Airplex Truck Bed Tailgate Seal
A dedicated replacement seal for the tailgate edge, where most covered-bed water leaks actually start. A worn tailgate seal is often the missing piece even after replacing the rest of a rail seal kit.
Shop This SealOverview
The tailgate edge takes more direct water exposure than any other seal point on a covered truck bed — it sits lower than the rails and catches spray kicked up from the road. This dedicated tailgate seal is built specifically for that edge, using the same EPDM rubber compound as our full seal kit but sized and shaped just for the tailgate.
If you’ve already replaced your rail seals but are still noticing water at the back of the bed after rain, the tailgate seal — not the rail seal — is usually the missing piece. It’s a quick, inexpensive fix that doesn’t require touching the rest of the cover.
What’s Included
Tailgate Seal Strip
A full-width EPDM rubber seal shaped to match the tailgate edge profile on Airplex covers.
Adhesive Backing
A weatherproof adhesive backing presses directly onto the tailgate edge with no drilling or clips.
Trim Guide
A printed guide showing how to trim the strip to length for your exact tailgate width if needed.
Cleaning Wipe
An included alcohol wipe to prep the tailgate surface so the adhesive bonds properly.
Checking Compatibility
This tailgate seal is sized to fit the tailgate edge profile used across the Airplex hard folding, soft roll-up, retractable, low profile, and hinged cover lineup. It can be trimmed to match your exact tailgate width using the included guide, so it works whether your bed is a standard or wide-body configuration.
How Installation Works
- Remove the old seal. Peel off any worn seal material from the tailgate edge.
- Clean the surface. Wipe the tailgate edge with the included alcohol wipe and let it dry.
- Trim if needed. Cut the strip to match your tailgate width using the printed guide.
- Press the seal into place. Apply the adhesive-backed strip evenly along the tailgate edge.
- Test the fit. Close the cover and check that the tailgate compresses the seal evenly along its full width.
Specifications
Why Replace Your Tailgate Seal
- Targets the single most common leak point on a covered bed
- Adhesive-backed strip installs in under 15 minutes, no tools beyond scissors
- Trims to fit standard or wide-body tailgate widths
- Works even if you’ve already replaced your rail seals separately
- Far less expensive than a full seal kit or cover replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the full seal kit?
The full seal kit includes both a rail seal and a tailgate seal. This is just the tailgate seal on its own, for when the rail seals are still fine but the tailgate is the problem.
Will this fit my specific cover style?
This seal is sized for the standard tailgate edge profile used across the Airplex hard folding, soft roll-up, retractable, low profile, and hinged covers, and can be trimmed to your exact tailgate width.
Do I need any tools to install it?
Just scissors or a utility knife if you need to trim the strip to length — the adhesive backing handles the rest with no drilling or clips.
How do I know if my tailgate seal is the problem?
If water shows up specifically near the tailgate after rain, but the rest of the bed stays dry, the tailgate seal is almost always the cause rather than the rail seals.
Fix the Most Common Leak Point
A dedicated tailgate seal installs in under 15 minutes.
Shop This Seal