RV windshield tips — getting a clear view.
Windshield damage from road debris like stones is an all-too common occurrence. For automobile owners, replacement can be done by an auto glass supplier quickly and conveniently at their shop or, in some cases, in the field wherever you are.
But if your Class A windshield suffers a similar happening, it’s a totally different issue. Most of these somewhat-custom, huge glass shapes are expensive and never in stock. Unfortunately, there’s no way to guaranty that cracking will never occur. Class A windshields pose a much bigger target than that of your average car. But we can reduce the chances of catastrophe by heeding a few RV windshield tips.
- Keep your windshield relatively clean. Remove bugs, dirt, and any foreign matter. Glass can experience a surface roughing that can cause damage over time.
- Try and avoid traveling on roadways in the early spring that may have been sanded recently. Small stones can be thrown up on these surfaces by traffic in both directions. Avoid gravel roads if possible.
- Replace the wiper blades at least every two years, even if you rarely use them. The sun breaks down the blade compound. Blades in bad condition can cause damage to the glass surface.
- If you get a chip in your windshield, have it repaired without delay. Windshields are made with laminated glass. It is manufactured sandwiching an ethylene-vinyl acetate film between the glass. This is done to prevent the glass from splintering in a collision. It also helps to reduce sound travel through the glass. If you do not get the chip repaired promptly, water can enter the laminate and reach the film. This will cause a non-correctable clouding in the area of the damage. Chips generally up to about the size of a quarter can often be filled and look nearly perfect.
- Hail associated with thunder storms in cold fronts can damage or destroy glass of all types. Stop if you can safely do so and remain parked until it subsides. While damage can still occur stopped, the impact is at least less the vehicle speed.
- Do not travel closely behind trucks, particularly dump trucks. Just fall back and let them run further ahead.
So, keep your glass healthy and it will serve you for years. If the situation is urgent, check out resources for professional repair.
Peter Mercer – With a Transparent View
Peter Mercer
I shouldn’t think repairing the cracked windshield is a viable option now. The windshield should be replaced without delay. Thank you for sharing your windshield story.
Peter Mercer
I shouldn’t think repairing the cracked windshield is a viable option now. The windshield should be replaced without delay. Thank you for sharing your windshield story.
Peter Mercer
I shouldn’t think repairing the cracked windshield is a viable option now. The windshield should be replaced without delay. Thank you for sharing your windshield story.
Anonymous
Our 2017 Vista 29 VE Winnebago got a chip in the top/left edge. When I leveled the RV, cracks proceed down about a foot to 16 inches, and stopped. Should I have the ends of the cracks drilled, and sealed to prevent further damage?
Peter Mercer
Great point. I have my doubts that Rain-X would protect the windshield from receiving damage from stones and the like, but making bugs less of an issue, yes. Thank you for your input on this topic.
Anonymous
I find that always keeping Rain-X on my class C windscreen helps deflect bugs, flotsam and hopefully small pebbles slammed against it. The airline industry uses this stuff religiously and so do I. Don’t have to use my wipers half as much as without. A very good investment to apply and use. For sure never wax your glass as that will cause streaks and distortion! Also take time to clean the inside…I know I know…but well worth the effort! Those plasticizers build up inside over time and must be cleaned off, esp in the newer units…