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Ideas for Camper Shell Window Covers

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by BigRed2513, Jun 25, 2023.

  1. Jun 25, 2023 at 9:00 PM
    #1
    BigRed2513

    BigRed2513 [OP] Active Member

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    Grant
    Whistler, B.C., Canada
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    2014 TRD Sport DCLB Super White
    Anyone come up with some ideas on how to block your side windows in a camper shell? Right now just using some cardboard cut outs, but would like to upgrade to something a bit more reusable.
    Had the idea of something similar to a kayak spray skirt..have a fabric with an elastic around the edge that would warp around the frame of the window.
    Would be sweet to see y'alls ideas, creations, or solutions!
     
    jon_elc likes this.
  2. Jun 26, 2023 at 4:04 PM
    #2
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

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    Lots of ways to skin that cat- the easiest being some Reflectix with some Velcro that you stick to the shell (Velcro hook will stick to the carpeted inside but it's not good for it, or you can add some loop pieces to a non-carpeted interior). Curtain rods (made from whatever you choose) attached to the window screws, string attached to the screws, curtain rods hung from Velcro straps attached to the interior, rods mounted to the fiberglass with bolts, etc.

    I've seen a lot of different methods over the years. My current setup is simple with little pieces of adhesive-backed Velcro on the interior front and rear window with fitted Reflectix panels that have the other piece of Velcro attached. The side windows are similar but with just the hook part of the Velcro. Spray adhesive mount some black felt or other fabric to the outside or you can even spray paint it (it will flake but you can just hit it again) and it'll just look like darkly tinted windows from the outside walking by. I've used a couple of different setups with my vehicles including actual curtains on strings and rods but I like that the Velcro holds the Reflectix tighter to the window to make it less noticeable if you are stealth camping. I have/had curtains for the current shell but can't find them so made the Reflectix panels since I was in a hurry at the time and just haven't gotten around to making new curtains (despite having everything I need on hand :facepalm:). The biggest issue with them is ventilation, you need both windows open to get some crossflow ventilation, especially when it's hot. I can open just the front window and use a piece of mosquito netting with Velcro, but if stealth camping you have to practice light discipline.
     
    BigRed2513[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 29, 2023 at 1:27 PM
    #3
    nzbrock

    nzbrock Well-Known Member

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    San Marcos, TX
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    I've thought about doing something like that for bug screens for the side windoors. You'd have to make it yourself.
     
  4. Jun 29, 2023 at 1:31 PM
    #4
    bmgreene

    bmgreene Well-Known Member

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    L.A. Westside
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    They're generally flat windows, a cheap Autozone DIY tint kit should be easy to install well on that shape.

    For on/off capability, a few sets of suction-cup mounted rear-window sun screens would probably do the trick well enough.
     

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