Has anyone tinted sliding windows on their camper shell?

I've got a Snugtop Rebel with sliding side windows/ pet screens. I'd like to tint the side glass darker for security/ looks, as I have tinted the rear windows of the truck. Snugtop comes with 31% tint and I'd like to put a 30% film over that to make them black. The issue is that there's no way to get the glass out of the frame and the screens cover the sliding portion of the rear windows. Just seeing if anyone's run across this and found a solution.

 

One time I asked a local tint shop about tinting the sliding side windows on my A.R.E. shell. I was told that due to the screens and not being able to remove the glass, they couldn't do it. I never got another opinion on it however.

 

Same experience I had this week.

 

i removed the entire window and tinted them. the screed came off on my ARE cx i think is the model

 

That's what I'm afraid of. So then you had to buy new screens and restretch/ cut to fit?

 

actually I was replacing the screen also. Maybe I tinted it then installed the new screen? I dont really remember but that must be it

 

My tint guy who I've used on multiple cars over the last decade said as long as I remove my screens he's able to tint it. Although he didnt look too happy about it. He's amazing at tinting, btw. He's worked wonders for me before. I dont doubt him. I'm looking to tint my shell soon, so I'll post an update

 

you could use tinted vinyl wrap like the kind for headlights and tails.

 

I did it myself and it wasn't easy. Local shop wanted too much money. And yes gotta remove the screen and install new material when finished

 

Did you actually remove and replace screens? I'm thinking I'm going to do it myself as well. I plan to start with just the front windows and see how that works, as the rear ones are covered by screens and pet screens and already appear darker. When the screens get bad on the back in a few years, I can do those too.

 

I only tinted the rear window on my last shell. Made a big enough difference for me to not care about the sides

 

I believe the Snugtops are all 30% from the factory, similar to the rear windows in the Tacoma. The back is pretty dark already and tough to see out of at night.

I'd like the shell to be dark enough that you can't see inside of it. I put 30% ceramic tint on top of the rear windows of the cab. I'd like the side windows of the shell to be at least that dark.

 

Yeah I’m not sure what leer puts on but it’s decently dark. I’d like to tint my camper but my windows on my truck are so dark that I don’t want to not be able to see at all lol

 

Yeah. I’m leaving the back glass alone. Just want to tint the sides.

 

My leer is around the same as rear factory windows, and two places said they couldn't do it it because the edges would look poor. Should have ordered them tinted more, and gotten 2 windoors instead of one.its not bad looking I just wanted less visibility of the contents of the bed. I can live with it.

 

Yep. I’m going to figure it out. I don’t wish I would’ve gotten Windoors though. I just keep a boat hook in the bed and I can quickly reach anything from the back.

 

talked to a good shop I know,
told me remove the glass for best install. Is that even possible?
I think at minimum I need to remove the mesh screen and need to figure that out first.

On first glance, it looks exactly like a house window bug mesh, which I have replaced in a bedroom before. You buy enough mesh screen from Home Depot, cut to size, and it gets pinched into the corners with this rubber bead looking thing. I don't know if there's a specific tool to push it in, or anything else that works, even fingers. I think I went bit by bit using a big flathead screwdriver (on the house window)

worst case scenario if I just get the screens out that still gives better access to the glass.
Which at this point I probably should regardless, even if just to put new mesh, since the current mesh has a couple holes in it that would let bugs in and is dirty (maybe cleanable)

The inside has an outer metal frame that runs around it, held on with small bolts. Maybe that's the trick to remove the glass. I'm sure it has seals that could work better with silicone lube and require the glass to be positioned perfectly to not leak water...Just like car windows...

While doing that I'd probably apply a special lubricant where the glass slides, because right now it's hard to move and probably dry

I have 10% ceramic tint on the cab. It's still kinda see through in front, and a bit darker in back because it's on top of rear factory glass that's dyed 30% which brings it closer to 5% when you calculate
Given that snugtop is 30% stock, same ratio would apply; I'll likely have to decide between slapping 30% on it (makes it around 10%)
or go 10% film to basically match the back of the cab which would look better, more privacy
good thing especially if you ever plan to sleep in it



I'll try to get an actual pic of mine. It looks thinner than this. Shell is used. No idea if it came like that stock, or perhaps even came with none and previous owner simply added home depot mesh (not complaining, it looks decent)

 

I got mine done. Super helpful. Tint shop used a plastic long tool they made.