How Do You Seal A Truck Bed Cover? Easy-to-Follow Steps

A tonneau cover is the ultimate way to stop water and dust from entering the bed. The primary purpose of a truck bed cover is to secure the cargo and protect it from getting damaged and dirty. However, with all caution, you may notice that water penetrates inside the bed. As an expert, many people ask me How Do You Seal A Truck Bed Cover? 

It is a harsh reality that a tonneau cover is just water resistant. You always get water inside the truck’s bed, no matter how robust and high-quality tonneau you have installed, so it is better to install the best tonneau covers for your truck. However, you can still have more water to pool inside the bed by installing a gasket tape. To know how to install it, stay with me and keep scrolling. 

How do you Seal a Truck bed cover? Tonneau Cover Seal Tape

Are tonneau covers waterproof? Stay aware of companies that claim their tonneau covers are 100% watertight. Every cover leaks. However, you can make your cover more water-resistant by placing a seal or gasket tape over the tailgate and bulkhead to direct the water out of bed.

Sealing a truck bed cover is vital in keeping your cargo dry and protected from the elements. A tailgate seal is installed between the tailgate and the bed to prevent dust and water from penetrating inside. 

Tip: Store or place the cargo that is sensitive and prone to damage away from corners. 

Things that you need to seal a truck bed cover.

• Alcohol pads
• Scissors 
• Seal tape
• Measuring tape

Steps to Follow to Seal a Tonneau Cover

Applying seal tape on a truck bed cover is a simple process that can help to keep water from entering the truck bed. Here are the steps you can follow to apply seal tape to your truck bed cover:

1. Clean the surface of the truck bed where the seal will be applied. Use alcohol pads or soapy water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Measure the length of the truck bed where the cover will be applied. Cut a piece of seal tape to the appropriate length, ensuring it will be wide enough to cover the entire area where the cover meets the truck bed.
3. Peel the backing off of the seal tape, exposing the adhesive side. Be careful not to touch the adhesive with your fingers, which can make it less effective.
4. Carefully align the seal tape along the edge of the truck bed where it meets the truck bed. Press the tape firmly against the surface to ensure that it adheres properly.
5. Repeat the process for the other side of the truck bed cover and where the cover meets the tailgate.
6. Check that the seal tape properly adheres and that there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.

Tip: It’s recommended to do this in warm weather or use a hair dryer to slightly warm up the tape to make the adhesive easier to apply. Also, press the tape firmly to avoid any movements and wrinkles.

Note: You can also place the weather strip where the truck bed interferes with the tailgate at the base and up both sides. 

You can also get the complete guidelines here on How to fix Tonneau Cover Velcro Not Sticking Problem.

Different ways to Seal a Truck bed cover – Truck bed seam sealer

Here are a few methods you can use to seal a truck bed cover:

Silicone sealant

This is a popular method for sealing truck bed covers. You can apply a bead of silicone sealant along the edges of the cover where it meets the truck bed. This will create a water-tight seal and prevent water from entering the truck bed.

Weather Stripping

Another option is to use weather stripping. This is a flexible strip of rubber or plastic that can be applied to the edges of the truck bed cover. This creates a tight seal and helps to keep water out of the truck bed.

Magnetic sealing

There are also truck bed covers that have a magnetic sealing system. This creates a tight seal by using magnets that securely hold the cover against the truck bed.

It’s important to note that these methods may need regular maintenance and check to ensure they seal correctly and don’t wear out, especially the first two methods. Moreover, ensure the cover is appropriately aligned and fastened to the truck bed before you seal it.

How do I stop my truck bed cover from leaking?

You can stop the truck bed cover from leaking by installing seal tape over the tailgate and bulkhead. All you need to do is grab the seal tape, take measurements correctly, trim it and gently apply it. Do the same on the other side. 

However, if you already have installed a seal tape, it’s time to change it with a new one. 

What is the best way to seal a tonneau cover?

Installing a sealing tape is the best option to seal the tonneau cover. It protects the cargo from getting wet and stops dust and debris from entering. The seal foam blocks every natural element from pooling inside the truck bed and keeps the objects neat, nice, and in the best possible condition. 

Are truck bed covers water tight?

It is a bitter reality that no truck bed cover is watertight. However, they are water resistant or, you can say, water repellent. Getting a good and high-quality tonneau cover means it keeps your cargo safe and dry by holding most of the water out of bed. 

How do you weatherproof a truck bed?

Making a tonneau cover weatherproof is not a challenging task. All you need to do is fit a seal strip or adhesive tape over the edges of the cover. It wonderfully blocks the nature components from getting inside and keeps cargo dry. 

ARE truck Caps watertight?

The primary purpose of truck caps is to reduce aerodynamic force and improve fuel efficiency. Besides, these caps are water repellent and theft deterrents. 

Final Takeaway on Tailgate seal for Tonneau Cover

No matter how strong and heavy-duty tonneau cover you have installed over your pickup. It still gets some raindrops inside the truck’s bed. To make your truck bed more water resistant, I recommend you install adhesive tape or a weather seal strip to minimize the chances of water pooling inside the truck’s bed. 

It’s essential to check the seal tape periodically to ensure it is still adhering correctly. You can replace the tape if it shows any signs of wear or no longer creates a tight seal. Follow the steps I have pen down above to seal the truck’s bed cover.