?

[DukeCanBuildit]

?

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[got3fords]

Are you going to fill the bed with ice and beer? Kidding of course. I never really noticed a lot of water getting in with gate up and tonneau cover down.

 

[VegasP11]

I hope it doesn't interfere with the tailgate damper!

 

[Msfitoy]

Important Note: DROP-IN BEDLINER INSTALL WITH TAILGATE COVER

I don’t have issues with water getting in the back of my Ranger or much dust (I get it dirtier inside), but the light coming through the side gaps of my tailgate irritated me so I ordered a tailgate seal kit.

View attachment 196471


I didn’t like the instructions on: https://tailgateseal.com/FordRanger2019.html and a bit of dry-fitting led me to a different/better solution. I could install the adhesive flap under the protective tailgate cover, following the lines of the cover, and get a good seal on the sides and bottom. It also seemed like I could do it without using the two thicker pieces from the kit. So, that was my approach.

First Step: With a T20 Torx screwdriver, remove the cover to clean the surface of the tailgate. Isopropyl alcohol wipes come with the kit. I cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide wipes first (love those things!), then the supplied wipes.

My cover has been on for four years so it was easy to see the scuffed up outline it created - bonus - because if I couldn’t see the outline, I’d have to put the cover back on (loosely) so I could tuck the sticky part under.

Second Step: Cut a piece of the thinner seal 2-1/2” (A) and another piece 4-1/4” (B). Cut the “bubble” section off the 2-1/2” piece - only the adhesive strip and a little bit of foam will be left. Expose the adhesive on the 2-1/2” piece place it on inside edge of the tailgate latch opening. It will be overlapped by other pieces of seal. It is really just meant as a trim piece to provide a finished look. Expose the adhesive on the 4-1/2” piece and, using a plastic trim tool, gently pry the plastic tailgate cap up and insert the adhesive flap under the cap - the start of the bubble should be flush to the side of the tailgate and it should terminate at the latch opening, slightly overlapping the 2-1/2” trim piece. Expose a generous amount of adhesive from your roll of seal and start laying it down on the opposite side of the latch opening, also slightly overlapping the small trim piece. Continue around the curve of the tailgate to the centre of the tailgate bottom and cut the seal.
See below…

View attachment 196499

Third Step: Repeat second step for the opposite side, leaving a small, 1/8” gap as a weep hole.

View attachment 196477

Fourth Step: Replace the tailgate cover and admire your work so far.

View attachment 196475

Fifth Step: Close the tailgate and feel how the seal works. Now, look at the top portion of the tailgate above the tail lights - there is a gap that you can see through - it runs from the top of the tailgate support cable to the top of the tailgate.

Using only as much of the smaller seal as needed (you’re getting low at this point and have another area to address), run that seal as shown below.…

View attachment 196501

The adhesive flap should be tight to the side of the tailgate - too far out and it bulges through the gap when you close the tailgate. Too far in and the gap doesn’t seal. Repeat for the other side.

This is what you’re hoping to achieve….

View attachment 196479

Sixth Step: With the tailgate closed, reach down into the bottom corner of the tailgate and you’ll feel a gap. You should have just enough seal left to close it up. Open up the tailgate and cut the last of your roll of small seal in half - should be about 5” or 6” each. Attach these on the bottom rounded coner of each side of the tailgate, bubble side up, along the hinge bracket as shown…

View attachment 196473
View attachment 196474

Close your tailgate and reach down to feel the seal.

You’re done.

If you want to get all fancy, you can round the edges of the pieces you cut and taper the ribs - yes, I did that…I’m retired…I can do this stuff all day…I am also a bit anal retentive about such things…

View attachment 196476

Now, whenever I look out the rear window, I’m no longer fussed by the gap. Will the bottom edge get chewed up by tool cases, building materials, etc? Maybe, but the sides will still be fine and that was my goal.

View attachment 196504

Thanks for your detailed install...going to look into this for mine...

 

[Tom_C]

I tried that one and it doesn't work that great. Unfortunately this tailgate is a bear to seal up. I tried for a while and then got distracted... also haven't have my bed cover on for a while so it's not critical.

Some people have used pool noodles and stuff like that will reported success, but I think anything will just be 'better', not perfect.

 

[got3fords]

It’s not a bad idea James. Some folks report water and dust issues but I haven’t had any. If I was driving a lot of gravel or dirt roads, I could see how that might happen.

