Question for those with a Camper Shell?

Ok I have a really dumb question but I gotta ask. What purpose does it serve to have a pass through window on a Camper shell? I will be needing a camper shell early next year for a move and this would help me keep things secure in the back, but I'm not sure what the purpose of having a pass through other than maybe giving air or heat to my dog if I put him in the bed.

 

No purpose I see that the tailgate (or rear canopy window) open couldn't do

 

The only time I've ever used it is when I'm hauling long 2x4s

 

You ever try putting 10 foot PVC pipe into a shortbed truck with a shell ? I've been re-doing my hardscape and been buying long pieces of pipe and lumber. With a DC shortbed, I have to put down the pass through in my shell, slide open the rear window of my cab, so I can put long pieces of lumber or pipe through into the cab. Trust me, its a lifesaver.

 

If you mean a removeable slider up front , they allow for ventilation and being able to remove it allows for cleaning the back of the cab glass without temoving the cap

 

I use the cap racks , and carry 16' ladders and lumber

 

Same here, I use mine when hauling long piece of wood or pipe. I didn't get the full flip down window for cleaning the rear window of the cab but it would be nice (mine was used so I got whatever options the previous owner decided on).

 

I use mine for long lumber, especially finish trim that I don't want to put up on the racks. Also, as you mentioned, to allow clean air (hot/cold) to get back there for my dog when the back seat's occupied

 

Thanks guys. Any other uses other than those mentioned above keep chiming in..trying to justify the purchase as well as make the truck more versatile. I don't haul lumber much anymore because I'm still a student.

Is it feasible to sleep in the back of the bed or I'm I just crazy? Another use I'm thinking would be while commuting 4 hours back home during the weekends, if I've had a long day and I need to pull over I could catch a nap in the back or maybe that's a little much?

 

If you plan on making a bed platform in the bed , consider a mid height cap like the Leer 180 or similar

 

x2, great advice. I built a platform and the extra head room offered from the mid-rise is very welcomed!

 

I've slept in the bed of my truck many times while out weekend hunting in college. Just bring foam or self inflating hiking air mattress(es) and you'll be good to go.

 

transporting fishing poles
can leave open for air flow to the cab and bed during hot days without worrying of break-in.

 

I made a doughnut type seal that frames the perimeter of the 2 slider frames. It is made of foam pipe insulation. 4 pieces glued together with mitered corners. I just stuff it in place from the inside and pretty much leave the 2 sliders open all the time. It keeps the rain out while letting AC and heat get to the back.
The best feature is keeping dust out of the back. With the cab fan on and windows up it allows a slight positive pressure in the back. This blows air out any of the gaps (that I have not sealed) preventing any dust from coming in.
I can drive the dustiest desert road at speed with out any dust what so ever entering the back.
Some shells have a "lip" or "accordion boot" between the cab and shell from the factory. Some folks use a bicycle inner tube to the same end.

 

Most shops discourage anything between the cab and canopy due to paint damage.

 

I know what you mean. My first shell 30 years ago had a "lip" on the shell, no slider, just a cab slider. It chafed through the paint in no time and would squeak like crazy. This is why I came up with the pipe insulation trick. It only contacts the glass and part of the slider frames, no paint.

 

I used to camp in the back of my '88 regular cab with a cap on the back. I would open the slider on the cap and open the slider on the truck, then insulate the gap with something and get the heat blazing in the truck. Helped on cold Moab and Santa Fe nights.

 

^Well I'd be afraid of falling asleep and dying of Carbon Monoxide poisoning kind of like Shane from MTV's Buckwild passed. Very tragic.

 

Sorry.. Should have added, just to give it a bit of heat, BEFORE going to sleep.

 

I am happy I got the open shell so I can have access to the shell from the cab if needed.