Will Water Leak Inside a 2011 Ford F-150 with Thule Roof Rack Installed

Updated 07/15/2025 | Published 05/14/2014

Question:

I have a 2011 F-150 super cab and was wanting to know if the clamp sits under or over the weather stripping of the vehicle? The reason I ask is cause I have a foam padded kayak rack and the tie downs go over the weather stripping on my truck and cause the truck to leak in water and I am trying to avoid that again on this roof rack I am thinking of purchasing. Thank you in advance for your help.

asked by: Christopher G

Expert Reply:

There are 2 sets of weatherstripping on your 2011 Ford F-150. An upper set and lower set. The clamps in Thule roof rack fit kit # THKIT1521 fit at the upper portion only. You should not have any water leaking into the truck cab. I have linked a video showing a roof rack installation using this fit kit.

If the clamp is in the correct spot on the vehicle roof then the fit and seal will still keep out water.

expert reply by: Michael H