I have a 2010 F-150 without backup camera. The emblem on the tailgate always has a drip trail that leaves a residue streak. I have 1/10 mile of white chat I must drive to reach paved road. I'm assuming the limestone dust is accumulating behind the emblem and exiting when wet.
Would it be ok to put small bead of silicone around top of emblem leaving the bottom open?

 

Mine does the same thing. It holds the water inside and takes forever to drain out.

I'm on paved roads and i still get the residue from the hard water, i don't think it's the gravel road.

After washing i just take the shop vac to it and that seems to have stopped the drip down the tailgate.

 

Mine does it too. We have hard water where I live and we get white spots on our cars if we don't dry them. I just open the tailgate while I'm drying off the truck or cleaning the inside up. Seems to help. Maybe some silicone around the whole emblem might help.

 

I'm so glad I have a Master Blaster.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Metro...3CD_p_344.html

 

Looks nice, although a little pricey. Is it worth the price shown ?

 

That would be OK...as long as you use good quality caulking and are able to do a neat job. ( if your caulking skills are not good, leave it alone)
I would leave the bottom open too, for ventilation and to let any moisture out. Same as you would on exterior lights on your house.