Cross-Bracing Windshield in a Travel Supreme

[slabman]

Too? That's the very chassis all this talk is based upon. Yes, you will want to ensure your new chassis has been braced.

[roaming]

I just looked at Bishop's site this last week, and their final fix is to install a large metal brace around the windshield. This involves removing the front cap completely off of the MH, very time and labor intensive, with the corresponding cost - $10,500 with the seamless cap and X-bracing not already done.
Travel Supreme Motor Homes, Fifth Wheel RVs | Elkhart, IN

[The Driver]

Yes, if you've had all the x-bracing and you're still experiencing windshield problems. Don't do the hoop first.

[slabman]

I can replace a lot of windshields for ten grand.

[Ann n Gene]

Good downpayment on that new Cornerstone Bob, and they are now 2013s to boot. lol I agree, the X bracing alone appears to have fixed my Alante. I would not spend that kind of money unless I was SURE that I still had an ongoing problem that was going to cause a lot of trouble. all just my opinion.

[Buddy Jones]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvrvtemecula hello this is Joseph from temecula Valley RV we have done two X-Bracing here and they have turned out great, any question please call me at 951-894-2347

I have a 2003 TS select 45' and the windshield needs resetting now. I would appreciate some info and pic's concerning the cross bracing. Thanks, any help you can be will helpful. Buddy

[drwyatt]

I have a 2006 TS select 45 and the left windshield poped when going home after I purchased it. When it was reset the person doing the job had 30 years in RV repairs. He said the problem is that the MFG and others use an adheavsant on the side that is not strong enough. He reset my windshield and it is still in place 2 1/2 years later. The windshields floats in the frame except for the sides which anchor it in place.I think the cross bracing is over kill and very costly in comparison to using a better adheasive in holding the windshields in place. I have read in sevaeal blogs where the cross bracing did not fix the windshield problem. In my case a better glue did at a very low cost. I am very satisfied with the ride I get the way it is. Dave W

[Ann n Gene]

Dave, the truth is the manufacture uses NO adhesive of any kind in the windshield. They are designed so that the rubber and the shape of the windshield transfers pressure toward the side of the coach and the center where the two pieces meet. They are designed to stay in place with no adhesive what so ever. The problem comes in when the coach and the front cap flex more than the design limit thereby pushing the glass outward and thus the pop out. In MOST cases, if the X bracing was done properly the result is a permanent fix. All that being said, I can certainly see where a strong adhesive would tend to hold the glass in place and help prevent it from popping out. As long as you do not have to replace the glass the glue fix is great and much cheaper. Cleanning that glue off the rubber and the fiberglass to replace a windshield that got broken by a passing truck throwing up a rock etc could be problematical in many places that might not have access to the particular rubber used on your coach. Seems it is working great for you and that is all that counts. just my experience and opinion.

[drwyatt]

Well I guess that you can spend thousands of dollars on cross bracing or a few dollars on on sealant to hold the rubber seal to the front panel. The actual windshield is not sealed to the rubber, only the rubber to the frame. The window still can float in the seal. I have worked with mechanical devices and electronic devices all my life directly with manufactures and believe me they do not always know what they are doing. More often than not some some field technician comes up with a better fix or design to solve the problem. Many blogs state that the cross bracing does not always solve the problem, But it always cost lots of money. I have always felt the KISS method is often the best, 'Keep It Simple Stupid.' Sealant is simple and if it does not work it can be removed, but in the installers experience it has always worked as he has not got returns for re-work. Dave W

[roaming]

I just did the cross bracing in my '02 for under $400 with labor and materials, and the local glass company here who did the windshield reseat ($500 in labor and gasket) also used the heavy adhesive so we'll see how it goes. I was pretty amazed that the glass company was very well versed with Travel Supreme and told me right up front that they wouldn't warranty the windshield due to the propensity to pop.

I'm working on a writeup on doing the X-bracing yourself or with a local welder for our blog, I'll link to it here once I get it completed.