Ok, then I guess I don't just understand the need. Why are you doing this? What makes you need to try seal the tailgate?

 

[got3fords]

Oh, there’s no “need” for my use case - for others, yes. Me, I’m just closing up an annoying gap - purely a “want”, driven by boredom and a too much time on my hands.

Well there's pure honesty for ya! And I appreciate it. Do you have a tonneau cover? Not sure how you are noticing such an annoying gap.

 

[Fx4ranger2019Larait]

Thanks for the install instructions. I bought this too just waiting to do spray in bed liner before install.

 

[Fawnbuster]

Important Note: DROP-IN BEDLINER INSTALL WITH TAILGATE COVER

I don’t have issues with water getting in the back of my Ranger or much dust (I get it dirtier inside), but the light coming through the side gaps of my tailgate irritated me so I ordered a tailgate seal kit.

View attachment 196471


I didn’t like the instructions on: https://tailgateseal.com/FordRanger2019.html and a bit of dry-fitting led me to a different/better solution. I could install the adhesive flap under the protective tailgate cover, following the lines of the cover, and get a good seal on the sides and bottom. It also seemed like I could do it without using the two thicker pieces from the kit. So, that was my approach.

First Step: With a T20 Torx screwdriver, remove the cover to clean the surface of the tailgate. Isopropyl alcohol wipes come with the kit. I cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide wipes first (love those things!), then the supplied wipes.

My cover has been on for four years so it was easy to see the scuffed up outline it created - bonus - because if I couldn’t see the outline, I’d have to put the cover back on (loosely) so I could tuck the sticky part under.

Second Step: Cut a piece of the thinner seal 2-1/2” (A) and another piece 4-1/4” (B). Cut the “bubble” section off the 2-1/2” piece - only the adhesive strip and a little bit of foam will be left. Expose the adhesive on the 2-1/2” piece place it on inside edge of the tailgate latch opening. It will be overlapped by other pieces of seal. It is really just meant as a trim piece to provide a finished look. Expose the adhesive on the 4-1/2” piece and, using a plastic trim tool, gently pry the plastic tailgate cap up and insert the adhesive flap under the cap - the start of the bubble should be flush to the side of the tailgate and it should terminate at the latch opening, slightly overlapping the 2-1/2” trim piece. Expose a generous amount of adhesive from your roll of seal and start laying it down on the opposite side of the latch opening, also slightly overlapping the small trim piece. Continue around the curve of the tailgate to the centre of the tailgate bottom and cut the seal.
See below…

View attachment 196499

Third Step: Repeat second step for the opposite side, leaving a small, 1/8” gap as a weep hole.

View attachment 196477

Fourth Step: Replace the tailgate cover and admire your work so far.

View attachment 196475

Fifth Step: Close the tailgate and feel how the seal works. Now, look at the top portion of the tailgate above the tail lights - there is a gap that you can see through - it runs from the top of the tailgate support cable to the top of the tailgate.

Using only as much of the smaller seal as needed (you’re getting low at this point and have another area to address), run that seal as shown below.…

View attachment 196501

The adhesive flap should be tight to the side of the tailgate - too far out and it bulges through the gap when you close the tailgate. Too far in and the gap doesn’t seal. Repeat for the other side.

This is what you’re hoping to achieve….

View attachment 196479

Sixth Step: With the tailgate closed, reach down into the bottom corner of the tailgate and you’ll feel a gap. You should have just enough seal left to close it up. Open up the tailgate and cut the last of your roll of small seal in half - should be about 5” or 6” each. Attach these on the bottom rounded coner of each side of the tailgate, bubble side up, along the hinge bracket as shown…

View attachment 196473
View attachment 196474

Close your tailgate and reach down to feel the seal.

You’re done.

If you want to get all fancy, you can round the edges of the pieces you cut and taper the ribs - yes, I did that…I’m retired…I can do this stuff all day…I am also a bit anal retentive about such things…

View attachment 196476

Now, whenever I look out the rear window, I’m no longer fussed by the gap. Will the bottom edge get chewed up by tool cases, building materials, etc? Maybe, but the sides will still be fine and that was my goal.

View attachment 196504

Great job and write up Duke! I installed a similar seal on my F150 plus had added the cover that shields between the bed and tailgate when you open it up. I still have that part, it had to be removed when I replaced the tailgate (crash) so I need to get around to cutting it down to fit the Ranger and install it.

