Jeep JL & Gladiator Rear Cargo Strip Trim: 6-Piece Install
By RT-TCZ : Accessories, Parts & Trim for Jeep | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Install the six-piece rear cargo strip trim on your 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT. Follow this step-by-step guide to avoid common fit and adhesion mistakes.
Quick answer
Clean the rear cargo edge thoroughly, test-fit all six pieces, then peel and press each strip into place with steady pressure. Work in warm conditions and avoid touching the adhesive to ensure a lasting bond.
Why surface prep decides whether the trim stays put
The adhesive backing on these trim pieces is strong, but it cannot bond to dust, wax, or silicone residue. A quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth is the most important step. Skip it and you risk peeling edges within weeks, especially on the tailgate where cargo slides in and out.
Temperature and test-fitting matter more than pressure
Double-sided tape behaves best at room temperature or warmer. In cold weather, the adhesive stiffens and may not grab. If you are installing outdoors in winter, warm the trim and the Jeep surface with a hair dryer on low. Also, always test-fit each piece before peeling the backing; the laser-cut shapes are specific to each location, and once the tape touches the surface, repositioning weakens the bond.
Step-by-step installation
- Clean the cargo edge: Wipe the entire rear cargo strip area with isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber cloth. Let it dry completely. Common mistake: using a household cleaner that leaves an oily film, which prevents adhesion. Surface must be dry and free of residue before any tape is exposed.
- Test-fit all six pieces: Place each trim piece in its intended location without removing the backing. Confirm orientation and alignment, noting how the pieces meet at corners. Common mistake: assuming symmetrical pieces are interchangeable; they are not. If a piece does not sit flush, check for debris or a misaligned adjacent piece.
- Warm the adhesive and surface: If ambient temperature is below 20°C (68°F), warm both the trim and the Jeep surface with a hair dryer on low for 30–60 seconds. Common mistake: overheating the tape, which can make it too soft to handle. Warm, not hot, is the target; the tape should feel pliable but not limp.
- Peel and press the first piece: Remove the backing from one piece, align it carefully, and press firmly for 30 seconds, starting from the center and working outward. Common mistake: pressing only the edges, leaving the center unbonded. Apply firm, even pressure across the entire strip.
- Install the remaining pieces: Repeat the peel-and-press process for each piece, checking alignment with the previous piece before pressing. Common mistake: rushing and creating gaps or overlaps at the joints. Work sequentially so each piece references the one already installed.
- Final press and cure: After all six pieces are in place, press each one again for 30 seconds. Avoid washing or heavy cargo contact for 24 hours. Common mistake: exposing the trim to water or pulling on it immediately, which can weaken the bond. Full adhesion develops over 24 hours; plan installation accordingly.
Product facts
- For 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL 6PCS Rear Tail Trunk Cargo Strip Cover Trim: Fits 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL and comes as a 6-piece set with double-sided tape and a UV/scratch-resistant gloss coating. The pre-applied tape simplifies installation, while the coating helps the trim resist fading and scuffs from cargo.
For 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL 6PCS Rear Tail Trunk Cargo Strip Cover Trim
