Camper Shell Blackout Window Coverings

I enjoy sleeping in the back of my Tacoma and I had a '94 Pickup with a shell for a long time before it. I got a Leer shell on the back this time with the long oval windows and carpet on the inside.

Most of the time, if I'm sleeping in the truck, I likely don't want anybody to be able to look in and see me asleep there, prefer not to be disturbed by headlights, the sunrise or any other lights. Also, In the event I don't want people checking out the gear in my truck, It's nice to have a quick and easy way to block the windows. I've tried various solutions over the years and finally settled on this.

Baldwin Styles in Colorado has made the best solution I could have asked for. Solid Black ripstop Nylon UV Coated backed with Black twill. Wendy, the owner made them to the measurements I took from the inside and they fit perfectly. I messed up a little on the back window and when I sent it back to her, she turned it around quickly and now I'm ready to roll !
She made them with 1 1/2 industrial hook velcro so they strongly and securely attach the carpeted liner. She even made stuff sacks for them.

She also made me a pair of No See Um screens to put on the inside of my oval windows to keep the bugs out if I want to sleep with the windows open.

Super stoked about these and thought I'd post her contact info in case anyone want's to get a pair. They aren't cheap but when I think about how much I paid for proper window coverings at home, they kind of are. It's also nice to be able to cover the windows up to keep my gear a little safer if I'm worried about leaving it out.

I'd post a photo of them installed , but then you wouldn't see anything.....

Wendy's contact info :
Wendy@BaldwinStyles.com

 

I’ve been sleeping in the back for years on my hunting, fishing and camping trips. Always wanted something like in your post. Post up some pics both looking inside from the back and from the outside. Also what did they cost???

 

I was too lazy to take all my kitesurf gear out of the truck so you get to see my foil, twintip and surfboard. I've got the inside setup for single person sleeping at the moment but if I break down the foil and slide a piece of plywood over then it's ready for two people to sleep or one person to spread out more.

There are the photos before and after the window coverings are installed. You can see they are very effective at blocking out the light and measurements accounted for the openers of all windows.

So price: I paid for quality and I got it. In my opinion these things are bombproof. I spent $450 for the blackout shades and bug screens together. I place a high value on a good nights sleep and when I'm out on any trip, proper rest means a lot. Also keep in mind that I have 4 windows there , two of which I had screens made for. I imagine the price will be quite different if you have less than 4 windows and didn't want the bug screens.

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks for pics, looks like what I’m looking for. I’m ok with the price. I’ll look into those

 

Im having trouble finding someone to blackout tint my windows so this would be great for me. My only concern is what this would look like from the outside is there a way you could post a picture of the outside for me? TIA

 

Nice looking solution!

I've done several different methods, currently I've still got a set of cheapo Reflectix panels with black felt attached with spray adhesive and some Velcro strips along the edges. I can't recall if I bothered to spray any UV blocker spray on them or not (Nikwax and others make spray on products). I couldn't find my actual curtains about five years ago now and needed something quick, easy and cheap for an upcoming trip so those are what I whipped up and I still haven't found my actual curtains or gotten around to making another set again. Real curtains are definitely nicer looking (and usually fold better for storage vs having to roll them up) but I will say that the Reflectix being silver inside helps male it a bit lighter inside while still blocking out outside light so good for stealth camping (which was my primary purpose at the time; you should have a red light of some sort anyways). My windows have factory tinting so with the blackout panels in place it just looks like limo tint from the outside, you obviously can't see in.

Ventilation is the biggest issue since you don't really want to leave the side windows open if stealth camping, but leaving the front shell window open and the blackout pulled away at the top or bottom helps as does using a low voltage, quiet computer fan to help circulate some air.

Especially during winter they also add a bit of insulation to those giant heat sinks along all four sides (the windows); carpet or any form of insulation in the bed also helps as does sealing all of the leaks (which also helps with dust intrusion); the tailgate leaks dust like a sieve if you don't add a seal and the cubbies do as well. That front seal under the shell is usually the biggest pain to get a good seal on.


Side note, depending on your shell of course, most of them have flat or nearly flat glass so if you're the least bit handy you can probably watch a couple of youtube videos and do it yourself. I did the windows in my last FJ-40 (they're all flat too) and actually surprised myself; I figured for sure I'd have bubbles and a mess but it was easier than I thought. No, I don't trust myself to do my cab of my truck.

 

I think this person doesn’t make these curtains anymore I tried to get ahold of them and no response.

 

I stumbled across these a while ago. Haven’t pulled the trigger on them yet, because attempting some diy alternatives first. But might be useful to some of y’all.

https://thetoppertent.com/products/...2SrpJUhUA5J_mfQfoqlZlINrlc4Ze4D_uodgWFnyfTNss

 

Those are nice looking but really expensive. If you have access to a sewing machine and even basic skills you can sew a set yourself. Insulation material is about $12/yard (or you can get cheaper batting material) plus the cost of whatever material you want for the curtains. If you plan to use them often the Velcro will start pulling the cheap carpeting the shell manufacturers use, just something to keep in mind.

If you have a JoAnn's nearby they have a good selection of materials and be sure to check their coupon section- ex. right now they have 20% off your total or 40% off one item.