body style

If you’re having trouble stopping dust entering into your shelled bed, check underneath the bed rails, for holes.
I fought dust entering the bed area for years.

I used tailgate weather seals, etc. but to no avail. Every time I reached camp, the interior was covered in dust. Heavy dust, so heavy it did not make sense.

Twice I even used fat masking tape to mask off the exterior of the shell lid and tailgate. This thing was sealed. Upon arrival to camp, everything still covered in lots of dust.

I discovered the answer by mistake. One trip I had soft material stuffed under the bed rails, upon removing the soft tent I observed a dusty pattern of holes that are under the bed rails, printed onto the tent.

Well Dang…..

Not sure if the holes are there by design to help prevent rust. But I did not care in the rust free California truck...

Used painter’s tape to cover the holes. This instantly stopped all dust from entering. I could even remove the tailgate seal. No dust.
No need for positive pressure or other tricks.

Long, fast, dusty roads were never again an issue.

Not sure if other gen Tacos have the same holes under the bed rails. My 21 Tundy does not. It stays dust free without any tailgate seals.



Hope this helps.