Every now and then I scans the Truck Camper forums to see what people are struggling with — and one issue that pops up is sealing the gap between the truck cab and the camper shell. A thread on redit recently caught my attention. The poster asked a solid question:
“I seem to be having an issue with getting my boot to stay sealed. I understand the shell I have is for a regular cab… does anyone have advice or ideas on how to reinforce my current boot?”
If you’ve ever dealt with this issue, you know exactly what they mean. A loose or poorly fitting boot doesn’t just let air in — it lets water, dust, and road noise in too. The thread had some helpful suggestions that sparked a discussion around how to get a good seal without redesigning your whole camper setup.
The Problem: Mismatched Shells and Stubborn Boots
In this case, the original poster was trying to make a regular cab shell work with a different cab size, which introduced alignment issues and made the boot sit awkwardly. They could not push it forward without the shell springing back, and they were getting air leaks unless the truck was parked on a slope.
Here are some of the ideas put forth by others in the chat:
- One person suggested using helicopter tape to protect the cab paint from the boot rubbing. They have a point an I think this is a smart idea.
- Another tried trimming the rubber to make it fit better. Cutting the flap is risky and I would not endorse this as it will affect the integrity of the boot.
- Someone even suggested using a bicycle inner tube. Creative, but not exactly a long-term solution.
- And a few pointed out that older-style boots fell out of favor because they wore the paint off the cab — a problem I’ve seen firsthand. This is a real issue and some kind of protection is advisable.
But one comment stood out…
The Real Solution: A Compression Rubber Boot Flap with Metal Clips
A user dropped a link to accordionboot.com (hey, that’s us!) and another said:
“I purchased a great boot from this supplier. If the product isn’t listed ‘in stock,’ just give them a call… You’ll probably need the widest option so the boot compresses.”
We appreciate the shout out.
The compression rubber boot flap with embedded metal clips is designed exactly for situations like this:
- It mounts to the camper shell using built-in metal clips that slide over the fiberglass wall.
- The wide rubber flap then compresses firmly against the back of the truck cab when installed.
- The pressure of the camper shell being bolted down creates a tight, consistent seal — no adhesives, no trimming, no janky inner tubes.
This type of boot is a great choice for slight misalignments or shell gaps and conforms naturally to curves and surfaces. It won’t scuff your paint if you apply some protective film (like that clear 3M helicopter tape), and it’s easy to replace if needed.
What Makes It Better?
Compared to older “tube-style” boots or DIY hacks, a compression flap boot offers:
- No permanent mods to your cab or shell
- Quick install with no special tools
- Durable EPDM rubber that holds up to weather, UV, and road grime
- A forgiving seal that doesn’t rely on exact measurements
- A cleaner look and tighter performance
Let’s be real — not every shell and truck combo lines up perfectly. If you’re working with a custom fit a compression-style rubber flap gives you flexibility.
Final Thoughts
I love seeing creative community builds — but I also love it when there’s a clean, simple product that solves a frustrating problem without a headache. If your current boot isn’t cutting it, or you’re tired of dealing with leaks, noise, or poor fitment, give the compression rubber boot flap a serious look.
You don’t need to re-engineer your camper. You just need the right seal.
Check out the full lineup of camper-to-cab boot seals here: Shop Compression Boots
Got questions about sizing, compatibility, or how to install one? Shoot us a message — we’re happy to help.
Rubber Boot Seal
You can order rubber boot material for your special project requiring pass through access. These seals are extruded from a durable EPDM synthetic rubber compound and incorporate a flexible spring steel clip for attachment to any flange. This material is sold by the foot.