or get financial counseling and take an ethics course
I'm really picky over what I buy when it comes to quality and don't mind paying to get it. Not sure if that's your mindset, but I ended up buying a Leer HF650M (there's also a 350M which sits on top of the bed rails vs flush style of the 650M). I wanted flush style to keep more of the bedrails exposed in case I elect to install a rack system with T-slot channels down the road. I liked the idea of no drain tubes needing to be ran down into the truck bed with the Leer covers. I don't get my truck until next week so unfortunately I can't comment on the installation of it. Information in that regard seems somewhat limited online as well. Seems most people go with the BakFlip or Truxedo...
So, a while back I posted about this gate seal. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YF5BL8M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks for reporting back with your honest opinion on this! Seems the contours of the Ranger's tailgate makes sealing it a difficult task. I have an Extang here to go in mine once I get my truck, but was disappointed to see it specifically states on the package that it's not compatible with the Ranger (especially considering I purchased from an online retailer claiming it was universal fit including Ranger). I have been searching for something confirmed to fit well but appears there isn't anything, at least that I've seen so far.
From what I gather, this one is basically the same as the Extang (which I bought and returned when the package said it wasn't for rangers), but with a couple extra larger pieces to fill in larger gaps. I think with some ingenuity one could get a proper seal, but I think you'd need to use 2 packs to fill in all the gaps. We'll see.
Cool. For the hinge gap, I too am trying silicon caulk. It's not meant for larger gaps, but as you said, to hell with instructions. I filled in one side and waiting to see if it sticks.Yes, ingenuity with a few hours of brainstorming . . . and ignoring the instructions.
I found the odd shaped lower corner gaps most difficult to fill. Including the gap behind the hinge plates.
Together with some closed cell foam packing blocks and weather seal from Home Depot, I used pieces from two packs of this ESI Ranger specific seal.
ESI Ultimate Tailgate Seal with Taper Seal Compatible with Ford Ranger 2019 and Newer
After several small test fittings, I ignored the instructions, then cut and installed the pieces for a better fit.
I put the seals on the outer edge to keep dirt out of the latch mechanisms.
The Home Depot seal works great across the bottom except at the ends where the tailgate corners are rounded. I used the thicker blocks there.
I still have a few small holes which I may fill with caulk.
Prior to delivery, my dealer installed the Ford damperer thingee. Never cared for the way the tailgate cable gets crunched. After installing the seals on the outer edge, had to remove the damper, not enough clearance.
Before:
After:
Got a link?
