Sealing holes in roof

I am removing my front runner due to the wind noise and I just can’t handle it anymore. With that I am going to be left with 4 10mm holes in the roof with riv nuts. My plan was to fill the rivnuts with silicone and then put some rv roof tape over that. Similar to how Toyota does with the factory holes on the Tacoma’s is this over kill or not enough pre caution? My new rack will not bolt through the roof so I won’t need those mounting holes anymore.

 

You could do that or just get (from Ace hardware) rubber plugs with a smidgeon of RTV sealant. Either should solve the issue.

 

I'm not 100% clear on your implementation, however I performed something that sounds very similar on my '15 explorer when I removed the luggage racks. I put RTV into the holes and seated 10mm "set screws" from Home Depot into the holes. Finished it off with 3/4" side molding into the channel where the rails were. Look up "Trim-Gard 3/4" All Black Body Side Molding" on Amazon as an example of what I used for in the channel (and over the "set screws"). No leaks thus far.

 

Something similar to this:

$6 3/8" (0.375") Flush Mount Black Plastic Body and Sheet Metal Hole Plug - Qty 25

https://www.amazon.com/0-375-Flush-...10mm+rubber+hole+plugs&qid=1626992518&sr=8-13

 

I have brand new factory drip moldings to go back in to cover it. It’s just more making sure it’s completely sealed underneath them. I went by an rv dealer on my way home and they showed me how the tape holds and it’s a pretty significant bond. It’s got a substance very similar to what I would think butyl gasket maker is but has way more tac. They told me once it’s on it’s on. There is no getting it back off easily. So I think I’ll do the rubber plug a little rtv to keep the plug in place and then put this tape over it. I’ll try and post a pic of the tape when we start. Right now it’s just in a black roll that looks a lot like black duct tape. But once you pull the protective film off it’s sticking to whatever it touches.

the guy there said to make sure and clean the area real good with denatured alcohol and let it dry fully and then stick it on rub it a little to make sure the edges are set and done.

 

If its the rubber tape I’m thinking of you probably won’t even need the plugs - just put down the tape then cover with your trim moldings.

 

Same stuff as this but it’s only 2” Yeew.Life Weather Sealing Tape Waterproof Tape [4in x 5ft] – Extra Strong Butyl Tape RV Roof Tape – UV-Resistant, Weatherproof, Waterproof Tape for Outdoor Use, Roofing, Skylights, Windows (Black)

Yeew.Life Weather Sealing Tape Waterproof Tape [4in x 5ft] – Extra Strong Butyl Tape RV Roof Tape – UV-Resistant, Weatherproof, Waterproof Tape for Outdoor Use, Roofing, Skylights, Windows (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KCC7J89

 

That’s the stuff! Should seal her up good.

 

Good deal. That’s what I was hoping for.

 

Why not have a shop weld it and repaint?

 

Because there’s riv nuts in there. They’d have to weld over them or cut them out. Seems excessive to me. The tape worked great and with the front mounting feet of the new rack pushing down on that area should be a dry bond

 

Just a follow up the tape has seemed to have worked but it’s still early on.