I used to live in Utica (upstate N.Y.) The only thing I can say is, you need flush it with hot water frequently.

 

Oh I know it'll need to be kept clean, but as you may know when the snow machine from the lake is on, it lasts for days and or weeks so alot of time can pass before the effort to wash it isnt wasted as soon as you drive it from the car wash. I'm looking to at least lessen the amount that can get in.

 

Pics would be nice...

 

Now lets see if my old ass can do this. 2 pictures show the outside, one where it is clean, thats the wrap around of the door going behind the bed where the gap it. One is my fingers in the gap. One inside sucks, the other shows where the salt is ending up.

 

This is most likely a result of the hinge that they use an wanting not to have a visual seam looking from the side of the vehicle. Because those doors have to open without hitting the bed, this gap is necessary. If you make sure you keep this area clean when you wash your vehicle and lubricate the seals, you really shouldn't have any problems. If the snow is building up in that area and only falls in when you open the door, than there is no defect, if the seals do not completely seal, I would suggest taking it to your dealer.

 

The thing is, there is a seal, but its about 3+ inches deep into this pocket area so crap can get into this pocket, but not into the truck itself. My problem is we know how well these seams can rust and the seam for the skin of the door is in this exposed pocket. If it was just sheet metal I would not have a problem.

 

Just went and looked at my '18 WT extended cab and mine is like that from the top of the bed all the way down, the part of the door seal that is out of sight. From the top of the bed up its a a normal gap for a door. Hadn't noticed this, thanks for the heads up.