What is the best (camper) shell gasket?

[me4osu]

The sticky foam tape installed between my shell and the bed of my rig is working out in a couple of spots. I was wondering if there was a better material (maybe with a bead on both sides to keep it centered)? I plan to remove the shell when I need to, so it needs to be stuck to one side only. Preferably the shell.



Thanks.

 

[illflem]

Shell dealers sell both a regular grade (like you have) and a premium grade seal. The premium costs about $40 to go around a long bed, is rubber rather than foam and sticks like hell to the shell without sticking to the bed. I've had the same premium seal on my canopy since '96, still going strong even though the top gets taken off/on several times a year.

 

[Idaho Native]

Had a high-dollar magnetic rubber seal on my first truck/canopy for 5 years without movement. Had them put the "best" quality rubber glued on strip on this canopy and it started moving in about 2 years... dealer reapplied it and it seems to have stuck this time.

 

[me4osu]

Thanks for the responses.



Idaho Native,

What is a magnetic-rubber seal? I've never heard of it.

 

[Idaho Native]

Well, if you looked at a cross-section of it, it looked like the business end of a . 410 side-by-side shotgun. The piece between the "barrels" was a very strong rubber covered magnetic strip. This setup might not work if you have an over the rail bed-liner or have had it sprayed over the rail.



All I know is that when I had it installed in the summer of '94, it was an extra $50 in the overall price, but I would have done it all over again with the canopy on this Dodge if the place had offered it.



Wish I could remember the technical name... me4osu, if I come up with it, I'll PM you.



Loren

 

[srgilrea]

Try this web site. They may have what you are talking about.



www.truckcapseals.com



Rob

 

[EricBu12]

I have something like the super cap seal in the link above and the tailgate seal. Neither has moved or come off. super sealing, no leaks for 3 yrs now