camper shell w/o side windows

beags86

Adventurer
anyone using a shell without side windows?? any pros and cons to this type of shell, i feel like it would be warmer on a cold night, but also hotter on a hot night and also stuffy inside during a hot night. also think it would be more secure. and more private.
 

southpier

Expedition Leader
dark. ventilation is a big deal in an enclosed space. security can be addressed with panels. insulated if the need is there. the front window that tips in a very practical for security, ventilation, & housekeeping. but if the cap doesn't have windows to begin, you're sort of SoL.
 

TwoTrack

Buy Once, Cry Once
My shell has no side windows. It has a slider+fold down in the front. It will only be warmer on a cold night if you have properly insulated it. I have not, since I am in FL. I have slept in it on 20 degree nights and its quite chilly. Ventilation is not bad as long as you open the front slider and the rear. Depending on wind, the rear does not need to opened. I like it mainly for the privacy. Once your inside, you are completely sealed off. I have tint on the rear window and you can see nothing from the outside, its perfect for security. Another plus is that you can mount things on the walls. I have not yet done this but plan to mount fishing rod holders on one side of the shell. For what I use it for, it's perfect. Some times I would prefer side windows, but I have found I prefer solid walls more often.

dsc03172v.jpg
 

brianjwilson

Some sort of lost...
Sounds miserable. Heard of window tint film?

I had an A.R.E. Z-series cap (tip-out screened windows) on my F150, and a bedrug. I sealed up the cap very well, and sealed the bed with silicone. I had the side windows of the cap tinted with 5% film, completely private, good heat reduction in the sun as well. Yet still plenty of ventilation by tipping out the windows, still with privacy. I also cut out section of reflectix insulation for each window if it was really hot/cold or I felt like I needed more privacy.

d2o.jpg

d2m.jpg
 

chasespeed

Explorer
I am using an aluminum hi-top contractors cap. I went this route, with the initial thought, of building a platform, having storage, a bed, etc. It only has the 2 small windows in the back doors.

What I did, was acquire some mosquito netting, and made some screens to cover the openings.... The build keeps evolving, as builds do... I still havent slept in the cap.... still using a ground tent.... SO....

Chase
 

beags86

Adventurer
My shell has no side windows. It has a slider+fold down in the front. It will only be warmer on a cold night if you have properly insulated it. I have not, since I am in FL. I have slept in it on 20 degree nights and its quite chilly. Ventilation is not bad as long as you open the front slider and the rear. Depending on wind, the rear does not need to opened. I like it mainly for the privacy. Once your inside, you are completely sealed off. I have tint on the rear window and you can see nothing from the outside, its perfect for security. Another plus is that you can mount things on the walls. I have not yet done this but plan to mount fishing rod holders on one side of the shell. For what I use it for, it's perfect. Some times I would prefer side windows, but I have found I prefer solid walls more often.

dsc03172v.jpg


i tent camp in the mountains during elk season. last year it snowed 5 inchs overnight, i don't have any sort of cold weather tent either. just a tent with sceen windows and a rain fly. so i have -30 sleeping bag. so since i am moving up to a shell i might invest in some type of small heater for those really cold nights.
 
Looking to sell this setup now that I have a cab-over camper. Couldn't have slept without all the ventilation it provided in the summer, and the windows are screened.
DSC01696.jpg
 
Last edited:

Mike S

Sponsor - AutoHomeUSA
I have an ARE shell on my F350 that I bought without side windows. I used it as the base for a topper to carry my bird dogs. Limited vision is the only negative - unless you are going to occupy the interior. It may offer more security for cargo, and it is cheaper than the standard unit with windows.

Dog_Topper.JPG
 

chasespeed

Explorer
Looking to sell this setup now that I have a cab-over camper. Couldn't have slept without all the ventilation it provided in the summer, and the windows are screened.
DSC01696.jpg

If you werent halfway across the country, I would snag that from ya....

Trying to find a cap for a long bed Ram up here, is.... tough...

Chase
 
S

Squatchout

Guest
I had this ARE Impulse cap on my Titan. I loved it. The fussy headliner was a factory option and helped keep it a little warmer and quieter. I've had a couple of caps without windows and prefer them. The visibility thing in far more of an issue with a standard cab truck than a king or crew cab. Mainly pulling out at an angle at t's in the road and such. Like a work van. I prefer a cap without side windows and with a tinted rear glass.
P9230022Small.jpg

P9230021Small.jpg


If ventilation was an issue I've used roof vents like these on several caps and vans.

This is just an example of one of the many styles out there. some powered with fans some not.
http://www.dkhardware.com/product-1...f-vent-transparent-smoke-plexiglass-dome.html
 

sadmemories20

New member
Sounds miserable. Heard of window tint film?

I had an A.R.E. Z-series cap (tip-out screened windows) on my F150, and a bedrug. I sealed up the cap very well, and sealed the bed with silicone. I had the side windows of the cap tinted with 5% film, completely private, good heat reduction in the sun as well. Yet still plenty of ventilation by tipping out the windows, still with privacy. I also cut out section of reflectix insulation for each window if it was really hot/cold or I felt like I needed more privacy.

d2o.jpg

d2m.jpg



Well, great work! You have helped me to improve my knowledge about this field. Thank you so much for sharing.
 

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