DIY Truck Camper Build #4 - Pass-Through Window Boot Seal Install - F150

[@TravelingTroy]

Update 6/2024: I was just informed of a company that could do this for you by commenter @sonsonny1000 - I have not thoroughly checked them out, but it looks promising. Take a look at breezerwindows.com - I’m not affiliate with them, but sure wouldn’t mind a cut for sending them customers. Haha!! - I forgot to mention in the video why I wanted the pass thru. 😬 Reasons: 1. Quick escape. If I were to get into a situation where I needed to leave a camp area or a street parking spot, I could easily slip to the front and get out of there. 2. The pass thru eliminates the awkwardness of trying to climb in through the tailgate when city street camping. 3. Gives me quick/easy access to items stored in the cab area without needing to jump out to the back of the truck and go around to the doors. 4. The pass thru will allow me to have the 4 front windows cracked (rain guards installed) and pull fresh air into the back of the truck from these windows with a soon to be install vent fan. 5. It forces me to stay in shape. 😁 Or I wont fit. 😜

[@kathrynarnold1966]

You can mention these when you do your eventual full tour of the finished rig... with a few shorts that specifically and/or casually highlight how it works for you. I love the idea of your kitchen being part in the back and part in the cab... not least because your cooler/fridge will always have the benefit of the truck's climate control while you are driving. I am a bit concerned about how the air from the back will affect your comfort up front... but I guess it won't be any different than the same influence from the back of a cargo van. Another concern I have is how resilient the adhesive you are using is going to be when you are squeezing your body through past that rubber.

[@TravelingTroy]

@@kathrynarnold1966 I will have two small vents on the roof of the topper which will be used to pull air to the back from the cracked windows up front. Same way I did things with the van. 😁 As we get closer to completing the build, I will be covering the pass-thru seal to protect it from usage. No worries, but good thinking. 👍

[@Mr.Hooter702]

What holds the seal in place? How do you keep it from sagging over time? You did a fantastic job with the tools you have.

[@TravelingTroy]

@@Mr.Hooter702 The seal has clamps on the inside which allows it to clamp to the window frame or fiberglass of the topper. I have not thought about the possibility of the seal saggy. I’m sure over the months/years, it will begin to wear down and I will need to fortify things a bit. So far, so good, but this gives me something to think about. Thanks for checking out the video. 😁

[@nedanother9382]

Nice work. This hopefully will answer my problems. Thank you for taking the time.

[@Tom-Travels]

I've been wanting to do this thing for years. Now, I know how. Thank you!

[@TravelingTroy]

Cool! I hope you get your boot seal installed. Mine has been working great for the past 9 months. 👍

[@John83833]

Thanks for showing how it didn’t work at first. I’m sure I would’ve run into the same issues but now I know how to get it right the first time.

[@yannkitson116]

Dad fixes everything! 👍

[@TravelingTroy]

Indeed! Dad sometimes takes the night to think about it, then he has great ideas the next morning. 👍

[@sherenedonnelly1617]

I love your plan to be stealth like that! Good work!

[@TravelingTroy]

Thanks! Yes, the truck will blend in even better than my Astro camper….I believe. The pass-thru window idea and making it work was a big part of my decision to go with a truck and topper. With that done, I feel good about the direction of this build. On to a cool but basic electrical setup and a semi-fancy kitchen….for a truck. 😁✌️

[@sherenedonnelly1617]

@TravelingTroy I can't wait to see how your semi-fancy kitchen turns out! I liked your last setup! Stay cool in Texas!

[@TravelingTroy]

@@sherenedonnelly1617 Will do. Luckily, we are working in the shade and have A/C to escape to during breaks. ✌️

[@emmieHD]

That's some clever problem solving. I would've given up. Thanks for sharing!

[@TravelingTroy]

I was ready to give up too, but the thought of putting the windows back in sounded worse. 😮 That motivated us to keep at it. 👍 Thanks for following along and commenting. 😁

[@juliosdiy3206]

This diy is superb!

[@FlipTopTopper]

Wow, I didn’t even know you could do a pass through! Thanks for sharing!

