Truxedo Tailgate Seal

Sealing the Deal on Keeping Your Truck Bed Dust and Water-Free

As a proud truck owner, you know that keeping your truck bed protected is a top priority. After all, that open cargo area goes through a lot, hauling heavy loads and getting exposed to the elements. So when it’s time to seal up your tailgate for enhanced protection, the Truxedo tailgate seal is a top choice for keeping dust and water out of your truck bed.

But like any truck accessory purchase, you want to make sure you get the right tailgate seal for your needs and budget. In this comprehensive tailgate seal buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find and install the ideal Truxedo seal for your truck. Let’s roll!

What Exactly Is a Truxedo Tailgate Seal?

Simply put, a Truxedo tailgate seal is a long strip of rubber, vinyl, or other material that attaches along the top edge of your tailgate to seal the gap between the tailgate and your truck bed. This helps keep out dust, water, and other undesirables.

Truxedo is a popular brand known for their roll-up tonneau covers and other truck bed accessories. Their tailgate seals are designed to perfectly fit your make/model truck for a tight, custom seal.

Why Do You Need a Tailgate Seal Anyway?

You may be wondering why bother with a tailgate seal in the first place. After all, can’t you just be careful not to spray water into the bed area when washing your truck?

Well, a leaky tailgate can cause problems over time:

• Dust and debris get kicked up on the road and easily enter the bed interior through the tailgate gap, dirtying your cargo area.
• Water can seep in, promoting rust and corrosion in your truck bed. This also makes hauling water-sensitive cargo risky.
• Outside air, noise, and fumes also penetrate through the open tailgate area, making your truck bed less ideal for storing temperature-sensitive items or blocking noise.

Simply closing your tailgate helps, but rarely seals the tailgate 100% on its own. That’s why installing a tailgate seal is a worthwhile upgrade for most truck owners.

How Does Tailgate Seal Installation Work?

One great benefit of the Truxedo tailgate seal is its hassle-free installation. Here’s an overview of how to install it:

• First, clean the top of your tailgate thoroughly so the seal adheres properly.
• Peel back the adhesive backing partially to attach one end of the seal to the tailgate.
• Press the seal firmly in place as you gradually peel off more adhesive backing, working your way across the tailgate. Take care to keep the seal straight.
• Use a roller tool or firm pressure with your hand to adhere the seal tightly to the tailgate surface, avoiding bubbles or wrinkles.
• Trim any excess seal length with scissors.

The seal attaches using heavy-duty 3M adhesive that creates a tight grip. Overall, expect install to take 30 minutes or less, using common household tools. It’s an easy DIY project!

For certain truck models, metal retainer clips are also included to firmly secure the seal. These get adhered in place with adhesive pads.

Does It Fit All Trucks?

Truxedo offers tailgate seals for hundreds of truck makes and models. So chances are excellent they have a seal specifically designed for your truck.

Some examples of popular trucks compatible with Truxedo tailgate seals include:

• Ford F-150, F-250, F-350
• Chevy Silverado, Colorado
• GMC Sierra, Canyon
• Toyota Tundra, Tacoma
• Nissan Titan, Frontier
• Ram 1500, 2500, 3500
• Jeep Gladiator

Truxedo also has seals for less common and older truck models too.

Double check your exact truck model and year to confirm compatibility. This ensures a precision fit and optimal seal performance.

How Effective Is It at Blocking Dust and Water?

Once installed properly, the Truxedo tailgate seal excels at keeping dust and water out of your truck bed interior.

The seal’s snug fit along the tailgate top coupled with the flexible rubber construction blocks dust ingress quite well compared to an open tailgate gap. It’s not absolutely 100% dust-proof, but still drastically reduces dust intake.

For water, lab tests show the Truxedo seal holds up to 6 inches of water stacked against it without leaking. So it provides excellent water protection to keep your truck bed and cargo dry, while still allowing proper tailgate function.

Overall, Truxedo’s seal delivers on its promise to effectively seal the tailgate area from the outside elements. Just take care not to directly spray high-pressure water into the seal if washing your truck.

What Materials Are Used to Make the Seal?

Truxedo tailgate seals are constructed from premium EPDM rubber for optimal flexibility, durability, and weather/UV resistance.

EPDM stands for “Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer”. This synthetic rubber material is valued for its excellent sealing properties across a wide temperature range.

The EPDM rubber is pressed into a specialized grooved shape to promote proper sealing, compression, and tailgate operation.

The 3M adhesive used is also heavy duty, designed to hold up to rugged truck conditions without bond failure.

So you can feel confident the seal is made from top-quality materials built to last and handle the truck environment.

Where Can I Buy an Authentic Truxedo Tailgate Seal?

To ensure you get a genuine OEM Truxedo tailgate seal, purchase directly from Truxedo or one of their authorized dealers.

Truxedo’s website makes it easy to find and order the correct seal for your exact truck details. Amazon also carries Truxedo’s complete seal lineup at competitive pricing with Prime shipping.

