If you have an aluminum tonneau cover on your truck and the seals have worn out or become damaged, you’ll need to replace them to keep water from getting into your truck bed. But where can you find the right replacement seals? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the various options for finding new seals so you can keep your tonneau cover working like new.
Where Should I Look For Tonneau Cover Seals?
When searching for replacement seals, you’ll want to check several places to find the exact match for your tonneau cover model. Here are some of the best options to find seals:
Should I Check Amazon For Tonneau Cover Seals?
Amazon is a great first stop when looking for tonneau cover seals. They offer a wide selection of rubber seals meant for pickups, truck caps, and tonneau covers. For example, you can find a 24.6ft rubber weather seal specifically designed for pickups and tonneau covers. This double-bulb tailgate seal fits most models and measures 3/4″ wide x 1/2″ high, making it a versatile replacement seal.
Amazon also allows you to search by specific dimensions, so you can input the size you need to find the right seal. Checking Amazon should be one of the first steps in finding a replacement.
Does RealTruck Sell Tonneau Cover Seals?
Another good online retailer to check is RealTruck. They carry replacement tonneau cover seals made specifically for Extang truck bed covers. So if you have an Extang cover, you can find an exact replacement seal kit on RealTruck.
They have seals available for Extang trifecta, Solid Fold, and MaxMate soft fold covers. Kits typically include new end seals, side seals, and any corner mouldings or hardware needed. This makes it easy to replace all your seals at once.
Can I Find Seals At Tonnopro For A Hard Folding Cover?
If you have a hard folding tonneau cover, you can check Tonnopro for replacement seals. They manufacture hard folding covers, so they offer replacement parts like seals for their own products.
You can get corner foam seals to replace leaking corners as well as cross bar seals if yours become damaged. Their kits come with adhesive for an easy installation. Tonnopro is the place to look if you have one of their hard folding covers.
Does Retrax Sell Parts For Their Roll-Up Covers?
Retrax is a popular brand of rolling retractable tonneau covers. If you have a Retrax cover, you can order replacement parts directly from them.
Retrax offers genuine OEM seals and components for models like the RetraxPro XR Series and RetraxOne Series. You can get the entire aluminum rolling cover replacement, though this doesn’t include the canister. All the rubber seals and end caps are available as well.
Checking with Retrax ensures you get the right replacement parts for your specific cover.
Can I Find Universal Seals At Truck Outfitters Plus?
For a wide selection of universal replacement seals, Truck Outfitters Plus is a go-to online retailer. They have tonneau cover and truck lid seals meant to fit brands like Leer, Century, Raider, and others.
You can shop by seal type, likeend cap seals, side seals, corner seals, and rear seals. Measurements are available too so you can match the dimensions to your current seals.
They also have molded plastic corners and end caps to replace any broken pieces. Truck Outfitters Plus specializes in truck bed accessories, so they have a huge selection of seals.
Does The Toyota Parts Department Have Tonneau Seals?
If you have a Toyota truck, you can get OEM tonneau cover seals directly from their parts department. For example, for the Toyota Tundra, they offer the seal, tonneau cover end cap, No. 1 for sale as an official replacement part.
This ensures an exact fit and match for your Toyota tonneau cover. Check with your vehicle manufacturer’s parts department to see if they sell replacement seals for your specific make and model of truck.
How Do I Know What Seal To Get?
Once you’ve identified some possible sources for your new seals, how do you know exactly which ones to get? Here are some tips for getting the right replacement seals:
Should I Measure The Original Seals?
The best way to determine what seals you need is to remove your old seals and measure them. Note the lengths of the side seals and the dimensions of the end caps and corner pieces.
You can then find replacements that match those measurements exactly. This is the most precise way to get seals that fit properly.
Are There Part Numbers Stamped On The Seals?
In some cases, the original seals may have part numbers stamped on them. Check along the edges and ends of the seals to see if there are any numbers etched into the rubber.
You can then search for that specific part number to find the right replacement. The part number helps identify the exact seal that originally came with your tonneau cover.
Should I Note The Cover Brand And Model?
If you can’t find part numbers on the seals themselves, be sure to note the brand name and model of your tonneau cover. For example, writing down “Extang Trifecta” or “RetraxPro XR” will help when searching for replacements.
You can then look for seals designed specifically for your cover model. The brand and style can help narrow down seal options so you get an exact fit.
Can I Match The Seals Visually?
If you have the old seals removed, you can bring them with you to visually match replacement seals. Compare the physical look, dimensions, and features of new seals to your old ones.
