Opinions on Windshield

[jww]

Question for those of you who have replaced windshields.
Caught a rock on the right side (two piece windshield) and have had it repaired. Time will tell if it holds or if the crack continues to run.
Are replacement windshields difficult to find ?
Would it be wise to obtain the replacement and store until it is neccessary to install?
With the current location of the crack I will wait until it blocks vision to replace, just concerned about availability in the future.
Thanks in advance for opinions.
2003 Diplomat

[bdpreece]

You didn't say how long your crack was but I had one on the drivers side middle right about 3 inches from the edge. The crack was probably less then half an inch and I had it repaired over three years ago by a guy parked along side the highway in Benson AZ. The crack just looked like another bug on the windshield and never grew any larger by the time we sold the coach two weeks ago. I don't think I would invest the money in a replacement unless I saw it starting to grow.

[jww]

Thanks bdpreece .
The crack grew to about 12" long within the first 10 miles after the rock hit, then stayed the same for the remaining 700 miles home.
I have had mixed result in repairing them but it is always worth the gamble to try.
My concern is the availability of the windshield for a 2003 Model Coach.
I have not contacted my local glass company but intend doing so in the near future.
Best Regards

[bdpreece]

In some states I believe that long of a crack is already considered a safety hazard and can get you a ticket. I would be talking to the glass company. If you do a search on motorhome windshields you get a lot of companies who claim to be able to provide windshields for every make and model.

Brian

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jww Thanks bdpreece . The crack grew to about 12" long within the first 10 miles after the rock hit, then stayed the same for the remaining 700 miles home. I have had mixed result in repairing them but it is always worth the gamble to try. My concern is the availability of the windshield for a 2003 Model Coach. I have not contacted my local glass company but intend doing so in the near future. Best Regards

State Farm Insurance will only repair a crack that fits under a dollar bill and not in the driver's view, any larger and it has to be replaced. There are ads in Motorhome Magazine for nation wide windshield replacements for MHs. Don't use a regular auto windshield company. I made that mistake and had nothing but trouble. The motorhome specialists do a proper job because that is their trade. Joe

[Batman_777]

It would be nice to know how often windshields are broken and if insurance companies pay for them without a deductable. I think Florida has a state law that requires insurance companies to replace broken/cracked windshields without a deductable.

[azloafer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batman_777 It would be nice to know how often windshields are broken and if insurance companies pay for them without a deductible. I think Florida has a state law that requires insurance companies to replace broken/cracked windshields without a deductable.

I have State Farm and the windshields are covered under comprehensive with no deductible. In the past 24 years in Arizona we have gone thru at least a dozen windshields (some just repaired) in our cars and half a dozen in the MHs over the years. Broken windshields are a pretty common occurrence, at least it has been for us. The windshield claims have not raised our premium so far. Just the normal small increases each year. We don't have any complaints about State Farm. They paid for $4500 of damage on our former coach. It was covered under comprehensive because it was all wind damage. Joe

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer I have State Farm and the windshields are covered under comprehensive with no deductible. In the past 24 years in Arizona we have gone thru at least a dozen windshields (some just repaired) in our cars and half a dozen in the MHs over the years. Broken windshields are a pretty common occurrence, at least it has been for us. The windshield claims have not raised our premium so far. Just the normal small increases each year. We don't have any complaints about State Farm. They paid for $4500 of damage on our former coach. It was covered under comprehensive because it was all wind damage. Joe

Our MH passenger side windshield had a long crack in it because the former owner had sprayed cold water on it on a hot and sunny day - he offered to have it covered under his insurance if I wanted to pay the $200 deductible, so I went ahead - ours is a '88 Winnebago, and no problem finding a replacement, so I wouldn't expect anything newer being hard to find.

As to State farm and deductible, when I then had our Winnie MH insured with them, they offered both a deductible, OR a non-deductible glass replacement - but the non-deductible was so little an increase, it was silly to not pay for it...

[Nonno]

Quote:

crack grew to about 12" long

Does your state require an annual inspection? If so, that may answer your question since you may have to replace it in order to get a new inspection sticker.

[dajudge]

jww, try to find an independent glass installer who works for himself. Have him call Duncan Glass Systems, they advertise in motorhome life. Their prices are reasonable and the send the right kind of sealant to use on your windshield. Several years ago, I had one side changed on my former mh at the local glass co. When I had to change both sides several years later (broken in a dispute with my roll up door) the guy told me that the local glass co. had used the wrong sealant. On cracks, I haven't had any luck with crack repairs. I think they are a waste of time and money.

[AKBrick]

If you are in the west, ie; Arizona, CA, OR, look up "RV Glass". The owner, Justen and gang replaced our full windshield while we were in our campsite in "The Valley of the Rogue State Park" in Oregon. They are located in Medford during the summers and have a shop in Phoenix in the winter. When in Eugene or Junction City OR, Call Coachglass/A-1 Glass. They are replacing our fogged up side window next week. We're just waiting for the glass to come from the factory.
I was very happy with "RV Glass". They did a fine job in about an hour and a half.
Good luck,
AKBrick

[jww]

Thanks for all of the replies !
I will check on the availability of a replacement. That is my main concern at this point, with the coach being a 2003.
Living in Mississippi, we do have a State Inspection. With the crack being far right side of the passenger windshield i don't think inspection will be an issue.

[twdickson454]

I have a 1995 Crown Royal Monaco and as we speak Motor Homes of Texas are in the process of installing this glass. Duncan supplied the glass as part of my no deductable progressive policy. I am super pleased with Motor Homes of Texas so much so that I will go to them when I am ready to trade this coach in. Mike Rodgers is fantastic!Pre-owned RV sales, Service ,Parts & Consignments Motorhomes of Texas