Vented cab into bed

I've been wanting to do this for a long time and finally finished it. I have a toneau cover and I keep my work gear bag and turn-out gear (firefighter) in the bed. Although its dry, it does get damp and eventually the gear gets damp. I noticed the vent behind the passenger side cab and how much air comes out and wondered if I could get this air into the bed.
I used 2 of those flat dryer vents and a 4" rubber coupling. (the one thats about 2 1/2" wide and has 2 clamps) Cost about $12 for all.
I used a dremmel with a cut-off wheel to cut out the bed.
I positioned the vent so its between the two plastic pieces behind the rear seats.
I cut-out the cab with snips and cleaned it up with the cut-off tool
I mounted the dryer vent into the bed side with 4 ss screws.
Put caulk around the outside of the dryer vent from inside the cab and slid the rubber coupling over it. It fits perfect and I didn't use the clamps.
The inside the cab dryer vent was cut down to fit behind the plastic pieces and caulked as well.
It was screwed in and tested.
You would not believe how much air comes out. I was planning on covering the existing vent but there was no need. Check out the pictures and video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDIQXgMBx_A

John
www.frenchesgrove.org

 

Nice write up!

 

Thats pretty interesting. I am surprised how much air is coming out of there! Guess it makes sense because i've noticed in the mornings when the truck is warming up on frosty days i can feel air blowing out of the door handle/lock assembly. Your idea seems like a good way to make use of that warm air. Not sure i like the dryer vent look, maybe better in black. This would probably be nice for those with canopies too. May even defrost the rear window of the canopy. Well done.

 

So, I'm still a little confused (what's new). Is that vent in the bed connected to the vent behind the passenger side of the cab? Or is it just air forced to the vent in the bed due to the surrounding pressure in the cab when the heat/air is turned on? Either way that's pretty cool!

 

He connected the existing cab vent to the bed with a small coupler so that the cab pressure forces air into the bed instead of out into the atmosphere, making use of the warm air exiting the cab.

 

ok, i got you now. Thanks for explaining that one to me.

 

Nice write up! Not sure I want to cut a hole in my bed, but like the idea! Also shocked how much air is coming out of that. +1

 

Great idea!

 

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

 

This would be a great addition for those with a canopy and dogs in the back. Heat in the winter, AC in the summer.

 

i'm confused still. So behind the rear passenger seat, you have the plastic moldings with storage compartments. From the pictures that you posted, you remove the plastic storage to gain access to the hole. Correct?

So im guessing in order to keep the air flowing from cab to bed, do you have to leave the plastic storage molding off? AND do you have to leave the rear/passenger seat folded down???????

 

Wondering this too?

 

Only the OP can say for sure, but I'd doubt he has to leave them open. Air will find a way out of a pressurized environment; always does.

 

Sorry, I haven't had time to check the forum. I just removed the plastic to make the installation. The plastic was all put back. The vent that is already in the cab from the factory is behind the same plastic. If you put the blower on high and close the windows and doors, put your hand behind the cab on the passenger side. You'll feel the air coming from the stock vent. You will also be able to feel air coming out of the door handles so there is a lot of air flow.
I don't think it will actually heat the bed but the one day there was frost on the toneau cover and I had started the truck with the remote starter. When I go to the truck the front third of the cover had the frost melted. I definitely noticed its a lot dryer in the bed and that was my main goal.

 

That's a great idea as I have a canopy and thought it would be neat to have some hot and/or cold air coming in.

Any concern about your bed flexing relative to your cab damaging the connection?

Shawn

 

Even if you don't need the heat and AC for dogs, just the added ventilation is a huge safety upgrade. There is a reason campershells come with that tag on them that says not to be occupied with the engine running. This would make things much safer for the dogs.

 

Thanks, I think im gonna try it. Plan on keeping truck for many years so don't mind the slight cutting especially when it can be easily covered up once for sale. I will post my achievement once completed.

 

I wondered the same thing, my bestop is pretty much waterproof though, and I keep my Bunker gear there sometimes and it doesn't get damp, just cold. I also have a rubber mat so any moisture on the bottom is under that instead of my gear... But that is a great idea man good for the camping people here too... Perhaps a link inside the expedition forum? Oh wait....

 

I'm hoping the rubber coupling will deal with the flexing.

The toneau does keep the rain out, but I've had to open it during the rain sometimes and the cover itself never seem to dry out. Or when i put my gear or anything else in wet, the moisture just seemed to stay.

Stay safe my brother!

 

Also, in the second picture, you can see the one piece of plastic back in place. I thought that was the best place to put it because the plastic goes up against the metal in most places. I did cut the inside vent pretty flat to fit behind the plastic with a dremmel.