I called rhino liners today and they told me to stop in and they will seal up all the cracks and rain drains free of charge and he said that I won't even be able to tell they were there. I think I got a lifetime warranty on my liner as long as I own the truck.

 

[QUOTE=robbieg;4816533]I would agree with you, my concern would be it oozing into the gaps/joints and getting to the unpainted areas in-between/underneath. Those areas are not painted other than overspray. They should be primed though.[/QUOTE

As for bare metal when looking up from underneath the primer seems to be well applied or the whole bed dipped in primer. I do appreciate the positive feedback.

 

IMO the bulletin stating not to use Silicone, refers to using it to seal against steel fasteners against the aluminum body.

 

From what I understand the aluminum body panels go through the pre-treatment system to remove impurities like oil and grease, adhesive excess, welding material residue and to get a thin deposition of zinc phosphate coating before moving to the e-coat primer application. Aluminum generates 7 times more sludge than steel so the factory has had to rework its pretreatment baths. That said, there have been a few QC issues with this process but the metal is supposed to be all e-coated. The normal primer and topcoats finish the process.

The problems come when there are dissimilar metals that come in contact or if someone drills holes (to mount aftermarket items) exposing raw unoxidized aluminum.

You could probable squirt most any type of goo in gaps that exist and it will be better than road salt collecting there. Safest caulks would have neutral ph. Look for non-corrosive in the label.

 

After looking more closely where the bed meets the sides, there's plenty of gaps. It's rather shocking Ford didn't seal these gaps on the sides of the bed.

I guess I'll need some totes to carry things I don't want dusty, dirty or wet.

 

I'm pretty sure the bed was never designed to keep things dry and dust free. Even with a cover I have never seen a manufacturer selling a cover to keep all dust and moisture out--even with the tail gate seal--it helps keep the dust out but is not guaranteed. Most of them say that they keep your gear out of the elements --but since the bed itself is not watertight nor designed to be you got to expect there will be some dust, dirt and moisture that gets in. Those of us expecting and air tight seal might be expecting a little too much.

 

I leave Sunday for long road trip. We are headed to the Grand Canyon. I will have the bed full of stuff. I want to keep it as dry as possible and reasonably free of dust.

I sealed the sides of the bed, including over and around the wheel wells. I did leave the front edge alone. This will allow for water drainage.
I used a eurothane sealer. It filled all the gaps, is relatively rugged and flexible.

 

BOT, your exactly right. We purchased totes to go on vacation. Some where between my 97' and my 15' they stopped sealing the bed. If I choose to use it to haul manure or any other item I should be able to rinse it out and use it to haul clean items. It's a double hit. No splash guards to keep water and debris from being thrown all the way up to the tail light area and no sealer. Comments from a reputable Ford rep could be interesting.

 

[QUOTE=Danager;4817376]I leave Sunday for long road trip. We are headed to the Grand Canyon. I will have the bed full of stuff. I want to keep it as dry as possible and reasonably free of dust.

I sealed the sides of the bed, including over and around the wheel wells. I did leave the front edge alone. This will allow for water drainage.
I used a eurothane sealer. It filled all the gaps, is relatively rugged and flexible.[/QUOTE

Urethane for automotive windshields? Can you provide a pic or 2? This might be worth trying. Thanks

 

This is what I used. Purchased at Home Depot. I probably could have been a little more careful applying it. I wasn't too concerned. So far, no more spray has come in from the sides. I also like that I no longer need to worry about gravel getting stuck between the panels.