WeatherTech Vent Shades

[Blizzak454]

Just curious, for those that have the weathertech window vent shades, where does the bottom edge contact the door? Mine sort of ride in the rubber stripping which doesn't seem awesome.

I have weathertech vent shades on my Pacifca and they rest on top of the chrome trim, and that makes more sense to me.

Any thoughts?

 

[MM-Ram]

Just curious, for those that have the weathertech window vent shades, where does the bottom edge contact the door? Mine sort of ride in the rubber stripping which doesn't seem awesome.

I have weathertech vent shades on my Pacifca and they rest on top of the chrome trim, and that makes more sense to me.

Any thoughts?

I know this thread is almost a year old, but I purchased my 2025 1500 Laramie Crew Cab on 12/31/2024, and the weather was finally warm enough to install the WT vent shades this past weekend.

The front install was quick and easier than anticipated. Cleaning the track was the longest part of the 5 min install for each.

I can confirm the bottom of the front shades must sit on the stripping as shown in your pictures. I also prefer they don't, but I'm not too concerned because the bottom edge is pretty smooth and rounded, and relatively thick. Additionally,, it didnt seem like I was stressing or forcing down the bottom edge while working in the top.

(Years ago I had in-channel vents on a Honda CRV, but I cant recall if they were WT. The bottom edge sat on the stripping in a similar manner, but it was thin and sharp, and I had to really torque the shade to work in the top. As a result, it made a cut in the stripping during the install, but I don't think think it became larger over time.)

I confirmed the front shades do NOT interfere with the power folding mirrors, so no concern there.

My only concern is with the rear shades. Surprisingly, they required way more time to install than the front. I liked the idea of clips AND 3M double sided tape, however I don't like the way they finally fit. I should preface this with the fact I tend to be a perfectionist, with scrutiny to detail (job hazard).

That said, the exterior face of the rear visors extend a little further out than the front. This is mostly evident when looking from the front of the truck, as shown in the pitures. Both rear vent shades sit like this.

Upon investigation, I discovered the lip of the shade (that sits in channel, between the clips and the stripping) is taller than the depth of the channel, maybe between 1/16 ~ 1/8" taller. As a result, the extra 1/16~1/8" lip is riding sitting on top of the protuding edge of the clip, causing the face to push out a little further. (note I did install the clips 3" in from each top corner per the instructions).

This also means 1/16~1/8" (or 10%?) of the clear 3M tape is not in contact with the stripping, and visibly exposed (which I'm not fond of but I'm probably the only one who would notice). It is hard to see this in the pictures.

That said, the two clips do seem very secure because they are a very tight fit, bordering on too tight/large, so I'm hoping that makes up for the 1/16~1/8" of tape not making contact with the stripping.

Overall, I believe I would still purchase these if I knew the above prior to purchasing. I do like the look of dark tint and low profile. Yes, even the rear, because they dont extend out as far as the surface mount. My last two trucks (Sierra & Silverado) had surface shades and the wind noise seemed more noticable.

I've always purchased vent shades for functionality, not esthetics (but appearance always factored in the final selection). They help keep the interior a little cooler, and I don't have to worry if I shut the windows when it rains.

 

[MM-Ram]

Well here's my 3.5 month update (hint: don't buy these if you have a 2025 Crew Cab).

After my initial installation in March, I did not lower the rear windows for two weeks. I was hoping the warm weather with constant window pressure against the weather stripping and rear visors would help create a better bond with the 3M tape that was making minimal contact. After two or three operations of lowering and closing the windows over two days, one visor fell completley off while driving, and the other was partially falling off.

Weathertech customer service promptly sent rear replacements. I was hoping the original pair was a bad batch that was out of spec.
Unfortunately the replacements had the same problem (lip that inserts into channel is taller than the depth of the channel, hence almost half of the 3M tape does not make contact with rubber stripping). They sent new clips, but I still had the originals. I noticed that adding 2 more clips to each side (4 total each side) created enough pressure to push the visor out and upward (as if you grabbed the bottom edge of the visor and slightly rotate it upward). This action made the exposed tape push up agianst the outside edge of the weather stripping. And the pressure of 4 clips against the visor gave a secured feel as I gave it a little tug (there was no movement).

This time, I kept the windows closed for three weeks. The temperature was 80F-90F the entire time. I drove for a week, opened and closed the widows at least a dozen times with no signs of movement. A week later, now 5 weeks after initial install, i drove into my driveway, and slightly lowered the passenger rear window. As I turned my head to see if it was low enough, the damn thing fell right off and hit the ground. As I got out of the truck I noticed the rear driver side was half off!

I contacted WT, and they are issuing a full refund and provided FedEx label for the free return. I really loved the look of these in-channels, they looked like they were OEM, designed into the truck.

I give kudos to WT for honoring their warranty and quick response for the replacement and eventual RMA reurn with full refund. I would gave traded them for surface mount versions, but they said they only have in-channel for 2025 Ram Crew Cab.

 

[Paul B]

Thanks for the update....
I WAS considering them, now the research begins again.
Paul B

 

[vinnieloo]

Recommend Well Visors. Going on 2 years now still look good and held up through car washes. They are not in channel but look more seamless. Offer regular smoked and with chrome if you have the bright window surrounds.

 

[Blizzak454]

Yeah, weathertech as a company is great. And like I mentioned in the OP, the version I have on our Pacifica is awesome. For whatever reason, WT's design for the 5th Ram is not awesome. My rears haven't fallen off, but I'm always mindful of them and they do move around. Frequently I find myself pushing them back into the channel.

I'm not one for stick-on external shades, so somebody out there has to have a proper in-channel design. Until then, you can catch me in the parking lot popping in my shades.

 

[mplaramie]

I've always gone with the Mopar versions. Cost a little more but seemed to always be the best.

Little Weathertech rant, they claim made in the USA but last set I ordered from them (for a Nissan), the vents had "made in ????". Kinda turned me off.

 

[MM-Ram]

Thanks for the update....
I WAS considering them, now the research begins again.
Paul

Let me know how you make out. I'm back to research too. Sucks, because I spent a long time reasearching before buying the WT. I loved the look, and WT service. I just wish they added push pins to insert into the rear visor clips. Our CRV has them, the visors are very secure. I haven't found any like this for my 2025 Ram. I will probably buy outside mount, but dont see many that look good. If I get disgusted, I probably will buy the WT again, but only for the front. I think two front WT (only) looks better than most front and rear (full set) outside mounts.

 

[MM-Ram]

Recommend Well Visors. Going on 2 years now still look good and held up through car washes. They are not in channel but look more seamless. Offer regular smoked and with chrome if you have the bright window surrounds.
View attachment 203055View attachment 203056

Thanks, I'll check them out.