Community Forums

jwann1 · 09-23-2016, 04:47 PM

It's my first summer owning a travel supreme 40 ft 2002 with 370 hp Cummings. My third trip out i heard a pop and noticed that the lower driver side split Windshield had a crack that looked like it originated under the lower windshield rubber gasket at the left hand corner. What now. I've read a lot of threads. Does the 40 ft coach on the Spartan chassis need cross bracing. It has 69,000 miles on the original windshields. I know the windshield was not hit by anything. Any info appreciated.

rhusak · 09-23-2016, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwann1

It's my first summer owning a travel supreme 40 ft 2002 with 370 hp Cummings. My third trip out i heard a pop and noticed that the lower driver side split Windshield had a crack that looked like it originated under the lower windshield rubber gasket at the left hand corner. What now. I've read a lot of threads. Does the 40 ft coach on the Spartan chassis need cross bracing. It has 69,000 miles on the original windshields. I know the windshield was not hit by anything. Any info appreciated.

Jwann1
I have an 04 TS 40 footer.. Had both windshields replaced last winter while in Arizona... All went well..
Yes it is Spartan Chassis (I believe all that Travel Supreme used) where the ones that needed "X" bracing.. But usually on longer units.. But some have had that done on 40's..
It doesn't seem reasonable that your 02 (14 years old) would have waited this long to exhibit this problem.. Besides it sounds like something caused your break. It doesn't take too much of a hit to cause this especially if the hit takes place close to the edge..
Usually the chassis flex exhibits windshield popping out and cracking.. Usually when stressed by trying to jack to level etc.
But I suppose anything is possible..
Hope you are enjoying your coach otherwise..
Good luck..
Ron Husak

rag_ftw · 09-23-2016, 05:30 PM

What was the status of the coach when this happened? (Moving, Parked, Leveling, operating slides...)

jwann1 · 09-24-2016, 09:01 AM

Really not sure. It was not cracked before we started out. We had to be driving down the road which was up, down hill and curves. But not extreme I have been on worse. While driving we did hear a pop but it sounded like it was on the passenger side like something had fallen off the wall on passenger side but never found anything. I'm guessing that was when it cracked. I noticed a few minutes later when my eye caught it in the sunlight. I'm wondering since it's only about 12 inches long and mostly out of sight it I can have it stop drilled and the have the crack filled. I've seen that procedure done on car windshields and after repairing the crack you can't see it. But that might not work since the windshields flex so much. Thanks Joe

PETEHAGEN · 09-24-2016, 10:00 AM

Jwann1 , Sorry to hear about your problem but it is not new to me I cracked both front windshields on our first trip took it to Procession Paint and had all the X-bracing done still broke Three more windshields . The coach is at Pauls new shop having the hoop system installed Going up to Indiana next week to check on things My coach is a 45 footer I believe some coaches are just worst than others. When I had a small crack in the windshield they said they couldn't repair once it start to run, If it is that small I believe I would let it get worst before doing anything Pete Hagen (Sirmowsalot)

jwann1 · 09-24-2016, 10:12 AM

What does the cross bracing normally cost and what is the hoop system and what does it involve and is it costly. I will probably let it get worse before I change the windshield. But at this point I'm a little worried.

PETEHAGEN · 09-24-2016, 10:33 AM

Jwann1, The cross bracing costs around $3500. The windshield hoop system run Between $5700, & $6500 The front inside of coach dash, cabinets , everything concluding the seat up to the first slide is removed to install the hoop system. even the entry door.. Its alot of work Pauls said But hoping this solves my windshields problems. Good luck Pete Hagen (sirmowsalot)

rag_ftw · 09-24-2016, 06:14 PM

If it were me I wouldn't be all that concerned about a windshield that was 14 years old with 69,000 miles cracking on a 40' coach. At least I wouldn't be worried enough to have the hoop installed and probably wouldn't do cross bracing either. Our shorter coaches don't seem to have the flex problems that the big boys have to deal with.

Here is a link to a previous discussion. Just some additional data points to help with your decision.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f274/cros...ts-222825.html