Broken Windshield Wiper Arm (3x's)

[Bobby C]

Hello IRV2 Family,

What a year. We hit a deer in the MH last November, $30k in damage. Just got the coach back for a trip to the North East. Still waiting on Monaco for the new dash (I know that is a surprise).

My question is about the windshield wiper arm. It broke again on this trip and is the third time it has broken. Like Bob's post in January, Monaco says it came from Diesel Equipment. I contacted them and ordered a replacement in early 2010. All three times, it breaks at the hinge where the "pot" metal piece connects to the steal arm. Apparently the hinge is not strong enough to handle the 31" wiper blade. I thought about replacing the arm again but using a smaller wiper blade to create less friction and force on the hinge. The problem I am running into is that the steal arm is much wider than a smaller wiper blades J opening can handle. I even thought about going down to NAPA and Auto Zone and trying to match another smaller arm like one for a Ford F550. Having the kind of reach the OEM arm assembly has is not that important since I am usually not standing while I am driving (HA HA). The OEM arm assembly trys to clear the majority of the full one piece winshield. I do not think this is necessary.

What are your thoughts and has anyone had a similar problem? Thanks in advance for your input.

[series60man]

I am going to a 28" blade on my 06 Executive. That size will clean more than enough surface area and put less strain on the mechanics of the wiper. Mine uses a one inch bolt and nut to hold it on to the arm. Just find one where the hole lines up OK for the bolt.