[@karl28560]

There was a mini trucking magazine article on this in the 1980's. After cutting out both walls, the bed was hard bolted directly to the frame to prevent flexing. The cab wall was cut to a different height length than the Bed and was then pounded over onto the bed and then screwed down with sheet metal screws. The sides below the windows had metal braces formed and welded. Everything was silicone to the max to prevent water from entering. The fiberglass cover and window area received rubber matting and was pop riveted in place. Everything was carpeted.

[@VanInhalin]

that worked out great. A dab of black rtv sealant here and there should hold the seal in position if it starts to shrink or droop after some washboards etc. I've fixed stubborn old door seals that way before.

[@TravelingTroy]

Thanks for the tip! I do plan to go down some rough roads, so things might loosen up a bit. 👍

[@mikeelder6298]

Great video. That solves the problem of the sharp flange that the back glass mounts to, as well as weatherproofing. Now the only other issue would be how to close off the camper shell to the cab for climate control

[@philtoscano8629]

Some toppers have drop glass for the window, so if this was one of those models, it could be made to fit. Even sourcing a drop glass panel from a topper would work.

[@MrEmtdaniel4jesus]

Great job 👍

[@StaticCamperVan]

Good info and nice engineering

[@TravelingTroy]

Thanks! The boot seal is working much better the second time around. This video will be a dud as far as views 🤣 but might help someone down the road looking do something crazy like pulling out their windows. 👍 Thanks for the feedback. Not sure if I’m doing a kitchen or power video next…currently working on both simultaneously and its looking good. 😁

[@swimmerschoice7285]

Thanks for the info. Saved me a lot of time and frustration.

[@MapleMarmite]

Nice job! This has given me hope of trying the same with my truck and topper combo. My levels are a lot more staggered than yours, though, so I might end up with a shorter height to the pass through than I’d like. I switched out the back window of my topper for one with a slider in the centre and have a slider window to put in my truck cab now, too. So I might go with that first and see how it works for me to start with. Good to have this idea on the back burner, though. Thanks for the upload. 👍🏻

[@TravelingTroy]

Wow! If your windows are more staggered than mine, it could be quite a challenge to get the boot seal to work. Not that it can’t be done, but its not an easy task. We were super happy to be done with it. Nothing like having a big opening in your truck/topper build for a couple days. Luckily, we haven’t seen any rain in weeks, though we could use it around here. Thanks for checking out the video! 👍

[@MapleMarmite]

The top isn’t too far off but the bottom is where the problem may be. My own fault as I put a timber spacer all round the bed rails for a bit more headroom and a better fit.

[@TravelingTroy]

@@MapleMarmite Ah, ok. We considered adding a spacer as well to build up the interior headroom, so I understand your dilemma. 👍

[@anitasimmons3599]

Wow, thank you for taking us along. Pop rivet to the rescue. Your dad is very inventive and with life experience you will be too. Between my late husband and I we had tackled some interesting projects that turned out really nice and functional. Projects always were exhausting while we were doing them, but were energizing when we were done and reaping the benefit. I went down to Wichita Falls, Texas for a few days last month to support a family member, mainly emotionally, for a few days and the temperatures were in the low 100s. I did not even try to camp. I don't even want to mow the lawn at home base or my camping lots, because of the heat. I can't wait for your next video, thank you again for creating this video, it will likely help a good number of people with similar projects. I hope you are finishing up and will be back out on the road soon.

[@TravelingTroy]

Well, it is VERY hot here near Austin, like it was for you in Wichita Falls. We broke the old record for days over 100 in a row. It was 27 days, now we are over 30 days of 100 or more. Luckily, we have lots of shade to work under and a good fan that keeps us slightly cooler. 😉 The main living area is just about complete. I haven’t posted a video because we are working on kitchen and electrical at the same time and just completed the electrical. I think I’ll make the kitchen video first, then the electrical. After that, I’ll paint, to give my Dad a break, then we tackle the inside the cab backseat storage. Thanks for watching & commenting. 👍

[@sonsonny1000]

There's that company called Breezer that makes pass thoughts also they make windows that are removable in seconds to open a passage

[@TravelingTroy]

Oh cool! I hadn’t heard of them. I just checked them out at breezerwindows.com and that is definitely a great option for doing this. I will post this link in my pinned comment. Thanks for the heads up. 👍

[@williamroberts6803]

I was wanting to do something to seal and allow a pass through like this but after watching this I might be hard to sell after doing this.

