question re:Removing rear cab window in B4000 for better access to camper

[Waltzing Matilda]

I have a B4000 extended cab, with a sliding window between camper shell and passenger area. However, the opening is quite small.

This set up works fine to allow transfer of small things (like my 20 lb dog) between cab/camper shell. But I'd like a larger opening to be able to more easily move/reach things, esp during inclement weather, or when I dont want to get out of camper in middle of night.

Has anyone completely removed the rear cab window of their truck? Is it difficult to remove/replace? I'd like to have it out while camper is on, and replaced when camper is removed. Is this possible? Are there any structural/safety issues with removing the window?

I have a Callen camper shell on the back, that has no window against the cab, just a large opening. There is a rubber boot around the opening that is well sealed- so far. It's been on rough trips to remote areas of Baja, Death Valley etc and I've had no problems with water, dust etc., unlike previous fiberglass shells I've owned. (I bought it used, and not sure if this is the original design, but it works well)

I've seen some posts regarding installing power windows in rear of cab, but not sure that would be an option on this truck.

I'd welcome ideas/suggestions from anyone who has experience with this.

 

[mdmead]

There used to be a company that made full size power widows that slid down, but I didn't see anything with a quick search. That would be my first choice. Otherwise, you could probably add a blow-up Truk Boot, assuming it will fit around the current rubber boot you have, as back up in keeping out water and dust. While a back window might have a bit of structural value, I don't think it is enough to be concerned about. As you probably already know, opening it up full time is going to be noisy. You'll want to make sure the shell is carpeted or insulated, and a full bed kit would be nice.

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

Thanks mdmead. The Callen shell has both carpet and insulation, but I'll try driving with window open/closed and see if it makes much noise difference.

I bought it Feb 2013, before a Baja trip 600 miles south, and in all trips on rough/dusty roads so far it has been remarkably well sealed: no dust/dirt finds its way in until I step inside after setting up camp.

The shell I had before was a Leer that flexed/leaked dust even when closed up.

I'm also looking at rvwindows.com that was mentioned in another forum, to see if they offer aftermarket sliding windows for trucks like mine that would have a larger opening. That might be better solution depending on cost...vs. a bigger truck! I am trying to keep this simple/inexpensive for now vs. upgrading rig on grander level.

 

[trailscape]

I've been contemplating this option for a while myself but haven't really seen anyone do it.

One option might be using this accordion seal. If I'm reading it right, you could actually remove one or both windows and put this in place.

CRL Slider to Shell Accordion Boot Seal by CR Laurence

 

[incognito]

Hy,
this is on my to do list before I leave for Alaska next summer, this is a very nice feature, a passage between cab and camper, had this in my Sprinter and liked A LOT this feature. didN<t need to stop each time somebody wanted something from inside the camper.
what I would like to do is replace the 2 piece camper window with one piece so I can use as a passage can be opened only from inside.
take the rear glass out from the cab or cut it to make place for a bigger hole so we can pass. replace the glass with some white aluminium sheet. glue some 2-3 inch thick flexible foam on the camper side which can be pressed between camper and cab. insolate the space between the cab and the truck camper while the window is open when we driving, from water and dust

first my idea was an opening like in boats, , even stand up, but I<ve called dmv engineering department in Quebec and said I cannot do it because this means cutting the rear upper reinforment beam of the cab.. any ordinary metal sheet from the roof wasn<t a problem to be cut but i coudn"t touch any structure of the vehicle. but this is Quebec maybe dmv in your state has different laws.
I was thinking of the accordion seal but it needs to be screw on both sides and is more PITA to remove when separate truck and camper. flexible dense foam or some soft rubber pressed between cab and camper will do the job for me.
have safe travels
incognito

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

thanks trailscape. I think that's what is currently installed. I looked more closely today, hard to tell for sure but if I do remove glass I'd need to add some extra sealant to be safe. My shell has a cabover so it's pretty well protected from above, not sure about dust that could kick up tho.

(Just remembered a bit of past family camping history: we had an old Open Road camper on a GMC platform. The crawl thru was a tight squeeze, but worth it when we kids wanted to exit the rear and ride up front and not make my dad pull over. He was career USMC and had been a recruiter, driving solo all over southwest US. He liked to drive all night and not get interrupted, while we slept in back. If we woke up and wanted to ride with him, we could crawl thru and pour him another cup of coffee...good memories! It was a 4 on the floor, and the "granny gear" was sooooo low, we never used it- started in 2nd. )

I've been contemplating this option for a while myself but haven't really seen anyone do it.

One option might be using this accordion seal. If I'm reading it right, you could actually remove one or both windows and put this in place.

CRL Slider to Shell Accordion Boot Seal by CR Laurence

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

here's what I'm dealing with

View attachment 208114

View attachment 208115

rats, no luck posting photos. I will try to resize, maybe too large?