Water leaks from bed rail caps.

[my5thranger]

I’ve virtually eliminated leaks in my bed. Installed Rok Block and side seals from Keko kit. Flex taped all holes in front of bed. A.R.E. CX Evolve totally eliminated bed rail cap leaks. Sprayed side gaps at tailgate with full force garden hose - no leaks. Recently drove through 2 1/2 hours of steady rain on I-44. Bed stayed bone dry.

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[Rangerjimm]

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

Please let us know. I am curious how the caps actually seal to the bed cap rail.

 

[Rangerjimm]

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

Yes!

 

[WESTRESCUE77]

Please let us know. I am curious how the caps actually seal to the bed cap rail.

Likewise! And will do.

I already decided to buy a camper top in the next few months so I don't have to worry about leaks anymore, but at 35 bucks, I'm hoping this is a good solution in the interim.

 

[slynn1324]

Here’s my take on better plugs. Like a few others, I 3D printed these. I used ASA and 100% infill - effectively making a solid chunk of UV tolerant, impact resistant plastic. A few studies I found (although I am no expert on them) showed that ABS style plastics can have a compressive strength higher than concrete.

Unlike some other designs I’ve seen, I wanted to preserve the flush look with the bed caps. I also wanted them to bolt down, so that I could pop out the bolts to bolt down tie downs or even cross bars.

I started with a simple rectangular spacer -but found that the plastic bed caps would flex near the stair pockets and make it really hard to get a nice flush and tight fit. To support the bed caps, I split the spacers into a two part piece with a loose slip joint between them (the bolts truly hold them in place), but offset under the bed caps a quarter inch or so to prevent them from flexing. Makes everything nice and snug and feels much stronger.

The top caps that you see when installed are also ASA and have a groove fitted with a printed TPU gasket.

After the annoyance of bolting them down once with regular nuts, I ordered a set of nut plates from American Adventure Lab that make it much easier to pop them in and out should I want to bolt something else down there. I keep a set of aluminum angle tie down plates in the truck should I need them. Not an often needed thing for me, but nice to know I have the utility ready should the need arise

I’m sure that these are likely not 100% waterproof - but I haven’t noticed any real leaks from a few rainstorms.

The model files are on makerworld if anyone is interested —>

https://makerworld.com/en/models/3215688-2024-ford-ranger-stake-pocket-caps

 

[stemplar]

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

I tried that kit without the stake pocket caps and it was terrible. Don’t waste your money.

 

[Loudpa]

I tried that kit without the stake pocket caps and it was terrible. Don’t waste your money.

Interesting, bad, how so?
By chance ever try the ESI kit?

 

[stemplar]

Interesting, bad, how so?
By chance ever try the ESI kit?

Well at the most basic level, it didn't prevent water intrusion. I doubt it even slowed it down much, if at all. The silver lining for me was that I only stayed mad for a few weeks until the rubber strips invariably interfered with work I was doing or got caught on things enough to tear off, so I just removed the remnants and moved on. I have the residual glue markings all around the rear of my bed now though.

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