Body flex --> Cracked windshield

[two2go]

I have to cross a slight dip at an angle to and from my storage yard, and the body of my '05 Dolphin really creaks and groans. The last time in, I heard a pop but didn't think it was anything I had not heard before. When I retrieved the coach yesterday, I saw the following result. Fortunately for now, it is just off my field of view from the driver's seat. A glass company guy said it won't leak and won't fall out, so I think I will try to live with it unless or until it gets worse or really bugs me. Wonder what one side costs to replace? I've got a $500 deductible.

I have seen reports on this forum of windshields popping out, so stress problems are probably not that unusual. But when I look at that design and installation, I have to think that the manufacturer could have done a better job of isolating the window frame to prevent flex. Also, the big wraparound glass does not help. I wonder if the newer, flatter and smaller windshields are better?

[Theberrys]

I just replaced the passengers side windshield on my 1999 Tradewinds and the gasket as well. The cost was $1200.00 but if the gasket didn't need replaceing it would have been about $800.00

Dick

[Kelowna]

I was leveling my tradewinds the other day and broke both of the windshields. just picked it up at the glass shop and the bill was $3800.00 plus tax. This did not include gaskets.Install portion was $360.00. I also had a $500 deductible. I now know the proper way of leveling my coach.

[n9iui]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelowna I was leveling my tradewinds the other day and broke both of the windshields. just picked it up at the glass shop and the bill was $3800.00 plus tax. This did not include gaskets.Install portion was $360.00. I also had a $500 deductible. I now know the proper way of leveling my coach.

What was it that you did wrong? We just got our first Class A and first camper with levelers. I'll take all the words of wisdom I can get!

[Theberrys]

I found the quote for my windshield replacement. $3800 sounds kinda high to me.

Here is a copy of the quote.

The quote for your windshield
1999 National Trade Winds Motorhome
Right Windshield and Gasket
Glass : 429.00
Gasket : 225.00
Crate Charge : 75.00
Freight Charge : 95.00
Installation of right windshield 175.00
Removal and installation of left windshield and gasket 175.00
Total 1174.00
Tax 80.41
Grand Total : 1254.41

The glass takes about a week for delivery.

I can not be held responsible if the drivers side gets broken during removal and installation but rest assured we have not broken one in several years.

We offer a life time guaranty against leaks or defects in workmanship.

I would need 1/2 down to order the glass = 627.20.

We accept Master Card, Visa, and Discover.

A-1 GLASS DEPOT
BRIAN KELLY 505-299-5533
CELL 505-401-0132
Thank You

[Kelowna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n9iui What was it that you did wrong? We just got our first Class A and first camper with levelers. I'll take all the words of wisdom I can get!

I have munuall levellers and i did not lift the front high enough before i started to level side to side and twisted the coach too much. I was on quite a bit of a side slope. I could hear the dash creeking but never thought of the windshields breaking.

[Kelowna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theberrys I found the quote for my windshield replacement. $3800 sounds kinda high to me. Here is a copy of the quote. The quote for your windshield 1999 National Trade Winds Motorhome Right Windshield and Gasket Glass : 429.00 Gasket : 225.00 Crate Charge : 75.00 Freight Charge : 95.00 Installation of right windshield 175.00 Removal and installation of left windshield and gasket 175.00 Total 1174.00 Tax 80.41 Grand Total : 1254.41 The glass takes about a week for delivery. I can not be held responsible if the drivers side gets broken during removal and installation but rest assured we have not broken one in several years. We offer a life time guaranty against leaks or defects in workmanship. I would need 1/2 down to order the glass = 627.20. We accept Master Card, Visa, and Discover. A-1 GLASS DEPOT BRIAN KELLY 505-299-5533 CELL 505-401-0132 Thank You

I gues if i ever have to pay for it my self, it would be cheaper to drive to NM and make a holiday out of it. I didn't price it my self. I just saw the invoice the insurance company sent the RV repair place.

[Theberrys]

These repair guys know it's an insurance job and bump the price because they can. In the end we all pay in higher premiums, too bad but there is really nothing we can do about it.

Dick

[Lee Hahn]

My 2003 Travel supreme, 40 ft, had similar problems with cracking windshields. Many manufacturers in early 2000 had the problem also. I heard of a fix involving bracing of the basement framing structure with what was called " X-Bracing ". After researching the fix and looking at pictures of the fix, I had a welder buddy of mine install extra bracing. Have not had a problem since even with doing 2000 miles on Mexico roads. The nose of my rig does not tourque like it used to, putting pressure on glass.

[Don Himes]

Does anybody know how I can buy both windshild gaskets for my 2000 Tradewinds?