Abstract: An apparatus and a method for designing a reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure includes a deck sill with a connecting end, having substantially uniform area moment of inertia throughout a length of the deck sill. Also, the reinforcement structure includes a rear post with a connecting end and a free end, having a varying area moment of inertia, and where the rear post is attached to the deck sill in a substantially perpendicular manner by attaching the connecting end of the deck sill to the connecting end of the rear post forming the reinforcement structure that limits deflection of the free end of the rear post to a target value upon application of a cantilever force at the free end of the rear post.

Abstract: Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for designing a reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure includes a deck sill with a connecting end, having substantially uniform area moment of inertia throughout a length of the deck sill. Also, the reinforcement structure includes a rear post with a connecting end and a free end, having a varying area moment of inertia, and where the rear post is attached to the deck sill in a substantially perpendicular manner by attaching the connecting end of the deck sill to the connecting end of the rear post forming the reinforcement structure that limits deflection of the free end of the rear post to a target value upon application of a cantilever force at the free end of the rear post.

Abstract: Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.