Thread: Ute ventilation

So, I have a new to me ute that has the lift up style side windows.
I want to vent the canopy for the wee dog, but assume it is not a good idea to drive with side windows up.
Looking to fit a roof vent, but roof is ribbed and not much flat surface to mount a vent, apart from on the forward facing slope.
Any pointers welcome. Thanks

You can fit a ARB high flow canopy vent up front of canopy. Don't know if it will help with out changing a window to a slider.

Seen a few fellas just make up ply "windows" for them with row of holes cut into them for the summer, just use the hardware off the glass ones and swap it back over for winter

We had one of these
Rotating vent

Dont use one of these both our old dogs hated the noise it made wizzing round, to the point of even getting them in the back was difficult.

You could take out the windows (I am an expert at removal of ute windows. I think you still have that piece of security mesh Cut it up and fit it on the inside perhaps?

Originally Posted by mikee

We had one of these
Rotating vent

Dont use one of these both our old dogs hated the noise it made wizzing round, to the point of even getting them in the back was difficult.

You could take out the windows (I am an expert at removal of ute windows. I think you still have that piece of security mesh Cut it up and fit it on the inside perhaps?

Rotating vents are usually extraction of air only & cause you to suck in the dust around any gap. You need forced air induction.

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Replace the lift up window glass with louver panel

If you want it extra water resistant
Replace ithe glass with 2 louver panels (1 facing down & 1 facing up)

One of my canopies has a catch on each end of the side windows.
I latch the back catch shut, then pull the front catch out and latch it so it the latch is on the outside of the canopy. Creates about a centermeter gap at the front which scoops air in while travelling.
Not enough of a vent when stationary though.

One of my canopies has a catch on each end of the side windows.
I latch the back catch shut, then pull the front catch out and latch it so it the latch is on the outside of the canopy. Creates about a centermeter gap at the front which scoops air in while travelling.
Not enough of a vent when stationary though.

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

One of my canopies has a catch on each end of the side windows.
I latch the back catch shut, then pull the front catch out and latch it so it the latch is on the outside of the canopy. Creates about a centermeter gap at the front which scoops air in while travelling.
Not enough of a vent when stationary though.

Modify the internal locking bit on the latch (add an extra ‘L’ shaped piece) and do this – it holds the window open 10cm or so and the mutt can’t push it open from the inside.

The bracket is simple to make – just a piece of steel beaten into submission. If you're lucky there will be a bolt on the inside that can be undone and slip the new latch piece under it.

yes that's what I do when I've got 8 dogs in the back of the double cab work ute As luck would have it someone broke the tailgate window which I've replaced with reo mesh so it's pretty open

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

One of my canopies has a catch on each end of the side windows.
I latch the back catch shut, then pull the front catch out and latch it so it the latch is on the outside of the canopy. Creates about a centermeter gap at the front which scoops air in while travelling.
Not enough of a vent when stationary though.

Originally Posted by rugerman

yes that's what I do when I've got 8 dogs in the back of the double cab work ute As luck would have it someone broke the tailgate window which I've replaced with reo mesh so it's pretty open

Trouble with it open at the back is it sucks dust in.
If the opening, even if quite small, is in the front, forces air in and semi pressurises the space, and prevents dust coming in.
Learnt this from trying to avoid red dust entering in Aussie.

I think it only sucks dust in when the side windows are closed since the air normally comes in the side windows and blows out the back. Not much use if you want to keep stuff dry though with no back window above the tailgate

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

Trouble with it open at the back is it sucks dust in.
If the opening, even if quite small, is in the front, forces air in and semi pressurises the space, and prevents dust coming in.
Learnt this from trying to avoid red dust entering in Aussie.

Originally Posted by rugerman

I think it only sucks dust in when the side windows are closed since the air normally comes in the side windows and blows out the back. Not much use if you want to keep stuff dry though with no back window above the tailgate

There's a low pressure area behind the ute when you are driving along, and that tries to drag air out of the tray area. Any holes along the side or the top of the ute is in higher pressure, which means dusty air migrates in and that isn't ideal.

@Pengy Talk to a local plastic shop about making a replacement side window in perspex, get them to build a smaller sliding window into the main perspex window?
Does the canopy manufacturer have options for vents or replacement windows?
Have you looked at caravan or boat vent options?

My canopy (crown) has a window at the front (behind the utes rear window) lets in heaps of air even though there isn't a huge gap between canopy and ute.

Leaks a bit if i forget to shut it, i also have lift up side windows.