If if fills the opening, as I think it will, they won't get in that way. There ARE other ways they can get in. See my thread (from about 3-4 years ago, I think) on "Mouseproofing" the trailer. You might able to find it just by searching on that one word.

It has been a total success! There is NO evidence of mice (or other critters) inside my HiLo and it has been sitting outside under its carport shelter the entire time. There are numerous mice about - I've caught at least 50 during that time in my garage, which is right next to where the HiLo is parked.

I DID find a mouse nest inside the storage area in front of the rear bumper of the HiLo when I raised the top today to look at that trim strip. I knew there were access points into it, but there's nothing in there they can damage. I removed the nest and may decide to secure it as well, with hardware cloth.

- Jack

Jack,

Yup, as owners of hilos, we have to be very creative/resourceful sometimes!
I like your idea!! That will certainly look and function better, and like you said this mod "will last forever". Thanks for sticking this thread topic; it will save hilo owners some money by doing this modification when that bulb seal fails.
ps I take no credit for this idea, I got it from another Hilo forum member, thanks.

Hilltool,

If you only do a small section using the garage door sweep, I don't think it will keep mice out because the ends of the sweep would be exposed/open, therefore leaving an area where the varmints can get in. You would have to do the entire length of the hilo so that it seals properly eliminating any possibility of an opening. Picture it. Hope this helps.

Makes sense. How did did you fit around the tracks on each end ?

__________________
2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4

Varmits would still have to get by the intact bulbseal at each end.

__________________
2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4

I’m noticing a good deal of mouse sign right next to ac cord storage hole. How is that tube accessed underneath?

__________________
2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4

Rick, are you sure they came in through the place where there is missing bulb seal? They'd still have to climb up the lower half below it, and my trailer is very smooth on the sides there. I don't know they'd have anything to hang onto. The places in the floor, however, where water/waste line go through and possibly where electrical or gas lines come in might have big enough openings for them.

- Jack

Jack, I’m not sure. Just made sense to me. I’ve seen mice climb straight up and down house walls. So, I figured slippery gel coat wouldn’t stop them. Once I can get the trailer back to a spot where I can do a thorough inspection I will have to do that. Meantime covering up the side gaps seems prudent.

Rick

__________________
2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4

Hilltool,
I'm not sure of this question that you're asking:
??"How did did you fit around the tracks on each end ?"

Which tracks on each end?? Are you referring to the guide rails?
If so...I trimmed the rubber garage door sweep around them as close as I could. Also trimmed around the 4 corners as close and as best as I could.
Hope this helps.

Guide rails is what I was thinking of.

__________________
2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4