[@LJC5865]

I thought you were going to use an inflatable boot. That was a great idea that works perfect good thinking. My Dad installed a boot when we family of 5 traveled one time in the early 70's. I'm thinking of the same with my 03 f150 supercab/topper for living in and multi state camping after my home lease is up but I've had the passenger and back seat out once and noticed there's alot of room for sleeping in cab.. probably have the back for Ebike, tools clothes stove etc to stay locked up.Thinking get rid of everything and keep the windows on otherwise i'd have to rent storage to store the 2 windows. Sure need them them if n when i sold the truck. I appreciate the post i think it'll get me thinking through other difficult situations needing a clever remedy.

[@BruceLyeg]

I’ve been looking all over for one of the inflatable ones but can’t find them anywhere

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

Nice Work Guys 👍 I love my pass thru ✌

[@TravelingTroy]

Thanks! I think my pass thru will come in handy as well. 👍

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

@@TravelingTroy As long as your Cap is well insulated , if you're gonna be in the cold. ( an insulated curtain might be helpful) ~peace~

[@TravelingTroy]

@@alphatruckhouse8223 True. An insulated curtain or a shade between the cab and topper would help in cold climate. Good idea. 👍

[@kevind.maylath2416]

Really nice job . Years ago I used a truck inner tub on my Ranger worked very well . Now I have an F350 don’t think I could find one big enough . LO I’m debating on doing it again and I like there is a kit . What I remember though was how load it was on say washboard or just plain freeway . But that incognito camping and easy escape might make it worth it . Just can’t decide . It was dust at the tailgate too but I think mine is way better sealed now .

[@TravelingTroy]

I’ve now been using the truck and my pass thru window setup for 9 months and it is working great. I have mainly been in the city, so lots of stealth camping on the streets and the pass-thru has been great for that. As far as road noise goes, I drive 90% of the time drive with my windows down, at least partly, so It’s always noisy to me. I haven’t been on a dusty washboard road yet, but I am finally hitting the road and will test that soon. You have a tough decision. Let us know what you decide. Thanks for checking out the videos. 👍

[@HOLOCULT]

I want to do this witb my ford ranger. How does the extra space do with your hvac system? Ac still keep things cool and heat still keep you toasty?😊

[@brandonwaddell2583]

I wanna do something like this, but I have an power center window that I want to seal to a topper with a matching center winter to pass AC through to the dogs

[@NonPremiumID]

Looks good Troy hey are you guys gonna eventually put a topper on the truck?

[@TravelingTroy]

Well, we’ve got a SnugTop topper on the truck now, but plan to put an Aluminum pop-up camper on the truck eventually. That may be a year or so down the line. No rush. We wanted to build the interior of the truck bed and hopefully just swap out the topper for the pop-up camper, leaving the interior build in place. ✌️

[@drewfleming7065]

Cab and truck opening has to be the same to use that type....you could modify it by using a top piece and a bottom piece(maybe sides to) trim off the edge clips on the top about 4 inchs and install bottom(and sides) then the top and shingle(like a roof) the top ends over the sides and glue....

[@Kiwifella]

Have been looking at doing this! especially while driving i can heat the back end as well its a win win. unfortunately im struggling to find the rubber seal and that link for yours they dont ship to New Zealand. :(

[@TravelingTroy]

Ah! Bummer! Unfortunately, that boot is the only one I know of at this time. I can say though, that I have been using mine truck with boot setup for 9 months now and it has been great. That has mainly been in a city setting, but I’m hitting the road now and will test it thoroughly in forests, mountains and on rough road situations. Good luck with your search. Hope you can find a solution. 👍

[@cmrandroid]

Any worry about exhaust fumes making their way into the bed and then cab area? Beds are sealed well, drainage holes, tie downs, even less than great seem sealant. I've had these thoughts because i want to do a pass through and mount extra seats back there for the growing family

[@TravelingTroy]

Hi there. Good question. I hadn’t really considered exhaust fumes as an issue, since I have two dome fans to suck out the stagnant air and pull in fresh air. What was a consideration for the truck bed was water leaks and filling all the holes in a typical truck bed. I guess exhaust could seep in through those holes as well, but water stays. 😉 You can check out my leak prevention video for what I did to help prevent this..Thanks for checking out my videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3avi4mho612bNksi=CPhb8EaxIm73Woty

[@MrEmtdaniel4jesus]

Do you sell those pieces that you made for your camper top?

