Camper Shell Bug Screen / Replacement

I'm in the market to replace my softopper with a leer shell. The shell will have the pet screens, but I'm wondering are you able to swap those for the bug screens? I'm sure I could make a "custom" fit of some netting over top, but was wondering if there was a direct replacement.

I called a local dealer and he didn't offer much insight. I really don't see my self spending for a new cap with minimal features for the 3500+ price point.

Thanks for any insight you're able to offer.

- Patrick

 

Think the pet screen works with the bug screen.
I have an ARE shell and their pet screen attaches to the inner shell side of the window frame.
I just looked at a pic of the Leer one and I think I could see the bug screen through the pet screen.

Fyi, they don't work well with the windoors because when you open the windoor the pet screen then blocks the opening because its attached to the frame and not the windoor.

 

So you're looking at a used one that has pet screens if I'm reading that right? Depending on the windows, if it uses an extruded aluminum frame, it may have the screen channel made into it. If it does you just go to you local big box store, buy window screen of your choice and the vinyl spline that holds it in place. Most of the sliding windows that I've seen with pet screens it's just expanded metal held on by the screws that normally hold the window frame together. If you've got something different post a picture and I'm sure somebody will recognize it.

 

Yep, exactly right. It has the pet screens currently. My idea is to sleep in the back and have ability of "windows open," but want to keep the bugs out. I didn't know if there was a way to straight up swap the pet screens out for the bug netting style.

 

Ugh, not sure why it didn't focus. Anyways, mine is an ARE but most of the aluminum framed windows are similar. You can kind of see how there is a frame screwed onto the interior side and there is a track under it that the screen is pressed into. If you have frameless windows I'm not sure what it looks like inside, there are several styles. The ARE pet screens are typically just secured using the screws that hold that trim piece on so removing the trim piece should expose where the screen goes. Be careful with the screws as they're typically just cheap sheet metal screws screwed into aluminum, you don't want to spin them out or overtighten them when reinstalling them.

The junk under the window is for an awning.

 

Good info bajatacoma thank you

 

Hopefully that helps. I think you're just going to have to look at what you have and it'll probably be pretty easy to figure it out from there. Just make sure that if you do unscrew the windows that it can't fall out- the companies seem to think these things are made out of gold and charge accordingly, if you can even find the right replacement.

 

Looks like the shell I just purchased actually had both the pet screen and bug netting, so that's a plus for me. In case any larger than fly critters try to say hello mid sleep with the windows cracked. Thanks for the help.