Tailgate Side Gap with Truck Bed Topper

I have a 2024 Tacoma TRD OR with a A.R.E truck bed topper. I bought the topper so I could have a place to store stuff out of the weather and sleep while traveling. While laying in the bed, I notice gaps in the top corners of the tail gate where it meets the truck bed. Is there any solution to this. The gap is big enough for bugs, dust, and water to get in.

 

My tailgate came misaligned as well from the factory. I noticed it on delivery and I still accepted it because I was so ready to get rid of my 3G. It has allowed a lot of desert dust into the bed on travels.

Here is a thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-fitment-issues.834389/

I am considering doing the tailgate seal commonly used:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ultimate-tailgate-seal.858238/#post-30611040

You can post and get advice over there.

 

https://extrudedsolutions.com/produ...with-taper-seal-compatible-with-toyota-tacoma I ordered this kit from the manufacturer in West Chicago, Illinois. Less than a week and you can contact them if you need help. Great instructions with photos that I enlarged and printed for guidance during installation.

 

The gaps are on both sides?

 

Do you have the auto tailgate? Thanks.

 

The gap is on both sides and I do not have the auto tailgate.

 

The ESI Ultimate tailgate seal is good for the bottom and sides but their solution for the top corners isn't great.



This is what I did for the corners.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/retrax-pro-mx-and-cargo-divider-install.856420/#post-30685568

 

Butyl rubber is your friend. Malleable, adhesive qualities. Weather proof.

It’s what high end outfitters use when sealing AluCab installs etc.

 

Is it just me or is it normal for 4th gen. If it’s not how it’s designed and needs to be fixed, I’ll take it back to the dealer.

 

Welcome to TW…

 

Well there’s also that huge gap at the top of the bed that’s around 4’ by 5’ (4’x6’ on some models).

I don’t think Toyota designed the truck bed to be water/dust/bug proof.

Previous gen Tacomas were no better. Did you have a different truck that had a factory sealed tailgate?

 

Yeah I noticed it too in mine, and my canopy is Leer. I had gotten a Leer tailgate seal for my previous truck that I didn’t use, so I’m going to apply it to this one