Cracked windshields 2006 Dutchstar

[efstewart]

Anyone have any problems with cracked windshields on their Newmars? I have a 2006 Dutch star, Model 3817, and is is great but everytime I take it on a long trip, with many stops, I get a crack. This is my 3 rd replacement coming up, fortunately I have glass breakage coverage, so I only pay $100 deductable. One thread said that it could have happened when I parked on an uneven pad and then hit the automatic levelers. I don't know how it keeps happening, as I don't notice the crack until after the trip. I am going to replace both cracked windows in a couple of weeks. I need to know how to avoid it in the future!

Also, does anyone have a recommendation for the best road to take from Reno, Nevada towards Grand Junction Colorado. I would like a smooth roadway with no potholes or rough ground.

[Doc Mark]

Sounds to me as if you have an out of spec windshield opening. I'd call Newmar, regardless of the age & see what they say.

Mark

[Iron Man]

You might want the to go to the factory to get the next windshield replaced. They will be able to tell you if anything is not in specs. If you have not been before make a vacation of it.

["007"]

The thread you read is correct, if you are on uneven ground or pad its best to level coach manually.
The AUTO will keep trying to level coach and twist the frame which can pop windshield out of rubber mount or twist windshield within mount and cause a crack.
Manually you can lift each chassis rail with front and rear jack in pairs than level the other rail pair of jacks front and rear together.
Also after having the windshields replaced a few times you might want to check the center rib for both windows and see if it has a tear in the bottom corner, if it has you need a new windshield mounting rubber mount.
The weight of the two windshields will cause the tops to pop out of mount and just tear all the more.

[efstewart]

Thanks for the advice. I will have them check the center rib (hopefully the glass shop will know what that is, I don't) as 007 suggested. Did I read your post correctly 007? Raise one rail front and back together for each side?

Since I am in So California, I am a little ways from Newmar, but hope to make it out there sometime in the future. Right now, I am in training for retirement and taking some trips in the western states. In about 5 months and counting, I will have more freedom to come and go.

["007"]

Yes raise passenger chassis rail pair of jacks than raise drivers side chassis rail pair of jacks until yellow light goes out. Don't over extend the jacks use yellow light when its out you should be level if on a level pad.
Your instruction booklet should tell you how to level manually.
The center windshield rubber has a metal rib incased in the rubber.

[efstewart]

I understand now. I will try it on my next trip. Thanks!

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

My 2006 DSDP has a floating windshield...I don't know exactly what that means especially when replacing original winshield. Before you have the new unit installed call Newmar tech support and determine if a floating windshield requires anything extordinary when installing a replacement.
When I level manually I follow the same process as as auto. Driver side, passenger side then front or rear.