I’ve had my V2 on my Toyota Tacoma for about a year now. Before installing it, I didn’t do any prep work in my truck bed, and I regret not doing so. I’ve noticed some water intrusion in the bed, and I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to fix it without removing the entire camper.
You cannot access the top of the plastic trim pieces without at least raising the GFC slightly. I made four 6” long support blocks from a length of untreated 4” x 4” pine post. Disconnect and remove the lower clamps and lift up one side ONLY of the unit by standing on the bed and using your back and legs, Insert two blocks under it’s rail on that side, then move across and do the other one. Mine is a Topper, you could lighten your camper by removing the mattresses and panels. Once it is raised by the height of the blocks, you can easily work around them, or reposition them if needed. I did not replace any GFC seals, but the unit was brand new. It might be smart to buy them to have on hand, in case one tears. Even if you don’t need them now, they would be good to have in your spares kit.
I used blue masking tape to mark the original position of the GFC on the sides and front, so I could get it back in the same place. But measure first, there is no guarantee that yours is centered over the side rails.
John Davies
Spokane WA
2024 Ranger Raptor
3 Likes
If you want to do it right, remove the camper with some friends one weekend. Sealing under the bed rails and in the corners makes a massive difference.
2 Likes
I’ve got the same problem with my gladiator. I need to remove and reseal the bed cap. just waiting for warm weather to get to Indiana.
1 Like
That is assuming that you have enough strong friends, and that they are available to help you twice - once for removal and once for installation. Realistically, raising it by yourself using my method or with a ceiling or engine hoist makes more sense, generally speaking. After making the four support blocks, I labeled them, and kept them together for future use.
John Davies
Spokane WA
With your method shown, you can’t seal under the bed rails like you need to do on a Tacoma. On tacomas you need to complete remove those plastic caps and silicon the living hell out of it along with the front cap. Most also do not have access to a ceiling host.
You do not need to seal underneath the rails, just seal the tops where the aluminum spacers go (the stake pocket covers), and most importantly, the bottom outside edges of the plastic trim, inject sealer directly into that gap and smooth it with a finger…. There is no need to take them off, water will not get in if you do this. This is how the Ranger trim works, maybe the Tacoma ones are somehow different…? Post a pic so I can comment.
My bed is sealed up super tight, NO dust or water leaks at all. And I never removed the rail or tailgate top trim.
John Davies
Spokane WA
The OP was asking about the tacoma, hence why I mentioned removing the camper to remove the plastic caps…
Having a ford ranger you need to seal it as well. Water comes from every angle in driving rain, it will make its way up into the bed. Hell I have even had snow come through mine.
This video is applicable for a trucks. Thanks for sharing.
1 Like