Water leaks from bed rail caps.

[Rangerjimm]

Thats not closed cell foam. That will absorb water. See my pictures on my earlier post.

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[alrashid2]

I didnt like the way the silicone looked so I bought some 1" closed cell foam and cut it slightly larger and thicker than the stake pocket holes. Then put the caps back on. Seems to be working well. I also put black vinyl patches over the holes inside the bed.

Hey brother, could you share where you got the foam? Not sure of what type/size/thickness to get but this is a great idea!

I'm also thinking of just getting some flex tape and sealing the holes on the bed rail from the underside. I'd never see it and it might not be as good as the writeups here but I don't need waterproof, just better than the buckets of water I am getting currently!

 

[Rangerjimm]

Hey brother, could you share where you got the foam? Not sure of what type/size/thickness to get but this is a great idea!

I'm also thinking of just getting some flex tape and sealing the holes on the bed rail from the underside. I'd never see it and it might not be as good as the writeups here but I don't need waterproof, just better than the buckets of water I am getting currently!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YGNHB31?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_1&th=1
You will have to trim to the correct thickness and size.

 

[alrashid2]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YGNHB31?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_1&th=1
You will have to trim to the correct thickness and size.

Thanks for sharing! So you didnt compress the 1" thick foam down into the pocket hole? Looks like they sell a 1/2" too so maybe that'd be worth trying

 

[Rangerjimm]

Thanks for sharing! So you didnt compress the 1" thick foam down into the pocket hole? Looks like they sell a 1/2" too so maybe that'd be worth trying

Nope. The depth ranges from 5/8-3/4" Different as you go from front to back. If the piece is too thick it bulges the center of the cap up. You can cut it with a really sharp knife. I used a fish fillet knife.

 

[alrashid2]

I didnt like the way the silicone looked so I bought some 1" closed cell foam and cut it slightly larger and thicker than the stake pocket holes. Then put the caps back on. Seems to be working well. I also put black vinyl patches over the holes inside the bed.

Got the foam last night and tried to do some waterproofing but just couldn't make it work. Not sure if there is a difference between 2025 and 2026 bed rails but I need foam that is less than 3/8" thick... Tried cutting the 1" foam down but it was all raggedy and uneven. Even still, tried anyway and it's just too thin at that point to not bubble up on the center and push the cap up. If I trim the center down to stop that, it's so thin I can see light through.

Oh well! I'll find another use for the foam.

I can't believe nobody has made gasketed versions of these stake pocket covers...!!!

 

[Loudpa]

I was thinking of using waterproof tape such as: Nashua 3 in x 15 ft Aqua-Seal Waterproof Tape in Black. Simply cut to cover the caps and apply on the outside.
Since black one would hardly notice.

 

[alrashid2]

Just read an unrelated post that discussed the 2026 model getting thin bed rails. Now I understand why you originally bought 1" thick foam for yours, and why the same fix wont work well for me!

As of now, my current plan is this:

I have rubber plugs that fit all 12 of the exposed holes below the covers. From there, I'm going to use Duct Seal to seal the edges around each pocket, below the cover. Duct Seal is that dark grey, forever pliable play-do like stuff used to seal foundation holes for electrical, ducts, etc. Similar to rope caulk or plumbers putty but designed to last indefinitely without drying out.

Will it be as good as others fixes here? Definitely not. But I don't need waterproof. I just don't want a bucket of water in my bed each rain My tonneau already leaks so just want to eliminate as much as I can.

 

[Rangerjimm]

Got the foam last night and tried to do some waterproofing but just couldn't make it work. Not sure if there is a difference between 2025 and 2026 bed rails but I need foam that is less than 3/8" thick... Tried cutting the 1" foam down but it was all raggedy and uneven. Even still, tried anyway and it's just too thin at that point to not bubble up on the center and push the cap up. If I trim the center down to stop that, it's so thin I can see light through.

Oh well! I'll find another use for the foam.

I can't believe nobody has made gasketed versions of these stake pocket covers...!!!

I didnt realize you have a 2026. I have a 2025 and the caps are thicker so the thicker foam was required. Sorry it didnt work for you.

 

[alrashid2]

I didnt realize you have a 2026. I have a 2025 and the caps are thicker so the thicker foam was required. Sorry it didnt work for you.

It's ok, I had no idea either. I will find another use for the foam Thanks for your help

 

[alrashid2]

WHOA. I just used AI and it found this product for 35 bucks. Shall I test it?!

https://www.amazon.com/Tailgate-Com...tomotive&sprefix=k0243+,automotive,112&sr=1-1

 

[Loudpa]

Perhaps already posted, but maybe a 3D printed part (PETG, ASA) for the cover along with a soft gasket (TPU). Just a mock up as bolt holes not accounted for.

 

[WESTRESCUE77]

WHOA. I just used AI and it found this product for 35 bucks. Shall I test it?!

https://www.amazon.com/Tailgate-Compatible-Ranger-Tool-Free-Installation/dp/B0GPDK1GW5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X3245AU3ZEMA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3NZz3XpXL4qw3M39yTg6OPVYy6Z_HJF8MD8kkA37rXg.JJzZAmrq8XrNyC4Oid3I28h7N00qAmr_eTU2JDrn214&dib_tag=se&keywords=K0243&qid=1787322879&s=automotive&sprefix=k0243+,automotive,112&sr=1-1

FINALLY! Just ordered....hoping this works!

 

[Loudpa]

WHOA. I just used AI and it found this product for 35 bucks. Shall I test it?!

https://www.amazon.com/Tailgate-Compatible-Ranger-Tool-Free-Installation/dp/B0GPDK1GW5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X3245AU3ZEMA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3NZz3XpXL4qw3M39yTg6OPVYy6Z_HJF8MD8kkA37rXg.JJzZAmrq8XrNyC4Oid3I28h7N00qAmr_eTU2JDrn214&dib_tag=se&keywords=K0243&qid=1787322879&s=automotive&sprefix=k0243+,automotive,112&sr=1-1

They also have a complete kit which also helps seal tailgate for $89

https://us.amazon.com/Keko-2024-2026-Exclusive-Protection-Installation/dp/B0GMRW7J58

 

[CaptAngry]

Damn, someone finally came out with a commercial offering. So far my 3D printed ones seem to be holding up, but it is nice to know there is a company who noticed the issue. I actually have their tailgate seal kit already

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