Community Forums

67vette · 10-11-2018, 06:13 AM

Just arrived in Hilton Head Motor Coach Resort (Arrow Rd) and on the drive down had the misfortune of having a rock hit windshield and it went from bullseye to 3ft long crack. I have contacted my Ins Co and they are putting me in touch with a Co called Duncan Repair and they in turn are suppose to hook me up with a glass replacement Co. So from your experience what should I be looking out for and does anyone have a glass Co in the area that they can recommend? Thanks in advance

redbaron73 · 10-11-2018, 06:22 AM

Duncan is very slow to respond. You have to stay on top of them. In addition make sure the gasket is replaced. Newmar does not allow the gasket to be reused.

Some policy say they dont cover the gasket, but when provided the statement from newmar that the gasket is part of the windshield design and required, they have to cover it.

NWIP · 10-11-2018, 06:39 AM

Hope you survived the storm, we are over at HH Harbor RV Resort and all is well. I don’t have recommendation but you might call Paul Martel, mobile RV mechanic 843-384-8209. He may be able to give you a recommendation. Good luck.

ewlee · 10-11-2018, 06:46 AM

Be careful who you call for windshield replacement. Not all the vendors listed in their helpful packet are reliable. Ask around first.

NealC · 10-11-2018, 08:05 AM

Duncan was prompt and fine for me. I got an estimate from Newmar before even contacting insurance. Then contacted my insurance which Duncan contacted me and I emailed them a picture of the crack and sent the estimate. They contacted Newmar and it was painless. I’m having Newmar replace it in December as I’ll be in the area. I don’t trust anyone else.

ptw · 10-11-2018, 08:12 AM

We got hit by a rock on the way home from the Hoots rally. Wife was calling Safelite to get it repaired when the crack spread almost 2 feet. Called Newmar and they said they are booked for a while and told me to call my dealer. Made arrangements with the dealer (Midway) to get it repaired in November. Talked to the insurance company and they coordinated between Duncan and my dealer. Dealer said they have been through this many times and not to worry. I'll have to ask if Duncan is just supplying the glass. I'll also be sure to ask about the gasket.

redbaron73 · 10-11-2018, 02:07 PM

If it is being done by Newmar, Midway, or any reputable newmar dealer (see other threads) then the gasket is a non-issue. The dealer knows how to handle.

I had the issue with a campsite replacement of my windshield.

ghaynes754 · 10-11-2018, 02:14 PM

Dutch Star, at least recent model, do not use a gasket. It is 'glued' into place. After the windshield is installed, at least at the Newmar Factory, it needs to set for 12 or 24 hours before the coach is moved. Ted, ask whoever you have do the work about their install process.

JMH · 10-11-2018, 08:14 PM

67vette,

I’ll be quick and blunt: do not let anyone replace your windshield except the factory. Some folks on the forum have been advised by factory techs that if there is one repair they would recommend only the factory should perform, it would be windshield replacement. It’s your coach, your money.

Runaway4002 · 10-11-2018, 08:31 PM

Here is our experience on windshield replacements. We are fulltime and have nearly 60,000 miles in three years. We have had two windshield replacements. We are based out of Washington State so the Factory is not real convenient for us. The first was done through Duncan at our local commercial auto glass facility near us. It was perfect without any issues. The second was in Las Vegas through SafeLite at their commercial/truck facility. They used Duncan for the glass but the install was a disaster. It has been back three times due to leaks. First time in Palm Springs and then twice in Washington State. I think it is finally water tight as we have had no additional leaks in some very severe rains while in New England and the East Coast. I don't think you have to go to the factory but think you should if you can or should use a commercial glass specialist. As an additional question, when you refer to the gasket, are you talking about the exterior trim pieces or is there an actual gasket that the glass itself fits in? I have attached a picture of the exterior trim pieces. As always, thanks for you input.

S_Watkins · 10-11-2018, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

Duncan was prompt and fine for me. I got an estimate from Newmar before even contacting insurance. Then contacted my insurance which Duncan contacted me and I emailed them a picture of the crack and sent the estimate. They contacted Newmar and it was painless. I’m having Newmar replace it in December as I’ll be in the area. I don’t trust anyone else.

Mind sharing the cost?

NWIP · 10-12-2018, 04:46 AM

We are getting windshield replaced at Newmar factory next month, quote is $3687. We already had the appt at factory when crack occurred so was able to add.

ghaynes754 · 10-12-2018, 10:05 AM

Mike the Dutch Star and probably the coaches above the DS in the line don't have the exterior trim like you have, at least on the later years. Windshield is glued into place with a black resin and prior to setting the resin is smoothed out.