Sealing your R1T tailgate in just 30 min for $25

[jjswan33]

Hey all, So with my shell on I finally wanted to tackle the issue of dust/snow coming in around the tailgate (previously under the tonneau cover).

Parts + Tools
Standard auto/marine seal 5/16”X19/32” at Lowes - $12
0.59”x0.9” Rubber U Channel Bulb trim seal 5’ - Amazon $13
Scissors

I used the U Channel attaching It to the trim of the truck below the bottom of the tailgate. I had to cut about 3-4” off.
I used the the 5/16” between the sides attaching it along the seam on either side. (Not sure how well this will hold up but I will carry extra to cut to size if needed for now)

Next up I need to seal the area below the spare tire compartment door outside of the seal. The 5/16” didn’t really appear to work so will think about that area if the dust is still an issue.

3 Month Update: Still getting dust in my bed, some of it may be coming around my camper doors but I don’t think my tailgate is sealed either. Will update if I figure out a better/improved approach.

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[COdogman]

That’ll work! I love that weatherseal stuff. So useful.

 

[Gee Bee]

A correct seal design will be a P shape and will attach in the channel of the tailgate lip , unseen.

I mfg two types of this Rain seal for two different door sizes , grey silicone aerospace.

I will attach and post pics after installing

here is a pic of the seal , this is used on aircraft with inflatable door seals , when aircraft is static / not inflated ,this keeps water from entering cockpit door .

stay tuned

Gee Bee

 

[NoGoingBack]

A correct seal design will be a P shape and will attach in the channel of the tailgate lip , unseen.

I mfg two types of this Rain seal for two different door sizes , grey silicone aerospace.

I will attach and post pics after installing

here is a pic of the seal , this is used on aircraft with inflatable door seals , when aircraft is static / not inflated ,this keeps water from entering cockpit door .

stay tuned

Gee Bee

Any update to this?

 

[jjswan33]

After 3 months I am still dealing with dust in my bed. Will keep experimenting until I sort this out, will update here with what I find. (OP updated as well).

 

[VSG]

I was under the impression that a lot of the dust in my bed was coming up from below, through the drain holes in the bed. You can actually see through from the bed to the ground if you catch them at the right angle. And if you open the spare tire compartment, there is a lot of dust accumulated on the ledge outside the seal that keeps the compartment dry.

Have you investigated putting down a bed mat to keep the dust from coming up?

 

[WSea]

No difference with bed mat

 

[Riviot]

Have you investigated putting down a bed mat to keep the dust from coming up?

Dustiest. Mat. Ever.

 

[jjswan33]

I was under the impression that a lot of the dust in my bed was coming up from below, through the drain holes in the bed. You can actually see through from the bed to the ground if you catch them at the right angle. And if you open the spare tire compartment, there is a lot of dust accumulated on the ledge outside the seal that keeps the compartment dry.

Have you investigated putting down a bed mat to keep the dust from coming up?

I know the holes you are talking about. It could contribute to some degree but I think air flow under the truck keeps dust from swirling around underneath. I think the holes where the tailgate arm goes are the bigger issue but tbd…

 

[WSea]

Dustiest. Mat. Ever.

Dust gets under the mat too

 

[Phatman113]

I will watch this thread with interest! FS roads powdered the whole interior of my bed space... I've got most of my gear in boxes, but would love a little better protection.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I've got a bulb seal along the bottom of the tailgate and I have experimented with different seals along the sides of the tailgate that I think should be mostly effective. What is left is these holes. I documented some of what I tried in this thread

I know the seal on the bottom is still not good though because when I turn my Maxair fan on exhaust that is where it pulls air in from. Most likely my solution is going to involve negative pressure. Anyway don't want to distract too much from OPs topic so I will leave it at that.

You need a seal that goes from the bed floor to the tailgate instead of just trying to fill that gap in.

 

[jjswan33]

You need a seal that goes from the bed floor to the tailgate instead of just trying to fill that gap in.

So you're thinking something ala this?

I haven't puzzled out how I would do that exactly with the two piece tailgate

 

[Dark-Fx]

So you're thinking something ala this?

I haven't puzzled out how I would do that exactly with the two piece tailgate

I could see combining something like that with what you've already got in place. You're more concerned about the area being sealed when up, but there's still a lot of gap on the bed and underside versus what can sneak in between the tailgate and the bumper.

If you could run a filtered positive pressure system it'd probably eliminate all the dust getting in through those areas too though.

 

[jjswan33]

I could see combining something like that with what you've already got in place. You're more concerned about the area being sealed when up, but there's still a lot of gap on the bed and underside versus what can sneak in between the tailgate and the bumper.

If you could run a filtered positive pressure system it'd probably eliminate all the dust getting in through those areas too though.

Yeah I get what your saying. The best luck I have had is running my max air fan on intake while I drive but that relies on air over the top of the truck keeping dust from coming in the fan, mostly it does the job. Maybe I can make some kind of hepa filter for my max air fan to help even more.

I think mostly it wont' be an issue until next summer but very fine snow can behave like dust too or so I have found.

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