Overview
Tailgate seals prevent water, dust, and debris from entering your truck bed or SUV cargo area through the gap between the tailgate and the bed/body. Proper installation requires correct orientation—the bulb position matters significantly for achieving a proper seal.
Tools & Materials Needed
- 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive (GL-11)
- Nitrile Gloves (GL-10)
- 7-Piece Trim & Pry Tool Set (GL-30)
- Rubbing alcohol or prep solvent
- Clean rags
- Measuring tape
- Sharp scissors or razor blade
Understanding Tailgate Seal Orientation
This is the #1 mistake installers make. The seal bulb (the rounded sealing portion) must face the correct direction:
| Location | Bulb Orientation |
|---|---|
| Bottom of bed | Bulb faces UP |
| Sides of bed | Bulb faces INWARD (toward center of bed) |
| Corner transitions | Gradually rotate 90° as you go from bottom to side |
Types of Tailgate Seals
| Type | Description | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive-backed | Peel-and-stick with built-in adhesive | Simplest installation |
| Glue-on | Requires separate adhesive application | Use 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive |
| Clip-on | Has retaining clips for channel mounting | Clips into bed rail channel |
Installation Steps
Step 1: Remove Old Seal (If Present)
- Lower the tailgate
- Peel away old seal material
- Remove any clips or retainers
- Clean away all old adhesive residue
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
- Clean the bed rail/mounting surface with rubbing alcohol or prep solvent
- Pay special attention to corners where debris accumulates
- Allow to dry completely—adhesive won't bond to damp surfaces
⚠️ Tip: If the surface is rough or rusty, address this before installing. Light sanding and rust treatment will improve seal longevity.
Step 3: Test Fit Before Committing
- Before removing any adhesive backing or applying glue, position the seal around the tailgate opening
- Verify you have enough material for the full perimeter
- Note the corner transitions
Step 4: Install the Seal
Start at the Center Bottom:
1. Begin at the center of the bed floor (bottom of tailgate opening)
2. The bulb should face UP at this point
3. Work outward toward both corners
Handle the Corners:
1. As you approach the corner, gradually rotate the seal 90° counter-clockwise (driver side) or clockwise (passenger side)
2. The bulb should transition from facing up to facing inward
3. Maintain firm pressure around the radius—don't allow the seal to lift
Continue Up the Sides:
1. With the bulb now facing inward, continue up each side
2. Maintain consistent pressure
3. The seal should sit flush against the bed rail
For Adhesive-Backed Seals:
- Peel backing in 6" sections as you work
- Press firmly for 10–15 seconds per section
- Don't stretch the seal—it will shrink back and create gaps
For Glue-On Seals:
- Apply 3M Black Weatherstrip Adhesive (GL-11) to the bed rail, not the seal
- Apply in 12" sections and wait until tacky before positioning the seal
- Work methodically around the perimeter
Step 5: Trim to Fit
- If using sold-by-the-foot material, cut ends at a 45° angle where they meet
- Apply extra adhesive at joint locations
- Ensure ends butt tightly together—no gaps
Step 6: Final Check
- Close the tailgate
- Verify even compression around the entire perimeter
- Look for gaps, especially at corners
- The tailgate should close with slight resistance—indicating the seal is working
Jeep-Specific Tips
For Jeep Wrangler hardtops and SUVs with liftgates:
- The same orientation rules apply
- Ensure the seal doesn't interfere with the latch mechanism
- Check that weatherstrip doesn't prevent the liftgate from latching fully
Allowing for Break-In
New seals may cause the tailgate to feel tight initially. This is normal. After several open/close cycles, the SUPERsoft rubber will compress and conform to the tailgate profile.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Seal pulls away at corners | More adhesive needed; apply extra and use tape to hold while curing |
| Water leaks at sides | Bulb may be facing wrong direction; verify inward orientation |
| Tailgate won't latch | Seal may be too thick; allow break-in period; verify mounting position |
| Adhesive won't stick | Surface prep issue—clean and degrease thoroughly |