There might be some kind of after market rear window defroster out there if you look around.-Jack

 

Yes, there might be something available for that. I could probably even plug into the existing factory wiring back there that the fixed rear window defrost uses.

But it still doesn't help with the rear side windows.

 

I would assume you can engage the AC compressor at all times with the heat on to keep all windows clear, all the time?

Surely there is an AC overide button for that?

Does anyone know for sure?

 

Yes, you can run the heater on max hot and max fan with the A/C button engaged. Even if you can stand the blowing heat, it still won't clear the back windows on the colder days, especially if there are passengers back there.

 

It does no good to turn on the A/C compressor in super-cold temperatures, because the unit doesn't work below approx. 20-30 degrees. The compressor engages, but no refrigerant is circulating. One problem may simply be too much moisture within the interior. If you track in a lot of snow and let it melt on the floor mats, the heater just evaporates it ino the air, which then condenses on the windows. Something else I do in ANY vehicle in the winter is to drive with the driver's window cracked open during the first few miles, with the heater OFF. Once the engine is warm enough to provide heat, I turn the heater on, drive another half-mile or so with the window still open a bit, and then close it. I never have any fogging problems when I do this.

 

all i can say is i'm glad i live down south for a couple reasons. 1) it hardly ever gets much below freezing for an extended time, 2) when it does get cold and we get a light dusting of snow everything shuts down for a "snow day" lol !!

This may seem really cheesy, but do they still make that "fog-X" stuff? I've used it on a couple vehicles in the past and it worked well.

 

Its my understanding that the a/c compressor engages automatically and dehumidifies the air in all modes except for "off" and "vent". --Jack

 

Several years ago I found a product that you hide under your seat that absorbs moisture from the air. That might help a little with fogging of the windows, maybe. I'm not sure who made the product, but I'm pretty sure it's still out there for sale somewhere.

 

Can you verify this?

I'm with bigjack. It should de-humidify. If the defroster doesn't de-humidify in temperatures below 20-30 degrees, them I'm screwed, and I'll have to go buy a truck that does. I gotta see.

We always kick the snow off our boots, but it's impossible not to get some moisture on the floor. Maybe I'll just have my passengers take their boots off before they get in, roll their windows down, and hold their breath.

 

after living many years in Northern NY (temps below zero the norm) ... It helps with heat or defrost to open a window a little bit.
You will find that the heater and defroster will work much more effectively when you provide cold air "draw" ... just like a furnace.

Not only moisture from clothing, but simply breathing will create enough moisture. When I lived in San Antonio and it was pouring rain (couldn't open windows) .. the inside windows would become super-fogged. Had to run the a/c simply to dehumidify.

I bet this doesn't happen when only driver is using the vehicle.

My 2002 F150 has a high pitched whine in super cold weather. Once it warms up, it goes away. Sounds awful and yes, it's embarassing. Reminds me of a 1974 Datsun 2-seater that screamed all the way to a cracked head/blown head gasket one night when it was -40. brrrrrr....

 

My ranger has no a/c and yes the back windows do fog up(along with all the others). I have the rain gaurds over the windows and they provide excelent ventalation for a cold morning, crack it just enough to get air back there. So far I've never even thought about the back window fogging up so I dought it will concern me much if I get the 150 that I like, plus I want to get a reg cab so it should help quit a bit. Maybe cracking the back window will help some too, I've never tried it but I plan on it now.