Leak at cab bed rail

I am not sure if I titled this quite right, but here goes. I have a Diamondback cover, which I can’t say enough about. I love it! However; I have had a persistent leak at the cab area when it rains hard. I did the fix where you take the plumbers putty and fill the transition between the cab and side bed rails, but the leaks persisted.

Today I crawled into the bed with the cover closed during a steady rain. I could see water leaking/dripping along the bottom edge of the cab bed rail, about 12” in from the corner on each side. I have attached a photo for reference.

I am wondering what I should do. Should I remove it and run a bead of sealant and then reinstall? I haven’t been able to find anyone else with the same problem. Thanks

 

Yes uninstall and run a bead of silicon. Only way to fix it. You placed the putty in the gap but the water is likely coming in from somewhere else and traveling to that spot to leak down. A bead of silicon on the entire panel will fix it

 

I just got a diamondback on mine as well the SE. I don't know if you installed the Bulkhead Weatherstrip that came with the cover or not, but if you didn't you might want to start there. I haven't fixed the gaps yet but can say that I definitely have leaks in the gaps. After a half day storm (truck was parked in the driveway) I checked and I have some small puddles on the top of the step outs in the the front and then in the front of the bed. I know I saw water from the two gaps, but don't believe mine is leaking along the length of the front bulkhead. Once I do the plumbers putty I will look again. I didn't install the weatherstrip yet since my friend told me his only leaked after he added that and not before and it was difficult to get the bolts to line back up. Also if the cover is new make sure you have compressed the gasket. After I compressed the back one more my rear panel leak stopped. I would like to see pictures of how your plumbers putty looks if you get a chance.

 

Here is a photo of the HVAC putty that I used to transition from the cab bedrail cover to the side rail cover. I painted it so that the rubber gasket would not stick to the gasket.

 

I don’t even know where to start! I had my Diamondback HD cover delivered to, and installed by, my certified mechanic (spousal reasons I won't get in to.) Right from the start I had gaps in either the drivers or passenger side. When I picked up the truck after the install he handed me a roll of weather stripping whose install apparently was not addressed in the install manual. So for a few days I tinkered with the front hatch, a light twist to one side then the other. Still, I couldn't get the bloody hatch to close properly (weathertight.) I called Diamondback and spoke to Mike, he was extremely patient and helpful. He suggested to install the weather stripping for the front bed bulkhead. I followed his instructions and did so. I didn't seal the gap on the ends near enough as I see in the preceding photos. I think that I also need to adjust the rod guides a bit to get the front hatch to seal. I'm very frustrated that Diamondback couldn't come up with a locking mechanism for the from similar to what is on the rest hatch to cinch it watertight. I'd like some suggestions if any are warranted.

 

When you remove the back rail you'll notice there is a gasket type material that runs along the backside where it meets the bed/cab, noticed it installing my bakflip, I'd just reseal that or replace.

 

I haven't really noticed mine leaking where the back rail is since there was already a strip there (which is why I didn't install the one that diamondback sent since i figure I would try it first and can always add it if it drips there). Mine seems to be at the gaps and I realize I need to readjust the passenger's side cab panel on the cover to see if I can close it more. I haven't called Diamondback yet since I know until I seal the gaps I really won't know if water is coming in somewhere else.

 

gotcha, ya even my OEM cover leaked in those areas, for me I just want security, dont need it waterproof

 

I just want to be able to put my luggage and tents etc. in the bed when traveling and not have to worry about it all being wet when I get there. I can stand a few drips but not what I get with the gaps currently.

 

For the money we paid it should be tight as a gnat's ass. I just finished filling in the gap on each side of the front bulkhead with silicone. I still noted that the drivers side had a bit more of a gap than the passenger. I had my son hold open the corner on the passenger side, and I gave a gentle pull on the driver's side. I then closed it latched it. Had my son sit on the hatch and I adjust the rod holder on the driver's side so that the top of the rod was touching the bottom of the top of the rail that it engages in to. I'm no longer able to slide my entire finger into the gap that was on this side. Let's see what happens when it rains tonight

 

welcome to TW.

the claim “for the I price I paid for ____” or similar is not a valid argument around here. Sounds like you figured out a smart fix for sealing up the bed, but remember it is a truck bed, not the trunk on a Camry. I have a cover over my bed but it simply keeps my gear out of view of people walking by, I don’t expect it to seal it up and protect the items. Anything requiring protection from the elements stays at home or stays in the cab

 

This has always been my thought process as well, otherwise I'd be in a T4R.

 

I don't run a cover but I do have a softopper and I can confirm my bed leaks in the same spot as yours OP. I sealed the "gaps" on the ends but I still get a few drips down from under that center area. I have given up on making the bed completely water/dust tight. There are so many areas where water can get in. I just lay down the OEM rubber bed mat and all the water that does trickle in goes down underneath that and out through the bed drain holes. None of my cargo has taken on water yet. I even sleep in there with a mattress and no issues so far in rain.

 

I am not looking for total waterproof since I know the design isn't conducive for that no matter what topper or cover you have. I just want to fill the gaps as much as I can to eliminate it having too much to stay under the bed mat. I agree bed mat does keep water off most.

 

For sure. Let me know if the silicone under that bar does the trick and how long and painful the process is and I might try that on mine.

 

Agreed, I have two minor leaks in those gaps at the front of the cab but the bed mat helps funnel the small amount of water down the sides underneath the mat.

 

If I paid as much as they did it for a Diamondback I most certainly would expect them to have done their homework and provide materials and instructions for at least good sealing although it’s true on a truck bed can’t expect a perfect seal. I’ve heard several here say they have no leaks with their Tonneau covers. I deem your “not a valid argument” invalid with all due respect

 

Water travels by capillary action, so the origination of your leak(s) could be anywhere. A rather silly way to help find a leak would be to put sticky notes all under the bed rails before a rain. Afterward, check which ones are wet. One more thing you might look at are the end caps to the front rail. They seem to be just friction fit, so if the putty is removable you might want to remove it and seal up the caps with silicone then re-putty.

Since the general consensus is that all leaks will never be stopped, I've often wondered why campers just don't use pop-up canopy shelters over their trucks.

 

nothing but respect here. People do get flak for making that claim, that’s all I meant.