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Sealing gaps in box bed

Old May 6, 2019 | 10:12 PM
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Default Sealing gaps in box bed

There are noticeable gaps between the bed floor and the sides of my 2016 box. I'd like to seal these up - as I'm getting a ton of dirt & dust in the box because of this.

From what I've gathered, a person can use silicone - as long as it's safe for aluminum and doesn't contain any acid? I've read that the acetic acid generated during curing will cause the aluminum to corrode.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good silicone to use - or any other ideas to seal the box up?
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Old May 6, 2019 | 10:22 PM
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Those are for water to drain out, so be careful sealing them for unwanted water puddles.
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Old May 6, 2019 | 11:57 PM
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Canopy on mine - I sealed from the back of the box to within a few inches of the front, and not across the front at all. I used a black latex rubber sealant called "Big Stretch" - black because the truck is dark red. Works fine, easy to clean up mistakes before they cure.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 01:26 AM
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Originally Posted by RobTx
Those are for water to drain out, so be careful sealing them for unwanted water puddles.
Yup... but there is a gap almost all the way around the box - not just holes. Will definitely leave some spots open for drainage. Thanks.
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Old May 7, 2019 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan in bc
Canopy on mine - I sealed from the back of the box to within a few inches of the front, and not across the front at all. I used a black latex rubber sealant called "Big Stretch" - black because the truck is dark red. Works fine, easy to clean up mistakes before they cure.
Thanks... I will look into that. It looks like it can be used on aluminum - so hopefully it's safe for it and won't cause corrosion.
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Old May 9, 2019 | 11:43 PM
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Just an FYI for anyone looking into this... I decided to drop Big Stretch an email and double-check with them that it would be safe to apply to the aluminum truck bed. Here's the response that I got:

Big Stretch will be just fine for that application. Big Stretch is compatible with aluminum, so you will be ok. It is flexible so it will be able to handle the movement of the truck.
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Old May 10, 2019 | 12:14 AM
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GE Silicone II is safe for aluminum. It contains no acetic acid.
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Old May 11, 2019 | 11:47 AM
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How did you seal the tailgate, especially at the bottom corners? I added a tailgate seal but those bottom corners aren't square so the tailgate doesn't fit against the seal.
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Old May 11, 2019 | 12:13 PM
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I was planning on getting a tailgate seal kit for that, but haven't got it yet. Maybe someone else can chime in...
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Old May 11, 2019 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by MidnightOil
I was planning on getting a tailgate seal kit for that, but haven't got it yet. Maybe someone else can chime in...
Watching this with interest... we just did a 1300 km. trip, dry post-winter highways, and there was a lot of dust on everything in the back- under our canopy; luggage, cooler, and displays that we were carrying. . Definitely need an effective tailgate seal.
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