Some other reputable retailers like RealTruck.com and AutoAnything offer Truxedo seal models too. Just double check you’re ordering the real deal and not a knock-off.

Buying directly from Truxedo or their verified sellers ensures you get the right seal design for a factory-perfect fit.

How Do You Clean and Care for the Seal?

The Truxedo tailgate seal requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking and sealing great. Here are some simple care tips:

• Rinse occasionally with water to remove accumulated dirt and dust. Avoid high pressure spray directly on the seal.
• Clean gently with a mild soap and water solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners.
• Inspect for damage, trapped debris, or adhesive issues and re-adhere the seal if needed.
• Take care not to tug, twist, or bend excessively when operating the tailgate to avoid seal damage.
• Apply UV protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant if the seal will be exposed to extended sunlight.
• Re-apply adhesive promoter like VHB Primer to the tailgate if re-adhering the seal for maximum bonding strength.

With periodic inspection and gentle cleaning, your Truxedo seal will maintain top performance for years.

Can It Be Used Together with a Tonneau Cover?

Absolutely! In fact, pairing a Truxedo tailgate seal with a Truxedo tonneau cover is a great combination for maximum truck bed protection.

The tailgate seal takes care of sealing the back tailgate gap, while the soft roll-up tonneau cover encloses the rest of the bed.

This provides a fully sealed truck bed interior to lock out all outside weather and dust. It also adds secure enclosed storage when you want to lock gear inside.

Truxedo tonneau covers are designed to be compatible with their tailgate seal models, so you can easily install both accessories together. Just take care when rolling up the cover to not disturb or tug on the tailgate seal.

How Does Truxedo’s Seal Compare to Other Brands?

As the original truck cargo management brand with decades of expertise, Truxedo sets the standard that other tailgate seals aim to match.

Some benefits Truxedo’s seal offers over lesser-known brands:

• Precision model-specific design for gap-free fit
• Lab-tested sealing performance up to 6 inches of stacked water
• Premium grade EPDM rubber construction
• Easy installation with 3M adhesive
• Great customer service and warranty support

Lesser brands may lack the precise model-specific shape or use cheaper materials prone to faster cracking. So the extra few dollars for a Truxedo seal is worth it for the quality and perfect OEM fit.

Stick with the tailgate seal experts and innovation leaders at Truxedo.

Any Special Tips for Getting a Great Seal Install?

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Truxedo tailgate seal adheres cleanly for optimal sealing performance:

• Thoroughly clean and degrease the tailgate to max adhesive grip
• Warm the seal and tailgate with a hair dryer if installing in cold weather
• Apply adhesive primer like 3M’s VHB for extra strong adhesive bond
• Remove any existing bedliner coating from the tailgate edge for direct contact
• Use a roller tool and firm pressure while installing to flatten any air bubbles
• Take it slow and realign the seal if it starts to go on crooked before adhesive cures
• Allow the completed seal to cure for 24 hours before regular tailgate use

Following these tips will get your Truxedo seal adhered straight and tight. Be patient during the install for sealing success.

What Are Users Saying in Reviews of the Seal?

Overall, Truxedo tailgate seal reviews are very positive, with most users giving it high ratings after installing on their trucks.

Here are some of the most common compliments mentioned in Truxedo seal reviews:

• “Easy to install in 30 minutes or less”
• “Seals tightly and keeps my truck bed dry”
• “Stops dust and wind from entering the tailgate gap”
• “Quality materials and fit perfectly for my truck”
• “Much improved appearance over the open factory tailgate gap”

Critical reviews are less common, though some users report issues like premature bubbling or adhesion problems with the seal coming loose over time in hot weather or with frequent tailgate use.

But overall most users find the Truxedo seal performs as expected for the price and enhances their truck bed protection.

Is There a Warranty on the Tailgate Seal?

Truxedo provides a limited lifetime warranty on their tailgate seals. This covers any manufacturing defects for as long as you own your truck.

The seal adhesive is designed to last the lifetime of the product. But normal adhesive wear or damage from misuse would not be covered under the warranty.

If you do encounter an early adhesion issue, contact Truxedo customer support who may provide free adhesive promoter to re-secure the seal as a good faith gesture.

Truxedo stands behind their seals and wants you to have the best sealing experience. The included peace of mind warranty is another benefit of choosing this top brand.

Just How Durable Is the Seal for Long-Term Use?

The Truxedo tailgate seal is built from quality materials to handle tough truck conditions for the long run.

The flexible EPDM rubber stands up year after year without brittle cracking or dry rot like cheaper vinyl seals succumb to over time.

The integration of rigid polymer strips helps prevent floppiness and maintain the seal’s shape through extended compression when closing your tailgate.

The 3M VHB adhesive provides a super strong, long-lasting bond while allowing for expansion and contraction over temperature extremes.

Focus is put into getting the seal design and thickness just right for your specific truck model to promote longevity through perfect fit.