This allows you to match the original seals and confirm that the replacements should fit properly before purchasing. A visual match coupled with measured dimensions is the optimal way to pick out new seals.
How Do I Install The New Seals?
Once you’ve purchased replacement seals for your aluminum tonneau cover, it’s time to put them on. Here are some tips for properly installing your new seals:
Should I Clean The Cover Before Installing Seals?
Before installing new seals, thoroughly clean the underside of the tonneau cover with rubbing alcohol. This removes any dirt and debris so the seals can adhere properly. Take time to clean the full underside surface.
What Adhesive Holds The Seals In Place?
Many replacement seals come with special adhesive designed to firmly hold the seals yet still allow you to remove them later if needed. This adhesive withstands vibration and shifting better than regular super glue.
Carefully apply a thin bead of the included adhesive to the underside of the cover where the seal will attach. Follow the seal directions.
How Do I Get The Seal Alignment Right?
Proper alignment is crucial when attaching the new seals. Carefully press the seal to the cover starting at one end and working slowly to the other while maintaining consistent pressure.
Keep the seal smooth and straight as you affix it. Having a helper can make this easier. Take your time with the alignment.
Should I Replace All The Seals At Once?
It’s best to replace all your tonneau seals as a full set so they match. Trying to spot replace just one seal can lead to leaks if the seals don’t mate up.
Doing all the end caps, side seals, and corners provides a consistent fit. It also prevents having to redo some seals later when the rest wear out.
How Long Should I Let The Adhesive Cure?
Review the adhesive instructions for full cure time. Most adhesives take at least 24 hours to fully set and seal. Avoid opening the tonneau cover until the adhesive has cured.
The cover also shouldn’t get wet during this time. Letting the adhesive cure properly ensures your seals stay in place.
What Kind Of Seals Do Different Tonneau Covers Use?
There are some variations in seals depending on your tonneau cover style:
What Seals Are Needed For Roll-Up Covers?
Roll-up tonneaus like the Retrax retractable cover use side seals, end seals, and rear seals. The side seals prevent water intrusion along the bed sides while the end seals stop leaks between the cover and cab. Rear seals close the gap at the tailgate.
Do Hinged Covers Require Special Seals?
Hinged tonneaus open and close via a hinge. They typically use thick foam compression seals along the front header and side rails to seal against the truck bed. The foam compresses when closed to create a tight seal.
What About Folding Covers?
Folding covers have vinyl covered panels that fold accordion-style. Side and end edge seals are most common, made from dense rubber. Plastic corner mouldings help join and seal the panel edges too.
How Are Snapping Covers Sealed?
Snapping tonneaus use a rail system that the cover snaps into. Thick rubber bulb seals fit over the snaps to seal against the rails when closed. Side edge seals prevent corner leaks.
What Seals Are Used On Pop-Up Covers?
Pop-up tonneaus have canvas covers on plastic frames. Along the cover edges are vinyl flap seals that press against the bed rails when the cover is closed. Zipper seals close the gaps when the flaps meet.
What Are Tonneau Cover Seals Made Of?
Tonneau seals are constructed from a few key materials:
Why Are Many Seals Made Of Rubber?
Rubber is the most common tonneau seal material. Rubber is flexible yet durable, so it can compress to make a tight seal. It also withstands weather and UV rays. Santoprene is a type of rubber used for its flexibility and long life.
Do Some Seals Use Foam?
For extra cushioning and compression, some seals incorporate foam. The foam is encased in rubber and compresses when the cover is closed. Polyurethane foam is often used since it is firm but compressible.
Why Are Plastic Moldings Used?
Plastic corner moldings and end caps provide structure and support at the cover edges. They ensure the panels or vinyl fabric align properly. ABS plastic withstands cracking and the elements.
What Kind Of Adhesive Is Used?
The adhesive is key to keeping seals in place. Silicone and acrylic adhesives specifically made for automotive use provide strong holding power safe for paint finishes. Non-hardening urethane adhesive stays flexible too.
Key Takeaways For Replacing Your Tonneau Cover Seals:
- Check online retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, Tonnopro, or Truck Outfitters Plus for replacement seals
- For soft roll-up covers, look at Retrax’s OEM parts
- Measure your original seals or match them visually to find accurate replacements
- Use special tonneau cover adhesives to properly adhere the new seals
- Carefully align the seals for a tight, consistent fit
- Allow at least 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before using the cover
- Replace all seals at once for complete coverage and leak prevention
Knowing where to purchase quality seals and taking time to properly install them will keep your aluminum tonneau cover sealing tightly for years to come. With the right seals from the manufacturers or specialized retailers recommended here, you can keep the elements out of your truck bed.
