On a Ford F-150, 5% tint produces an extremely dark appearance with strong daytime privacy. For this 2017 Ford F-150 XLT extended cab, we installed 5% carbon film on the two front doors and 20% carbon film over the factory-tinted rear windows. That combination made the front and rear windows match very closely and gave the entire cab the appearance of approximately 5% tint.

You generally cannot see much inside during the day. However, the angle of the truck, the direction of the sunlight, the untinted windshield, and the black interior can all affect how dark the windows appear.

This example applies to the 2015 Ford F-150, 2016 Ford F-150, 2017 Ford F-150, 2018 Ford F-150, 2019 Ford F-150, 2020 Ford F-150, 2021 Ford F-150, 2022 Ford F-150, 2023 Ford F-150, 2024 Ford F-150, 2025 Ford F-150, and 2026 Ford F-150. Window shapes, cab configurations, factory glass, and pricing can vary by year.

This installation was completed on a gray 2017 Ford F-150 XLT extended cab with a black interior.

The first number describes the film installed on the front doors. The rear windows were already factory tinted, so adding 20% film over that glass made the finished rear section considerably darker than 20%.

The customer wanted the complete 5% appearance across the cab. His goals included privacy, a darker exterior look, glare reduction, and improved heat rejection.

He had never used a heat-rejecting film before and wanted to see what carbon film could do. Carbon was a practical choice because it offers better heat rejection than standard film without requiring the higher price of ceramic.

If you are comparing your film options, read our carbon versus ceramic window tint guide.

The windows matched very closely. We have completed this type of installation on many trucks and SUVs with factory-tinted rear glass.

Installing 5% on the two front doors and approximately 20% over factory-tinted rear glass normally creates a consistent 5% appearance across the vehicle. The exact final darkness can vary slightly because factory privacy glass is not identical on every vehicle.

The F-150's black interior also helped the windows appear darker than they would with a tan, light gray, or other light-colored interior.

It is difficult to see inside this Ford F-150 during daylight. From most side angles, the windows appear extremely dark.

When the truck is positioned toward direct sunlight, you may be able to make out a person sitting in one of the front seats. You may also see more of the cabin when looking directly through the untinted windshield because the windshield allows light to enter.

The installation still provides considerably more privacy than 15% or 20% tint. It is not completely impossible to see inside under every lighting condition, but it creates the dark appearance most customers expect from 5%.

You can see additional real installations in our Ford window tint photo gallery.

Five-percent tint can be extremely challenging at night if you are not accustomed to driving with dark windows.

Visibility is easier in a well-lit area, but the windows will still look noticeably dark from inside. On poorly lit roads or in dark parking areas, it may be difficult to see vehicles, curbs, pedestrians, or other objects through the side windows.

Parking is another concern. Even in a reasonably well-lit parking lot, you may need to lower the front windows while backing into a space or parallel parking.

I do not recommend 5% for a first-time tint customer without explaining these visibility limitations. It is a percentage that requires an adjustment period and may not be suitable for every driver's eyesight or nighttime driving conditions.

I recommend this combination when someone specifically wants the complete 5% look on a pickup truck or SUV and already understands the nighttime visibility tradeoff.

During the day, visibility looking outward is generally manageable because sunlight helps illuminate the surroundings. After sunset, the experience changes substantially. Drivers who are unfamiliar with 5% may find it extremely difficult in poorly lit areas.

There is also a potential law-enforcement concern. Dark aftermarket film on the front side windows can create legal problems in New Jersey. Before choosing this setup, review our complete guide to New Jersey window tint laws.

The actual truck shown received the carbon package. Prices depend on whether the F-150 has a single-piece rear window or a three-piece rear window with a center slider.

The 2017 F-150 shown in these photos has the three-piece rear glass. Its carbon-film price for the four doors and rear window was $349.99.

Prices shown apply to qualifying 2015–2026 Ford F-150 extended-cab configurations and may change if the vehicle has unusual glass, existing film that requires removal, or another condition affecting the installation.

Dope Tintings Automotive Window Tint has more than 20 years of experience and has tinted over 30,000 vehicles. We regularly tint Ford F-150s and other pickup trucks for customers throughout Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Camden, Cinnaminson, Maple Shade, and the surrounding South Jersey area.

If you are deciding between 5%, 15%, 20%, or another percentage, we can explain how each option will look and what you should expect when driving at night. Contact Dope Tintings in Pennsauken to schedule your Ford F-150 window tint installation.