foam padding under lid keeps squashing out

frankie stockboy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2002, 01:53 PM

About every six months I have to go back to my ARE installer so they can redo the adhesive foam strips (the ones that go between the lid’s metal rails and the truck bed rails). Initially there was only one layer of foam, but that kept the lid too close to the bed rails and the lid scratched the bed rail.
To counteract this, they doubled up the foam to make it thicker. But it ends up squishing out. I don’t know if a single layer would do this as well, but apparently they don’t have any thicker stuff to use. Has anyone run into this and solved it?

TRTundra · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 01:34 AM

I had a simular prob with the install of my tool box, rattled when it was on the rails. I went to the local ACE hardware and got some adhesive weather striping, 4 different thicknesses to see what worked best. Stopped that rattle and with just a single strip is squishes out ok to actualy seal. so I used it on my old 74 ford to seal the canopy on worked real good. Just let the adhesive sit for about 12 hours in temperate environment, to set up and you should be good. I have had the stripping on for 6 monthes outside and NO complaints. Also it will stick to the bed caps. Good Luck.

jbtoy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2002, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by frankie stockboy
About every six months I have to go back to my ARE installer so they can redo the adhesive foam strips (the ones that go between the lid’s metal rails and the truck bed rails). Initially there was only one layer of foam, but that kept the lid too close to the bed rails and the lid scratched the bed rail.
To counteract this, they doubled up the foam to make it thicker. But it ends up squishing out. I don’t know if a single layer would do this as well, but apparently they don’t have any thicker stuff to use. Has anyone run into this and solved it?

I have the ARE lid on my ride for last 18 months, and have not run into that problem. You may have already tried it, but, with the proper height adjustment on your rail stops, you should not have this problem. It sounds like your lid is set too low or close to the rails. My lid sits about 3/8" above the bed rails. I check the stops frequently to make sure they are tight. My lid has not touched the bed rails since install. Just a thought to consider.

frankie stockboy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 03:01 PM

I do adjust the rail stops, but those are placed at the rear and middle of the bed. There's no clearance problem there. The rubbing occurs right by the hinge, which has no height adjustment, other than the thickness of the foam padding. Guess I'll look into thicker foam.

PMK · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2003, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankie stockboy

I do adjust the rail stops, but those are placed at the rear and middle of the bed. There's no clearance problem there. The rubbing occurs right by the hinge, which has no height adjustment, other than the thickness of the foam padding. Guess I'll look into thicker foam.

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I was also looking into an alternative to foam weatherstrip between the bed rails and camper shell. Was wondering if anyone found a thick rubber gasket material made for our trucks or just a better weatherstripping?
Mine seems to squish out over time and its a pain to replace.
Thanx,
Michael

frankie stockboy · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2003, 06:58 PM

I went back to the ARE dealer and they're now using a thicker, heavier duty foam. I had them redo mine. Unfortunately, I had to pay about $40 for it (wasn't the same dealer I bought lid from) and ARE itself was less than helpful in reimbursing me or even caring. The good news is that I had it redone over a year ago and it's still holding up like a champ--no squishing out!