I doubt that Ford would issue a TSB on something that seems they would consider a design feature. Water standing in a bed is generally not a desired feature.

I do think that you bring up a valid point about dust control for truck owners who want to use the bed area for storage during travel, etc.

Maybe a possible solution would be some sort of felt cord or permeable weatherstripping that could be tucked into the gaps from below to help control the dust? I would think that whatever material is used that you would want it to dry up and not specifically trap water. 1/4" rolled backer rod might work well but would likely trap water.

My .02 worth...

 

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So you and everyone else that says "it's a truck" are fine with having wet and dirty camping and hunting gear?

Not all "truck" owners are non caring red necks. My $70K CAD Lariat is a luxury family vehicle, that has lots of cargo space, big cabin and great height clearance. It's not a beater!

 

Almost all of the dust and grit in my bed is near the tailgate. Nothing I've ever had in my bed has gotten wet except within 6" of the tailgate.

A tailgate seal would probably stop most of it.

Any other gaps I could probably just run a line of duct tape and throw my bed mat back in on top of it.

 

This thread is too funny. Dirt in a pick up truck bed LMFAO.

 

Lol perfect answer!

 

A lot of RTV silicone sealants release acetic acid while curing. This is why Ford says NO to their use around aluminum. The electronics industry has used neutral cure silicone to encapsulate circuits with success for a long time.

You can buy Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone that does not release acetic acid in the cure process. It will say on the label that it is non-corrosive or neutral cure. (will not smell like vinegar)




There are 2 main types of neutral cure

• Oxime cure (methylethylketoxime) release methyl alcohol and oxime compounds (not for use with Polycarbonate plastic or for large copper surfaces).
• Alkoxy release only Methyl Alcohol and are suitable for most uses.

You do not want Acetoxy , the by-product of cure is acetic acid.

Other types that are less readily available are Amine (cyclohexylamine, hazardous and corrosive) and Acetone that need to be used in a well ventilated area.

GE Silicone I is Acetoxy (acid)

GE Silicone II is Alkoxy (alcohol- neutral cure)

There are many color variation widely available, red, black, clear, white, silver...

Here are some other neutral cure silicone sealants:
Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTVSilicone
Dow Corning rtv737 Neutral Cure RTV Sealant, Clear

 

Wow, I got rid of my SUVs because I wanted a bed to put dirty things in and didn't want it in the living/seating open area.

I don't know anyone who owns a $50K truck and doesn't put a bed liner in it.

You want open holes for water drainage, simple.

My 2010 and 2012 had open holes in the bed as well, just like the 2016. Neither had dust or dirt in the bed, and certainly didn't have standing water thanks to the drain holes. Oh, all 3 also had Bedrug bed liners in them as well.

Perhaps the wrong accessory for the wrong job. There's a reason why Bedrugs are so popular for camping and hunting and why most tonneau and cap cover manufacturers recommend Bedrug.

Most people with LineX or Rhino have open beds and use their trucks with stone and construction materials. Bedrug would work just as good but is more expensive and may need to be cleaned out better since it's not smooth. Bedrug is better on your knees, better at protecting your cargo, more bed dent resistant, and doesn't require the paint damage to the bed.

 

My 2014 Ram also had drain holes 🙄

 

Yeh, and not all are truck owners are yuppy city slicker metrosexuals either.

People buy trucks to get work done, not to pretend how manly they are.