Power Sliding Rear Window - It's possible!

[DrPlastic]

Wow! Very cool. Question...how does the latch unlock in order to open it?

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[Lampy415]

Found a different option for the Button. I am going to try it.
Button Kit
Alos comes with a handy wiring diagram to the actuator.

Howerch did you ever try this switch? Did it work? I am in the middle of doing this mod and would love to use a switch like that!

 

[Geoarch]

Like many of you, I think the Bestop Sunrider is one of the best additions to the Gladiator. However, since using the Sunrider, I notice that I have to open a rear window or I will get "side window buffeting" or "Helmholtz Resonance" which google tells me is the correct term. The rear sliding window is perfect to control this as rear passengers might not want the side windows down and wind in their face and I use the Sunrider even when it is quite cool.

Several times I have caught myself forgetting to close the rear sliding window after using the Sunrider, or unable to open the rear sliding window while flipping back the Sunrider while in motion. That's why I started to wonder if I could create a power rear sliding window option that could be controlled from the driver's position. After some trial and error, here is what I came up with:

I attached a 12 volt, 300mm, 256:1 mini track actuator to the plastic panel below and to the right of the rear window (link below). This unit has a maximum force of 67lbs, but the trade-off is that it is slow. I first tried a faster unit with 11lbs of force, but it couldn't move the window at all as there is to much play and friction in the window sliding track. The company makes a 64:1 unit that might work, but after their 22:1 unit couldn't handle the job, I just went right to the strongest option.

The hardest part was figuring out how to transfer the power from the actuator to the window. I finally landed on using 1 inch extruded aluminum tubing in black (link below) which I attached to the actuator tabs using the supplied machine screws, and then used stainless wood screws to affix the top of the tubing to the large rubber square on the bottom right of the rear sliding window. This connection is much stronger than I anticipated, as I have opened and closed the window at least 20 times. Admittedly, this is also where I think the most likely point of failure will be over time, but we will see. There is a quick disconnect of the wiring near the motor of the actuator when I remove the hard top.

I ran and concealed the wires from the actuator along the driver's side to the momentary DPDT rocker switch I bought off Amazon (link below). Although you can program the Gladiator Aux Switches to be momentary, you need the ability to reverse the polarity (to close the window) which is why this switch is needed. I laid out and cut the hole for the switch on the bottom panel by the driver's left knee as there is nothing behind this panel. I drilled holes in all four corners of the layout rectangle and connected them with a small band saw. Then I used a razor blade to fine tune the hole to accept the switch.

Next, I ran the wires to the Aux Switch 3 connection under the passenger foot well.

Last step was to cut off the plastic locking tab on the on the window catch. I did this with a cordless cut-off tool which worked fine, but I slightly scratched the rest of the tab. I then cleaned the cut ends of the tab with a razor blade. There is probably a better method. As far as security, the resistance on the motor is at least as strong as the removed tab, so I'm not concerned about that.

So far, the set-up works great. The actuator and connection are barely noticeable, and I think the aesthetics blend in well. Only downsides are that the unit is very slow and loud, but I don't really care as the point is to open/close the rear sliding window a 1/4 way when the Sunrider is open/closed.

I hope this helps someone that wants to try the same thing!

Video of window in action:


https://www.actuonix.com/T16-S-Micro-Track-Actuator-with-Limit-Switches-p/t16-s.htm

https://eztube.com/product/100-100-square-aluminum-tube/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FA9UNMA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I wonder if you could get the system for a Tacoma. I had that in my 2018 TRDPro and it was great. About the only thing better than the Gladiator!

 

[Lampy415]

So it took some time but finally got it all together…
I started at the junk yard and got the rear window power unit out of a 2008 Honda ridgline. Then had to figure out how to attach to window I went with 3m adhesive and so far it’s holding up. I have a couple other ideas if it doesn’t hold up.
still have to clean up behind the seat and figure out a mounting system for the motor instead of tie wraps that are being used for now.

 

[Gatorized]

Post #3 in this taco forum - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/benwas-version-of-a-power-sliding-rear-window-retrofit.163816/. Describes how to make a bracket to attach the slider trolley to the window - which makes for a pretty clean installation. It also makes it easily removable so you can still take the roof off.

 

[Lampy415]

Gatorized I did see that but with the defrost power on the gladiator window i don't think it will work. thats why I went with adhesive to the window, I am thinking about making a plate with 2 studs and gluing that to the window first.

 

[mrmo]

Nice job of tinkering, but damn Mopar needs to make one to retrofit that is a factory option with all the electrical leads, switch, all of it. These type of windows have been around on other vehicles for 20 years....

 

[Gatorized]

Gatorized I did see that but with the defrost power on the gladiator window i don't think it will work. thats why I went with adhesive to the window, I am thinking about making a plate with 2 studs and gluing that to the window first.

I think. A bit of trimming around the connector could make the bracket work And be a cleaner install.

 

[darkhorse13]

Well i didn't know I had another project until i came across this thread Dang, so much want. This + Sunrider = Perfect breeze

 

[Plumbob]

Why hasn’t anyone tackled this and mass produce it. My thought is mount the actuator on top of the window. That way nothing but unplugging wires to remove the top.

 

[Gatorized]

Why hasn’t anyone tackled this and mass produce it. My thought is mount the actuator on top of the window. That way nothing but unplugging wires to remove the top.

Where would you mount the motor?

 

[AstroZombie]

I applaud your ingenuity. People like you make the world so much better! I can’t say though, after 6 months of ownership, that I have ever concerned myself with the thought of needing to open that window. I do like the idea that electric rear window would be an option, whether factory or aftermarket. Way to go!

I am never concerned about opening it, it's closing it because the kids always leave it open! LOL

 

[RHRT]

Necessity breeds genius! Well done and if you decide to provide a 'kit" for the rear slide window, I am also in for paying for it!!

 

[TigerInFL]

I want one that raises and lowers the entire window like I had on my Tundra!

Come on Jeep it's 2023 for pete's sake.

 

[Maccam26]

@Upside47 you think this dpdt relay would work with the aux switch ? https://www.actuonix.com/relay_kit

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