Would you want a powered sliding rear window?

[Dilly’S Willy]

Soft top owners can vote, but we know this isn't meant for you.

How often do you find yourself wanting a bit more fresh air while driving but don't want to pull over and reach back, or even get out to open the window. And you find the side windows to not be an option?

Maybe you have a dog that would like to stick their head out the window but it's raining or snowing?

Maybe you have kids that you need to keep the side windows locked/closed.

Or maybe you are about to go through the wash and just remembered the sliding rear window is still open?


This is for you!

(Background on me)
I'm an electronics wiz, I taught robotics to a local high school and volunteered at the local tech college for robotics education. I enjoy tackling new challenges, and seeing other happy when they get what they need/want. I'm also disabled after a severe motorcycle wreck, and it's been challenging find work to pay the bills and still be happy, since I cannot afford college and have always wanted to work in the robotics field (or even teach it). I've developed products before, but never mass produced them (yet) due to financial struggles primarily. But when I create something, I'm old school, meaning I build it to last...unlike most modern products. I also do my best to be fair and offer a quality warranty that benefits both the customer and myself. I believe integrity and quality are the most important things a product/brand should provide.

My main gig currently is growing within the I.B.E.W. of my local union. I'm currently a CW2 since I was never professionally taught any of it, but with a background in: robotics, low voltage, pneumatics, programming, AC/DC systems, construction, IT (A+, Network+, Security+), computers, and much MUCH more...they were happy to take me on. Just waiting for my next assignment.


(The details)

I've seen some of the mods done to power the rear sliding window, but they're all a bit different, some cleaner than others, but almost if not ALL of them do NOT fully open the window, and most require an new switch to be added, or don't work with the OEM AUX switches.

I too would like to be able to control my rear sliding window without getting out or unbuckling to do so. My service animal also agrees (and sometimes gets upset when I won't roll the side windows down).

I'd like to develop and offer a quality solution, that looks minimal and as OEM as possible for this (non?) issue. But before I go investing time and money, I'd like to hear some feedback on this topic.

Please vote and share your thoughts! This will help determine whether I develop this product for the Gladiator community or not.

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[NortonJTSS]

I think just about everybody would enjoy having this feature, it’s more of a matter of at what cost? I’m not exactly where the line would be drawn but over a certain amount it would be cool but not worth it

 

[Bruiser 281]

If there was a clean aftermarket option to add power to the sliding back glass I would be interested. I think it's dumb Jeep can't add this when there is a rear defrost that has to be unplugged already for the top.

 

[BourbonRunner]

Count me in as a supporter. I've read through the threads on adding them and considered tackling it when I have time. (which is likely two weeks from never)

It doesn't make a bit of sense that it isn't powered- otherwise it's as useless as a doorknob on a tree. While underway in an extended cab you could reach back and do it. My arms need to be about 4 feet longer and hinge in 2 more places to get to it otherwise.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

I think just about everybody would enjoy having this feature, it’s more of a matter of at what cost? I’m not exactly where the line would be drawn but over a certain amount it would be cool but not worth it

The biggest issue regarding cost is that EVERYTHING has gone up in price exponentially, and this is purely speculation, but to reduce the sheer cost effectiveness for DIY vs buying from a big name company.

Nothing I was able to do 15 years ago is even remotely cost effective to DIY anymore, tenfold. Just look at changing your own brake pads on modern vehicles for example.


To answer the cost question more directly, unless I can get a "mass order" 100+ the cost is quite higher for under that quantity. CURRENTLY I'm looking at around $500-600 for a low unit production cost, and that's not even making 20% profit.
- Now if I can get the order quantity over 100+ units, I SHOULD be able to lower the cost closer around $350-400 at most. Between tariffs, customs, and shipping (pure weight as I don't trust plastic for longevity) increases in the last few years...I've sadly had to abandon projects that I was able to start effectively.

For reference, a robotics kit I once had access to was only around $350+tax. That same kit even used is now over $500 and doesn't even include everything it once did. Another reference, Arduino projects could be had for under $200 10 years ago, now you're looking at $750-1000 these days if you want those same features.

If there was a clean aftermarket option to add power to the sliding back glass I would be interested. I think it's dumb Jeep can't add this when there is a rear defrost that has to be unplugged already for the top.

This is very accurate. I was developing a PnP kit for a power adder to my dirt bikes and race cars, using OEM connectors and pins. In less than 5 years those same connectors and pins have gone up in cost over 100x. I never really liked using the connector kits you find on amazon/etc, but when the OEM pins to replace bent/damaged pins went from $0.14 to $12 PER PIN, I CANNOT offer reasonable prices to my customers like I once could, and therefore had to stop offering services that the dealers would charge "and arm and/or leg" to repair.

My goal is always: quality, functional, and OEM-styled...in that order.

