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How have you water proofed the titanic sized gaps on front of bed...

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Vo0Do0, Dec 12, 2019.

  1. Dec 12, 2019 at 6:07 PM
    #1
    Vo0Do0

    Vo0Do0 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am getting ready to install the Diamondback bed cover and am perplexed on what to do to seal the huge gaps on both sides of the bed at the front.

    I did try to search for this topic but was unable to find a post about it.
     
  2. Dec 12, 2019 at 6:10 PM
    #2
    Cudgel

    Cudgel “Tonka”

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    While I think you can make these covers water shedding I don’t think you can really waterproof them. I’m sure some good gasket materials are available.
     
  3. Dec 12, 2019 at 6:11 PM
    #3
    THE_KiRRAx

    THE_KiRRAx Well-Known Member

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    The ones under the bed side rails? Buy a sheet of closed cell foam and cut two large blocks from it, adhere it up under the rail in those front corners should be fairly golden after that. For the two gaps between the front rail and side rail just use the provided foam squares that came with your cover (or make them yourself). Just my suggestions.
     
  4. Dec 12, 2019 at 6:15 PM
    #4
    Vo0Do0

    Vo0Do0 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, did not know they would come with some but that would be good if they do.

     
  5. Dec 12, 2019 at 6:18 PM
    #5
    THE_KiRRAx

    THE_KiRRAx Well-Known Member

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    Some covers do, some don't. Most provide that little square you just take the front rail off and apply it to the ends, then reinstall. That seals up the most obvious gaps at the front. The gaps under the bed side rails are huge though, can literally poke a finger out from bed in those corners.

     
    Vo0Do0[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Dec 13, 2019 at 4:24 AM
    #6
    RichVT

    RichVT Well-Known Member

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  7. Dec 13, 2019 at 5:25 AM
    #7
    Rparker017

    Rparker017 Well-Known Member

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  8. Dec 13, 2019 at 5:41 AM
    #8
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    are you talking about the drain holes near the front corners on the floor? Those holes are there to drain any water that accumulates in the truck bed.

    I'm just trying to visualize where you are asking about. I don't have a 3rd gen.
     
  9. Dec 13, 2019 at 6:19 AM
    #9
    TC_Mic

    TC_Mic Well-Known Member

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    Look up under the rails toward the cab. In the 3rd gen there is a gap between the bed, and the rail that could allow water through. It certainly allows aid and light to pass.

    I do not think the 1st gens have this issue since they are a metal bed and metal rail. It may or may not exist in 2nd gens, I have not owned a 2nd nor have I laid in the bed of one looking for the gap.
     
    Vo0Do0[OP] and koditten[QUOTED] like this.
  10. Dec 13, 2019 at 6:22 AM
    #10
    NGA Taco

    NGA Taco New Member

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    I've had a Diamond Back for about 6 months, it's awesome! I did not seal those gaps when I first installed it and it did leak there. I used masking tape and taped around the gaps (to keep the caulk job clean) and then used clear silicone to fill the gaps. It worked and I now have no leaks. Another tip is to close everything up and look for daylight.
     
    radarluv likes this.
  11. Dec 13, 2019 at 6:22 AM
    #11
    koditten

    koditten Well-Known Member

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    Thank you. I wasn't aware, as I said, I don t have a 3rd gen but will eventually. I'll have to look for some pics.
     
  12. Dec 13, 2019 at 6:24 AM
    #12
    savin yours

    savin yours Well-Known Member

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    I’ve had my DB for over a year. I’ve driven through rain storms and several automatic and hand washes. The amount of water that leaks in the bed is almost not enough to talk about. With the factory rubber bed mat, it stays under the mat and runs out the tailgate. Again, not an issue for me. Also, I transport some high end guns in mine(deer lease trips).
     
    koditten likes this.
  13. Dec 13, 2019 at 6:28 AM
    #13
    skiploder

    skiploder Well-Known Member

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    Vo0Do0[OP] likes this.
  14. Dec 13, 2019 at 8:07 AM
    #14
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 Well-Known Member

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    I have mine all sealed up from a canopy I installed.

    I just took the canopy off, so I'll take some pictures when I get home from work.

    Basically just a combination of foam fit in the gap and sealant
     
  15. Dec 13, 2019 at 8:36 AM
    #15
    SogBecks

    SogBecks Well-Known Member

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  16. Dec 13, 2019 at 8:41 AM
    #16
    bluzharp

    bluzharp Well-Known Member

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    I used the Toyota plugs made for the factory tonneau. Pricey for what they are, but effective. Minor trimming is required on the bed rail covers.
     
  17. Dec 13, 2019 at 8:49 AM
    #17
    Joe671

    Joe671 YouTube Mechanic

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    i have the cheap Tyger trifold soft tonneau cover from Amazon. Definitely see the gap up front. As much as it rains here in Washington state my bed stays fairly dry.
    edit- of course i don't have anything in the bed that i absolutely need dry.
     
  18. Dec 13, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #18
    kmorgan3

    kmorgan3 Redside Electric, LLC | VLEDS

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    https://www.amazon.com/GREAT-STUFF-Stone-Insulating-Sealant/dp/B001AQ0FVC

    Sticks better than caulk, silicone, moldable glue, etc. I sprayed it in there and let it expand. Once expanded took a knife and shaped it. Then taped around it and sprayed it with a couple coats of plasti-dip so it looks clean. Diamondback is watertight now (I live in Oregon and truck is parked outside).
     
    wahoobie likes this.
  19. Dec 13, 2019 at 6:57 PM
    #19
    RichVT

    RichVT Well-Known Member

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    I knew it existed so I just had to find it again. When you go into the advanced search make sure to check the "most relevant" box instead of the default "most recent". That helps bring the older threads to the top of your search results.
     
    5Saints and Vo0Do0[OP] like this.
  20. Dec 13, 2019 at 7:41 PM
    #20
    Vo0Do0

    Vo0Do0 [OP] Well-Known Member

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