OP
OP
MattK
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #31
A couple months ago I added some tailgate seal to the bed and thought I'd share a little bit about it here since I wouldn't have done it without the topper.I purchased the following product from Amazon: ESI Ultimate Tailgate Seal 10'
Skill level: Easy!
Time: 30-1 hour (1 hour if you're constantly getting into the bed and shutting yourself in looking for hints of light - this means there's a gap!
I was skeptical and we'll see how long it lasts but so far so good! The directions are pretty spot on except where the tailgate corners are concerned. The Gladiator has rounded edges on the bottom and if you don't seal that don't bother with anything else. I noticed it during the install and there was a good amount of sunlight coming through that area on each bottom corner so watch out for that if you plan to use any kind of tailgate sealing strategy.
The pictures show a dirty bed but that's because I never cleaned it before putting the topper on. It has been out in the deserts of Anza Borrego and Ocotillo Wells with very little intrusion. I have not sealed any other area. I understand there are some holes along the lip of the bed above the wheel well area. I'll have a look at that next but it hasn't been noticeable.
Side seals are doing well. You can see where it's stopping the dust.
These rounded corners need to be sealed!
Passenger side and, again, you can see where it's stopping the dust.
This bottom edge is a concern as you have to figure out with the placement. The instructions say to try it .5" below the bed line. If you notices as you slowly close the tailgate that the seal is being rolled down due to the tailgate grabbing it you need to place it right up to the bed floor line as I have. The Line-X Bedliner will grab the seal and roll it down and possible remove the sticky backing. Place it as high up as you can and it won't be a problem. The other issue here is the wiring coming through the bed as you can see in the picture there's a spot where it bulges out but it hasn't been a problem.
Hope this helps someone wanting to do this. Any questions let me know!
Skill level: Easy!
Time: 30-1 hour (1 hour if you're constantly getting into the bed and shutting yourself in looking for hints of light - this means there's a gap!
I was skeptical and we'll see how long it lasts but so far so good! The directions are pretty spot on except where the tailgate corners are concerned. The Gladiator has rounded edges on the bottom and if you don't seal that don't bother with anything else. I noticed it during the install and there was a good amount of sunlight coming through that area on each bottom corner so watch out for that if you plan to use any kind of tailgate sealing strategy.
The pictures show a dirty bed but that's because I never cleaned it before putting the topper on. It has been out in the deserts of Anza Borrego and Ocotillo Wells with very little intrusion. I have not sealed any other area. I understand there are some holes along the lip of the bed above the wheel well area. I'll have a look at that next but it hasn't been noticeable.
Side seals are doing well. You can see where it's stopping the dust.
These rounded corners need to be sealed!
Passenger side and, again, you can see where it's stopping the dust.
This bottom edge is a concern as you have to figure out with the placement. The instructions say to try it .5" below the bed line. If you notices as you slowly close the tailgate that the seal is being rolled down due to the tailgate grabbing it you need to place it right up to the bed floor line as I have. The Line-X Bedliner will grab the seal and roll it down and possible remove the sticky backing. Place it as high up as you can and it won't be a problem. The other issue here is the wiring coming through the bed as you can see in the picture there's a spot where it bulges out but it hasn't been a problem.
Hope this helps someone wanting to do this. Any questions let me know!
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