Bed storage boxes let in lots of dust.

Just got back from a 2k trip...thought the back door on the shell was letting in a lot of dust as the back 3rd of the bed was pretty dusty. Checked the gaskets and all seemed good and then noticed the side storage looked pretty dirty. Would not be an issue except I have a shell with a bed rug so it makes a mess. Short of putting painters tape on the door seams or such when going or, anyone have this issue and come up with a fix?

 

I was thinking about putting a bead of silicone around the hole where the tabs slide in to narrow the gap a little bit. Haven't tried it though. I haven't heard of anybody doing anything about it before.

 

It's not cheap, but this is a good option http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-235-toyota-tacoma-bed-security-lockbox.aspx

 

That is a good option. Thanks for the imput!

 

The boxes are designed like that to allow water to drain out that gets in on an open bed truck. That's it.

You can seal yours up since you are running a topper.

I'd take the easy and reversible way. Pop out the bin, put some duct tape over the drain holes from the outside, and let 'em ride. If that solves your issue, done.

If there is still dust around the edges of the bin, probably gasket making time.

 

Forgot about the drain holes. Might stuff some silicone in them. Amazing how much dust comes in through the box....then again, 60 on dirt roads creates quite a cloud!

 

I pluged my holes, but I have a cap, so a little silicone. Also a tailgate seal works good at keeping water/dust out. Amazon on the tailgate seal. Sealed the bed drain holes also.

 

I have a bedrug installed so didn't get much dust in from the bottom of the tailgate as it is covered by the bedrug. Shop Vac cleans that up pretty quick. Main issue was the side boxes...forgot they had drain holes in them.

 

This might help:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-and-adventures.362772/page-87#post-12082448