Best Tailgate Seal?

[andy670ho]

I done many searches and lots of reading but nothing is sticking out at me when it comes to sealing the tailgate. Ordering a tonneau cover any day but want to make sure I can seal the tailgate especially the top part with the big gap. Going to be using my 2014 silverado crew cab for hockey travel with luggage in back. Thanks!

[Blue2500CC]

I think it is TrailSeal that members here have been happy with. I am sure some will post soon.

 

 

I have thought about one, BUT my Line-X wraps around down past the bumper. Not sure how I would get one to stick on the liner. Don't know if the new 14-current trucks are the same as the 900's, but on my '13 I have considered using pipe insulation (for copper pipe- 1/2", 3/4",1") to seal along the side bed rails where they are open.

[chuckl1218]

This topic has been discussed several times...just go to the top of this page and search "tailgate seal".

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1

Look at topics for bed caps or tonneau covers...

 

I have a BakFlip and have used this kit on my 2011 and 2014 Silverado...http://www.realtruck.com/trailseal-total-truck-bed-seal/60090.html

 

This kit seals the front of the bed, stake holes and tailgate bottom and sides more than most kits. Before using this kit on my 2011, I had dust coming in from the front of the bed (gap between where sides meet end cap at bottom) and stake channels. I also had water coming in from the bottom where tailgate met the bed. There are also seals that help with the gap at each side of the tailgate.

[2017SierraSLT]

The seal kits are the same for GMT900 and K2XX trucks.

[Spurshot]

I installed my Trail Seal Total Truck Bed Seal kit a few days ago. The lower tailgate seal is already peeling off. I cleaned it thoroughly with numerous alcohol wipes. It was clean. I think it was the closeness of the tailgate in that area.

 

In the end, I used only the tailgate side bulb seal and the foam blocks. The front panel of the bed, I used RTV silicone, as I think it holds up better. For the bottom of the tailgate, I had to buy some bulb seal. I also have to buy some larger lip seal for the top of the tailgate The kit just isn't worth it. It's all off the shelf seal anyway. You can piece together a better kit.

 

FWIW, I had the same kit on my 2008 and it's been on there for 5 years. It needs replacing, but it held up pretty well. It's not a "total seal" though. Close, but no cigar. I sealed the front panel on that truck with RTV silicone as well.

[pt1911]

I installed my Trail Seal Total Truck Bed Seal kit a few days ago. The lower tailgate seal is already peeling off. I cleaned it thoroughly with numerous alcohol wipes. It was clean. I think it was the closeness of the tailgate in that area.

 

In the end, I used only the tailgate side bulb seal and the foam blocks. The front panel of the bed, I used RTV silicone, as I think it holds up better. For the bottom of the tailgate, I had to buy some bulb seal. I also have to buy some larger lip seal for the top of the tailgate The kit just isn't worth it. It's all off the shelf seal anyway. You can piece together a better kit.

 

FWIW, I had the same kit on my 2008 and it's been on there for 5 years. It needs replacing, but it held up pretty well. It's not a "total seal" though. Close, but no cigar. I sealed the front panel on that truck with RTV silicone as well.

What bulb seal did you buy for the tailgate and where did you get it?

[Spurshot]

Here's the seal coming off.

 

 

I bought it at O'Reilly Auto Parts. It needs to be installed just below the zigzag area of the bed.

 

[Spurshot]

This outfit sells by the foot.

 

http://www.steelerubber.com/sponge-extrusions?p=5

[andy670ho]

That's what I have found there is not a decent kit out there that really seals the back end. I would pay a decent price for something that works but not finding anything. Looks like I might take a shot at piecing one together.

[pt1911]

Excellent, thanks Spurshot!

[bryceraisanen]

Had my dealer install the All Access complete package. Not impressed between the taillight and tailgate. Can still see a gap.

[Spurshot]

Had my dealer install the All Access complete package. Not impressed between the taillight and tailgate. Can still see a gap.

 

 

Like I said, if GM put half an effort into sealing the bed, we'd have a great setup. It seems like GM is trying to figure out how to make the dang bed full of holes. They're stuck in the past on the bed issue.

[kstruckcountry]

Many people don't have a cover and want the bed to drain. As far as the sides, all manufacturers I have seen look like Swiss cheese

[chuckl1218]

This outfit sells by the foot.

 

http://www.steelerubber.com/sponge-extrusions?p=5

Thanks Spurshot. I realized after you posted, that I had replaced the kit's gasket along the bed/tailgate gap some time ago for the same reason - the kit gasket did not stay adhered. The replacement I used is similar to the one you recommend and I installed it below the ridged edge (I agree your recommendation would work better to fill the gap).

I have a bed rug installed which covers this area so it is not apparent unless I look for it - my replacement is still working, but I will keep this in mind if it fails again.

[Ventilator]

You'll never seal up the side rails up top around the stake pockets. I have 2-1/2 miles before I hit pavement. I get small stones in my bed daily @ 15 mph. Not sure if rain water from the road gets in that way or not, since my bed is not covered?