I CAN still do things like use OEM connectors, OEM-style, and quality. But I CANNOT do it for the prices I could.


My goal was to grab a good 3D printer for custom housings, use stainless for corrosion resistance, and effective drive system/sensors to allow for a simple install. But now they're essentially banning 3D printers that don't require an active internet connection, increasing import costs beyond what's reasonable vs what's local (materials still come from other countries) and those local sources often either have such high prices or just don't have availability, and costs for "legal" business practices are immoral imo.
- Unless you're dedicated to the system, they won't allow you to thrive. I learned this the hard way when trying to start my motorcycle company, and was forced to restructure my plan for products, services, an most importantly: income from the business.
-- When you cannot afford to do things yourself, you cannot pass on the savings intended for your customers.
--- Look up Hodaka motorcycles (long gone) and the reason they went under. TLDR: they couldn't afford to keep up with Honda when Honda came from Japan with mass production.

I still want to do good for those with similar passions, but it's becoming more and more challenging to be able to start a small business without knowing you'll go under within 10 years...unless you are willing to sell your soul and conform to immoral values the system forces "successful" businesses to adopt.
- I was raised not to screw over people for your own benefit. Ethics and morals are a big factor when I create a product/service. Partially why I left the automotive industry (as a technician or a salesman). I got tired of being told (and I'm not exaggerating) "Do you want to be successful? Then start doing what you're told, not what's 'right'."

 

[Jrgunn5150]

If it came that way I'd take it.

But I'm not going to pay extra for it or install it.

 

[BourbonRunner]

@Dilly’S Willy

Bambu Labs and Ender printers can work over LAN or USB without an active internet connection once they're past the initial setup. Further connections are only needed for updates/upgrades to the firmware.

Not sure what you mean by banning?

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

@Dilly’S Willy

Bambu Labs and Ender printers can work over LAN or USB without an active internet connection once they're past the initial setup. Further connections are only needed for updates/upgrades to the firmware.

Not sure what you mean by banning?

I find it funny you mentioned Bambu Labs...

I don't support them for various reasons, which the kind gentleman I've linked a video from can give you more info that you probably want, but should get to know if you enjoy owning your own products and having the freedom to create DIY projects without scrutiny.

Louis Rossmann can give you more clarity than I ever could. Please check out this video he made about it. It's about 10 mins but you can listen if you want: Louis Rossmann on 3D printer laws changing

This isn't the first state to do this. WA already has laws against "OFFLINE" 3d printers in the same context. It's only getting worse.

He also has other videos in the last couple months regarding the new laws being put into place regarding "ghost guns".


Didn't mean to get this thread off topic, but I wanted to answer your inquiry.



Back to powered rear sliding windows!

 

[NotSo Bright White]

If you could provide a warranty that it would not leak, I would be a customer!

 

[BourbonRunner]

I find it funny you mentioned Bambu Labs...

I don't support them for various reasons, which the kind gentleman I've linked a video from can give you more info that you probably want, but should get to know if you enjoy owning your own products and having the freedom to create DIY projects without scrutiny.

Louis Rossmann can give you more clarity than I ever could. Please check out this video he made about it. It's about 10 mins but you can listen if you want: Louis Rossmann on 3D printer laws changing

This isn't the first state to do this. WA already has laws against "OFFLINE" 3d printers in the same context. It's only getting worse.

He also has other videos in the last couple months regarding the new laws being put into place regarding "ghost guns".


Didn't mean to get this thread off topic, but I wanted to answer your inquiry.



Back to powered rear sliding windows!

All good! Thank you for the explanation.

After I hit send it dawned on me this is probably a result of a knee-jerk reaction to 'ghost guns' thats being used by companies to prevent competition from us in the consumer side from making replacement parts. All of that sounds very much in the same vein as right to repair and the infamous John Deere debacle.

I'll watch the video later but Rossman is usually spot on in his analysis on most things.

End of the day, they can't make a law retroactive (ex post facto is specifically enshrined in the Constitution) but the manufacturers could throttle down support for legacy machines, making them functionally obsolete and forcing the consumer to get the newest one on the market.

 

[JonMN]

Not really. Had one on our F150 and never used it. I would actually prefer a solid rear window if I had the choice.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I print 2A things on my Bambu printers all the time, and anything else I want.

I'll write you guys from the camps!

 

[Wildtoad]

I've never opened the rear window. The side windows down and/or the Freedom Top(s) flipped back provide as little or as much air as I need.

 

[ssrlewis]

I’m very interested! Make it affordable for us while you still make some money and I’ll have the credit card out ready to order.



Steve

 

[RougeShot12er]

I had one on my Ram that I really never used.
my gladiator has a cap so no use for one on it.
Would prefer a solid window as the other poster said.

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