Tonneau that doesn't leak?

[MichBadger]

I'm new to owning a truck. I knew I wouldn't get to "waterproof", but thought I'd be able to get close. I've read all of the threads regarding sealing up the swiss cheese rails under the plastic rails and will go that route. I also have the Keko tailgate seal that's just arrived and will put that on later today.

I bought a BakFlip MX4 that seems to leak through the seams of the panels themselves and it appears that the channels to the sides don't funnel water like I assume the design is intended. Therefore, water comes in at the front and rear corners, as well as both near both of the panel joints. The family took a trip this past weekend and everything in the back had to be carried in plastic garbage bags or it all would have been soaking wet due to 2 days of rain on our "ski trip".

Again, I've read all the threads here and have paralysis by analysis for what I really need to buy to keep things dry in the back. At a minimum, I assume the frame of the tonneau should cover the majority of the plastic caps, to direct water to the outside. I can handle sealing up the stake pockets and such. I'd like to have a bedrug and be able to put suitcases and other personal items back there without out fear of constant water intrusion.

Please help....

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[DutchRanger]

Have you reached out to the manufacturer about your issue? They might have a solution.

 

[RaptorBlue]

To achieve what you are trying to, I believe your best bet would be a solid fiberglass tonneau. I don't know if one exists for the 6g ranger yet. A camper top would also keep out drastically more water than a flat folding tonneau. Flat folding tonneau covers are designed for item security, not waterproofing. Just trying to be realistic with you. Ever try a Google search for "most waterproof tonneau cover"?

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

Mine keeps fairly dry other than a bit around the tailgate but it's not sealed. My cover fits on top of the rails so I might get a few drops from there.

 

[GLW]

I'm new to owning a truck. I knew I wouldn't get to "waterproof", but thought I'd be able to get close. I've read all of the threads regarding sealing up the swiss cheese rails under the plastic rails and will go that route. I also have the Keko tailgate seal that's just arrived and will put that on later today.

I bought a BakFlip MX4 that seems to leak through the seams of the panels themselves and it appears that the channels to the sides don't funnel water like I assume the design is intended. Therefore, water comes in at the front and rear corners, as well as both near both of the panel joints. The family took a trip this past weekend and everything in the back had to be carried in plastic garbage bags or it all would have been soaking wet due to 2 days of rain on our "ski trip".

Again, I've read all the threads here and have paralysis by analysis for what I really need to buy to keep things dry in the back. At a minimum, I assume the frame of the tonneau should cover the majority of the plastic caps, to direct water to the outside. I can handle sealing up the stake pockets and such. I'd like to have a bedrug and be able to put suitcases and other personal items back there without out fear of constant water intrusion.

Please help....

mine does not leak at all. However, I spent a lot of time plugging all the holes and installing a tail gate seal.

 

[Evilrider]

mine does not leak at all. However, I spent a lot of time plugging all the holes and installing a tail gate seal.

Where did you get the bed mat. Been looking for it but not available yet.

 

[GLW]

Where did you get the bed mat. Been looking for it but not available yet.

It’s for the Ranger and it fits the RRaptor perfectly. I got it several months ago at Real Truck.

 

[sikedsyko]

I have a Bak X4s with no other sealing. I get a little water in the bed around the corners. Its never been enough to get stuff wet as long as I don't have stuff shoved in the corners that can't get wet.

I don't really worry about stuff getting wet, but just in case I mostly use hardshell luggage and water resistant duffels. I also bought a cheap 65 liter dry bag that I keep in the truck that I can throw just about anything in if I absolutely have to keep it dry.

 

[Ag3ntC00p3r]

I had very little water intrusion with the Retrax. Didn't matter if it was rain or carwash. Seemed to do pretty well. I installed rubber grommets wherever I could on the rails and put a rubber strip on the lip of the cover so it seals a little better against the tailgate.

It didn't hold up quite so well to snow. I cleared 6-8 inches snow off the top but there was an icy layer on top. After that melted it seemed like it seeped though the slats. Not the end of the world for me, just need to remember that if I keep stuff back there it might get a little wet.

I have a tailgate seal kit but probably won't install it till spring.

 

[HyperM3]

I have a bak x4s and Ive been overwhelmingly surprised at how little it leaks. Ive had my truck parked in torrential downpours at work and theres no water in the bed until I open the tailgate and it drips down at the front. Even when Im washing the truck with a pressure washer, aiming it directly at the top of the tailgate is the only way I can get water in. The sides and back of the cab area are very dry. I was really expecting it to leak a lot more than it has.

 

[Evilrider]

It’s for the Ranger and it fits the RRaptor perfectly. I got it several months ago at Real Truck.

Thanks

 

[fordgt]

I have a Rev folding cover. I go through high pressure car washes and have been surprised how little water comes in. Haven’t done anything to seal it yet. Traveling, I have a waterproof car top carrier from (zippered bag type). The hard shell type mentioned above I had on my 2010 F150 from FORD. Total trash, it delaminated after about 14 months. FORD replaced under warranty, 14 months later it did it again. FORD said tough luck. I used the carrier when traveling after that.

 

[MichBadger]

Thanks to all, for the replies. Unless we have vastly different definitions of what it means to say "a little water", it seems like there are many people out there with covers that keep the back "dry", or at least significantly more dry than my experience.

I also have a full bed-rug and am worried about it picking up a nasty funk if it constantly stays wet.

To answer the questions, I have left a message at the manufacturer and done google searches. I've seen people with the exact same model saying they've had 2-3 warranty replacements with the same issue, and others saying it's been completely dry.

 

[GLW]

Thanks to all, for the replies. Unless we have vastly different definitions of what it means to say "a little water", it seems like there are many people out there with covers that keep the back "dry", or at least significantly more dry than my experience.

I also have a full bed-rug and am worried about it picking up a nasty funk if it constantly stays wet.

To answer the questions, I have left a message at the manufacturer and done google searches. I've seen people with the exact same model saying they've had 2-3 warranty replacements with the same issue, and others saying it's been completely dry.

For me it was not the cover that was leaking (well, one location was) but all the holes around the cover. After a lot of investigation, rubber grommets, threaded screws, silicon caulking holes where grommets/screws would not work, rubber seal added to the cover’s seal, tailgate seal, tennis balls, and additional foam rubber stuffing holes was I finally able to achieve my goal.
The only one of these efforts (addition rubber seal added to cover seal) was needed for the cover. All the others were addressing the truck.
And, it all looks good. You would be hard pressed to find anything that looks bad.
patience and, unfortunately, some curse words paid off.

 

[fordgt]

As I mentioned, I have the Rev folding from FORD, I took these pictures this morning after 2 hours of heavy rain and right after I went through a high pressure car wash. I would call this pretty minor and I haven’t done anything yet to seal the bed.

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