Altogether, expect your Truxedo seal to deliver 5+ years of reliable sealing performance when properly installed and cared for.

How Long Can the Seal Last Before Replacement?

With careful use and maintenance, a Truxedo tailgate seal can potentially last upwards of 10 years or more before requiring replacement.

The seal is made from durable EPDM rubber able to withstand years of UV exposure, dirt, hauling use, and opening/closing without cracking or leaking.

The 3M VHB adhesive also maintains a tenacious grip long-term when properly prepped during installation. It can stick for a decade or longer before any noticeable loosening.

To maximize longevity:

• Inspect and clean the seal periodically
• Be gentle when opening/closing tailgate
• Avoid direct pressure washer spray on the seal
• Re-adhere sections if needed with adhesive promoter

With proper care, your Truxedo tailgate seal can maintain perfect performance for the full lifetime of your truck.

Can I Get the Seal at a Discount?

Truxedo tailgate seals are already very reasonably priced, but you can sometimes find them at an even lower price if you keep an eye out for sales.

Places to look for Truxedo seal discounts or promotions:

• Truxedo’s website – Sign up for alerts on sales and specials
• Amazon – Monitor for coupon codes and lightning deal pricing
• Truck part retailer sales – 4WheelParts, RealTruck, AutoAnything, etc.
• Holiday sales – Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc.
• Group discounts – Check truck forums or clubs for possible group buy deals

With a little searching, you can likely find the Truxedo seal for 15-25% off regular price. Saving $10-$15 makes this worthwhile bargain upgrade even sweeter!

Is Professional Installation Necessary?

One great perk of the Truxedo tailgate seal is that professional installation is not necessary for most DIY truck owners.

The seal comes with simple step-by-step instructions that allow installing it yourself using common hand tools in about 30 minutes.

As long as you have a little patience, steady hands, and mechanical ability, the seal can be easily adhered on straight and tight.

However, if you want to save yourself the install hassle, many auto shops would be able to add on professional seal installation for an added cost.

But tackling a DIY install will give you satisfaction while also saving money. With the right preparation and care, you can achieve professional-quality results.

Will the Seal Reduce Tailgate Noise?

A welcome bonus effect many Truxedo tailgate seal owners notice is a reduction in tailgate rattling noise when driving with the tailgate up.

The flexible seal fills in the open factory gap between the tailgate and truck bed. This provides a buffer that dampens noise from tailgate vibration.

Owners report much less annoying rattling from the tailgate area, making for a more peaceful, quieter drive.

While it’s not specifically advertised for noise reduction, the Truxedo seal often does cut down on bothersome tailgate rattling as a nice side benefit.

How Do I Remove the Old Seal If Replacing?

Over time when seal replacement is needed, removing the old Truxedo tailgate seal requires some careful effort. Here are tips for easy removal:

• Heat up the seal using a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive
• Slowly peel back the seal, taking care not to damage the tailgate surface
• Remove any leftover adhesive using adhesive remover or alcohol
• Avoid scraping aggressively to prevent tailgate damage
• Use a citrus-based adhesive remover for tough areas of residue
• Clean and prep the area to ensure fresh adhesion for new seal

Take your time and ease the old seal off. With some warm heat and elbow grease, the original seal will release its grip for a fresh upgrade.

Are There Any Recalls for Truxedo Seals?

After decades in the truck equipment market, Truxedo has built a reputation for quality and safety. According to their website, there are no recorded recalls for any Truxedo brand tailgate seals.

This excellent recall history reflects the extensive design, testing, and inspections Truxedo performs on all their products before release.

Truxedo also actively monitors for any potential issues reported through customer feedback and adjusts future designs accordingly.

So you can feel fully confident installing a Truxedo seal with minimal risks. Focus instead on finding the perfect seal for your truck and enjoying the benefits!

Will It Improve My Truck’s Fuel Economy?

This is a common question truck owners have when considering adding accessories like a tailgate seal.

While the main goal is protecting your truck bed, a tight tailgate seal can provide a minor fuel economy improvement by enhancing your truck’s aerodynamics.

Filling the open tailgate gap helps air flow smoothly across the back of the truck versus swirling into the bed area. This reduces drag for slightly improved miles per gallon.

The impact is small – likely less than 1 MPG difference. But every bit counts when trying to maximize fuel efficiency, so a tailgate seal still benefits your truck’s performance.

And you’ll save money on gas while preventing costly damage from weather and dust – a win-win!

The Bottom Line on Truxedo Tailgate Seals

When you want serious protection from dust and water for your truck’s cargo area, installing a Truxedo tailgate seal is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

With Truxedo’s decades of expertise, premium materials, and precise fit, you get a seal built to handle harsh truck life while locking out the elements for years to come.

While simple in concept, a tailgate seal is crucial for any truck owner who values durability, function, and enhancing their investment.

So for under $50 and 30 minutes of your time, seal the deal and stop leakages with a Truxedo tailgate seal – the ultimate finishing touch to secure and protect your truck bed. Your truck will thank you!