 

[Fawnbuster]

Important Note: DROP-IN BEDLINER INSTALL WITH TAILGATE COVER

I don’t have issues with water getting in the back of my Ranger or much dust (I get it dirtier inside), but the light coming through the side gaps of my tailgate irritated me so I ordered a tailgate seal kit.

View attachment 196471


I didn’t like the instructions on: https://tailgateseal.com/FordRanger2019.html and a bit of dry-fitting led me to a different/better solution. I could install the adhesive flap under the protective tailgate cover, following the lines of the cover, and get a good seal on the sides and bottom. It also seemed like I could do it without using the two thicker pieces from the kit. So, that was my approach.

First Step: With a T20 Torx screwdriver, remove the cover to clean the surface of the tailgate. Isopropyl alcohol wipes come with the kit. I cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide wipes first (love those things!), then the supplied wipes.

My cover has been on for four years so it was easy to see the scuffed up outline it created - bonus - because if I couldn’t see the outline, I’d have to put the cover back on (loosely) so I could tuck the sticky part under.

Second Step: Cut a piece of the thinner seal 2-1/2” (A) and another piece 4-1/4” (B). Cut the “bubble” section off the 2-1/2” piece - only the adhesive strip and a little bit of foam will be left. Expose the adhesive on the 2-1/2” piece place it on inside edge of the tailgate latch opening. It will be overlapped by other pieces of seal. It is really just meant as a trim piece to provide a finished look. Expose the adhesive on the 4-1/2” piece and, using a plastic trim tool, gently pry the plastic tailgate cap up and insert the adhesive flap under the cap - the start of the bubble should be flush to the side of the tailgate and it should terminate at the latch opening, slightly overlapping the 2-1/2” trim piece. Expose a generous amount of adhesive from your roll of seal and start laying it down on the opposite side of the latch opening, also slightly overlapping the small trim piece. Continue around the curve of the tailgate to the centre of the tailgate bottom and cut the seal.
See below…

View attachment 196499

Third Step: Repeat second step for the opposite side, leaving a small, 1/8” gap as a weep hole.

View attachment 196477

Fourth Step: Replace the tailgate cover and admire your work so far.

View attachment 196475

Fifth Step: Close the tailgate and feel how the seal works. Now, look at the top portion of the tailgate above the tail lights - there is a gap that you can see through - it runs from the top of the tailgate support cable to the top of the tailgate.

Using only as much of the smaller seal as needed (you’re getting low at this point and have another area to address), run that seal as shown below.…

View attachment 196501

The adhesive flap should be tight to the side of the tailgate - too far out and it bulges through the gap when you close the tailgate. Too far in and the gap doesn’t seal. Repeat for the other side.

This is what you’re hoping to achieve….

View attachment 196479

Sixth Step: With the tailgate closed, reach down into the bottom corner of the tailgate and you’ll feel a gap. You should have just enough seal left to close it up. Open up the tailgate and cut the last of your roll of small seal in half - should be about 5” or 6” each. Attach these on the bottom rounded coner of each side of the tailgate, bubble side up, along the hinge bracket as shown…

View attachment 196473
View attachment 196474

Close your tailgate and reach down to feel the seal.

You’re done.

If you want to get all fancy, you can round the edges of the pieces you cut and taper the ribs - yes, I did that…I’m retired…I can do this stuff all day…I am also a bit anal retentive about such things…

View attachment 196476

Now, whenever I look out the rear window, I’m no longer fussed by the gap. Will the bottom edge get chewed up by tool cases, building materials, etc? Maybe, but the sides will still be fine and that was my goal.

View attachment 196504

Just curious what did the seal cost? The website just sent me to the directions

 

[got3fords]

I have a topper/canopy - the gaps run each side of the tailgate from the hinge to the bed rail cap.

Didn't you say something about seeing the gap in your rear view?

 

[underwhelmed]

Thanks for the write up. Hoping to do my install Sun or Mon and trying it out next weekend. I drive a lot of dusty roads. If this doesn’t work I’m installing a positive pressure vent.

 

[RedRocker]

I just bought that kit, got here yesterday. I have a mile of gravel road to my house & the inside of my bed with a topper is covered in dust, thanks for the install tips!

 

[NvrFinished]

Important Note: DROP-IN BEDLINER INSTALL WITH TAILGATE COVER



View attachment 196473
View attachment 196474

Close your tailgate and reach down to feel the seal.

