I just had a Leer Truck Bed Cap installed on my 2005 F-250 CC Short Bed with the expectation that I would have a weather-proof cargo area. Within the first week, we got a good rain and I noticed water in the bed in several locations. I took the truck back to the Leer dealer and he did some re-sealing on the cap, but basically told (and showed) me that Ford beds have LOTS of "holes". They are under the bed rail moldings as well as along the bottom front edge of the bed. I'm wondering is anyone has experienced similar problems and what they did about plugging up the "holes". I've thought of silicone sealers which may work on some of the smaller leaks, but some of the locations seem too large to seal that way. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

I used clear duct tape to channel the water to the corners where it comes under the bed rail.

 

Try using a garden hose on it and have someone on the inside to locate the leaks. The holes on the front edge are to let the water out of the open bed - if truck is leaning forward.

 

I've noticed that the rear tires seem to fling a good amount of water around & some of that makes it into the bed of my truck through a couple places. I had been thinking of getting the rear fender liners mentioned in the bookmarked thread regarding missing items from the newer Super Duties; it's in the 6.0L Tech Folder, about 2/3 of the way down.

Around the tailgate is also responsible for some of the water that finds its way into the bed. I have seen kits that are basically a long strip of rubber with two metal strips that get bolted to the tailgate & bed of the truck to cover the lower gap. This may be one option for minimizing leakage from this area.

 

I've got the same problem with water running along the bed rails. I'm probably going to try a can of Great Stuff... fill the void between the bed rail and the topper up, and plug the holes with it underneath. It should, at least, decrease the volume of rain substantially.

 

Hmmm ,,, I have an 06' F-350,SC short bed,,put on a Jeraco, fiberglass cap, 6" above the cab model, and as far as I can see not one leak ! I have looked after and during a good rain, all is dry. Now I do have a Ford bedliner, maybe I just cant see the water ?

 

I have a leer and isn't it funny that you spend $1000+ on a shell that is made for the FORD truck and yet the dealer tells you that it's the FORD truck rails. The shell is made for it right??? Oh well back to the point. I have a 00' and the shell was water tight with the factory seals. over time and removals (I take it off every spring and put it back on after hunting season, have a slide-in-camper) has weakened the seals. But the big leaks are coming from the windows seals. They drip down onto the shell rail and then drip to the bed. I would check to see if it's the window seals.

Good luck, Robert.

 

There is a good reason is leaks....

Because the bed doesnt actually go up to the underside of the bed rail. If you look under the bed rail you can see the daylight, and in some place you can put your finger through it. Thats just poor engineering on ford's part. I know on my 05 it is like this, so if you have an 05 that doesnt leak, its purely coincidental, or you havent gone through enough water. The wheel slings water up, and it vaporizes up there and runs/drips/seeps into the bed. You may be able to get a spray in bed liner to solve it...but those are expensive too.

I dont have a shell, but now that my truck is a few months old, i can see where the water has run down into the bed from under the rail.