[@t3angling575]

Maybe I missed it, did the second attempt leak at all? This is very cool. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TravelingTroy]

The boot seal has been holding up well for the past 9 months. I’m leaving for a real road test now, so we’ll see how it does on washboard roads and uneven dirt roads. Thanks for watching.

[@noway57]

Is it a hard road you chose? Different aspects and experiences. Its like 1800s but paved roads and bills. Ya know?

[@TravelingTroy]

I would say the lifestyle isn’t “easy”, but I sure like living with less stress due eliminating the largest expense of house or apt. 👍

[@feeltheburntk9893]

I’ve had this idea in the back of my mind for years now but wasn’t sure how it would work! Now that it’s coming up on a year, how has it held up? Any leaks or issues? I live in Washington state so I’d imagine if I did something like this I would put silicone or rtv around each window frame and install the the accordion boot seal immediately as an extra precaution. Any current and future advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[@TravelingTroy]

I have been living in the truck now for 9 months and the boot has really held up well. This is mainly city living and some beach, so I haven’t tested it out on rough roads in the mountains yet. I’m curious how it will handle the suspension moving in different directions based on road conditions and will the boot seal hold up. During installation, we had a few thick spots in the fiberglass/window path of the seal, so we did our best to file those areas down and fit the clamps of the boot over. If it were to leak, I would check there first. I would think putting, like you said, some silicone or butyl tape around the window frames before putting on the boot seal, to get that extra protection would be a good idea. It would make it a harder job to complete though and it was a difficult project. We were happy to be done with it. Thanks for checking out the video. Good luck. 👍

[@MrPoseidonSays]

Ok first I have to lose weight just to make it through 😂

[@TravelingTroy]

For sure, it’s a tight squeeze through window pass. 😳 I will need to watch my donut intake over the next few years. 🍩 Ha! Thanks for checking out the video. 👍

[@anstcoaches3863]

how noisy is this compared to the window you took out when driving 75. Also, how leak tight are the spring clips; do they whistle like a door seal? Does it make the cab colder in the winter when you are driving? Thanks for the video.

[@TravelingTroy]

I typically travel with my windows at least partly down, so I always have road noise. For the most part, the clips hold down tight, but there are a few spots where the camper shell/window thickness was too great and we had trouble getting the clip to clamp down. Eventually, we trimmed things back enough to get it to work, but if it were to leak, I would look in those areas first. So far, I have been stationary in my hometown, besides a few trips to the beach, so I haven’t put it to a winter test yet. I have been up on the highway at 75 or so and don’t notice any whistling. Hitting the road now, so the full test will begin. 👍 Thanks for checking out the videos.

[@robsensei2839]

Where can I buy the sealing rubber accordion thing?

[@LivingOnCash]

How much noisier is it while driving down the road with the back window out?

[@TravelingTroy]

I’m sure it is a bit noisier. I mostly drive with my windows down. Even when hot, I just like the air passing through. So, I always hear extra road noise. 😁✌️

[@kathrynarnold1966]

Wow.

[@TravelingTroy]

Quite the project, eh? Not many truck camper builders are crazy enough to go through with it. Haha! 👍

[@kathrynarnold1966]

@@TravelingTroy Not many blessed with a dad like yours!

[@TravelingTroy]

@@kathrynarnold1966 True. My Dad has been a big help in my van and now truck builds. I’ve learned a lot. 👍

[@kathrynarnold1966]

@@TravelingTroy Write about what you learned. Maybe you can publish articles... or a book.

[@TravelingTroy]

@@kathrynarnold1966 An ebook is possible. 🤔

[@williamroberts6803]

Where do we bring our truck to get this done? What’s your address and phone number.