You’re done.

If you want to get all fancy, you can round the edges of the pieces you cut and taper the ribs - yes, I did that…I’m retired…I can do this stuff all day…I am also a bit anal retentive about such things…

View attachment 196476

Now, whenever I look out the rear window, I’m no longer fussed by the gap. Will the bottom edge get chewed up by tool cases, building materials, etc? Maybe, but the sides will still be fine and that was my goal.

View attachment 196504

Great job! I only have one suggestion...

 

[RBMAN]

Important Note: DROP-IN BEDLINER INSTALL WITH TAILGATE COVER

I don’t have issues with water getting in the back of my Ranger or much dust (I get it dirtier inside), but the light coming through the side gaps of my tailgate irritated me so I ordered a tailgate seal kit.

View attachment 196471


I didn’t like the instructions on: https://tailgateseal.com/FordRanger2019.html and a bit of dry-fitting led me to a different/better solution. I could install the adhesive flap under the protective tailgate cover, following the lines of the cover, and get a good seal on the sides and bottom. It also seemed like I could do it without using the two thicker pieces from the kit. So, that was my approach.

First Step: With a T20 Torx screwdriver, remove the cover to clean the surface of the tailgate. Isopropyl alcohol wipes come with the kit. I cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide wipes first (love those things!), then the supplied wipes.

My cover has been on for four years so it was easy to see the scuffed up outline it created - bonus - because if I couldn’t see the outline, I’d have to put the cover back on (loosely) so I could tuck the sticky part under.

Second Step: Cut a piece of the thinner seal 2-1/2” (A) and another piece 4-1/4” (B). Cut the “bubble” section off the 2-1/2” piece - only the adhesive strip and a little bit of foam will be left. Expose the adhesive on the 2-1/2” piece place it on inside edge of the tailgate latch opening. It will be overlapped by other pieces of seal. It is really just meant as a trim piece to provide a finished look. Expose the adhesive on the 4-1/2” piece and, using a plastic trim tool, gently pry the plastic tailgate cap up and insert the adhesive flap under the cap - the start of the bubble should be flush to the side of the tailgate and it should terminate at the latch opening, slightly overlapping the 2-1/2” trim piece. Expose a generous amount of adhesive from your roll of seal and start laying it down on the opposite side of the latch opening, also slightly overlapping the small trim piece. Continue around the curve of the tailgate to the centre of the tailgate bottom and cut the seal.
See below…

View attachment 196499

Third Step: Repeat second step for the opposite side, leaving a small, 1/8” gap as a weep hole.

View attachment 196477

Fourth Step: Replace the tailgate cover and admire your work so far.

View attachment 196475

Fifth Step: Close the tailgate and feel how the seal works. Now, look at the top portion of the tailgate above the tail lights - there is a gap that you can see through - it runs from the top of the tailgate support cable to the top of the tailgate.

Using only as much of the smaller seal as needed (you’re getting low at this point and have another area to address), run that seal as shown below.…

View attachment 196501

The adhesive flap should be tight to the side of the tailgate - too far out and it bulges through the gap when you close the tailgate. Too far in and the gap doesn’t seal. Repeat for the other side.

This is what you’re hoping to achieve….

View attachment 196479

Sixth Step: With the tailgate closed, reach down into the bottom corner of the tailgate and you’ll feel a gap. You should have just enough seal left to close it up. Open up the tailgate and cut the last of your roll of small seal in half - should be about 5” or 6” each. Attach these on the bottom rounded coner of each side of the tailgate, bubble side up, along the hinge bracket as shown…

View attachment 196473
View attachment 196474

Close your tailgate and reach down to feel the seal.

You’re done.

If you want to get all fancy, you can round the edges of the pieces you cut and taper the ribs - yes, I did that…I’m retired…I can do this stuff all day…I am also a bit anal retentive about such things…

View attachment 196476

Now, whenever I look out the rear window, I’m no longer fussed by the gap. Will the bottom edge get chewed up by tool cases, building materials, etc? Maybe, but the sides will still be fine and that was my goal.

View attachment 196504

I have a 21 Ranger with a tonneau cover and occasionally drive on unpaved roads. The dust problem has been bothering me also. I put a plastic covered storage box in back to keep luggage, groceries and other valuables clean and just tried some foam tubes, but this kit sounds like the solution. If someone could post a website to order a kit would be appreciated otherwise I could probably google it!

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