Community Forums

OakHillFarm · 08-19-2019, 06:10 PM

Finally ready to replace the windshield that cracked on our very first trip back in 2016. Its just a small “u” shaped crack at the bottom near the passenger side wiper. Figured I should get it replaced since we are planning to get a Magne Shade installed next spring. Question is how do I coordinate with insurance to have the windshield replaced at the factory?

2016 Canyon Star 3710

ptw · 08-19-2019, 07:41 PM

How big is the chip or crack? Safelite told us if it smaller than a dollar bill they could fix it. We had two chips about the size of a quarter fixed by them. When they were done you could barely tell where it was.

Coming from Hoots last year we had a big rock kicked up by a truck hit the windshield. Within minutes the crack went across the windshield. We called Newmar but it was going to take a couple months before we could get in. We decided to go to our dealer, Midway RV in Michigan.

We called the insurance company (National General). They had Safelite call us. Safelite asked if it was bigger than a dollar. It was, end of call. Next Duncan Systems called us. I told them I wanted to get it repaired at the dealer that I bought the RV from. They said "no problem". Either Duncan or National General worked the price out with Midway. Next call was from Midway to set up our appointment. Midway has a company come in to do the glass in their shop. Midway says they use this company all the time and never had a problem. We stayed overnight in Midways parking lot because they didn't want us to drive it for a day.

What I also liked about going to Midway was that I got an OEM windshield with the Newmar symbol in the corner.

stang37 · 08-19-2019, 08:36 PM

Currently at NIRV in Lewisville TX having windshield replaced. Called Progressive and got Duncan. Asked to have it done at factory or NIRV since I have to come back here for furniture change. No problem Duncan worked with NIRVC to make the change.

OakHillFarm · 08-20-2019, 03:02 AM

The windshield actually got hit 2 separate times on our initial trip in 2016. One was right on the lower edge of the glass. I did not notice it until the grass cracked when coming off the jacks. Close examination revealed the initial chip. Second one was up high and I got Safelite to repair it. No problems with that one since and it is hardly noticeable. They said there was nothing they could do for the crack. The crack went vertical to just past where the passenger wiper "parks", then made a U-turn and went back down toward the edge. It has not grown in the subsequent summers. In total it's about a foot long, but not in the field of view so I opted to not address it. Now with the plan to get a Magne Shade I figure if they are gonna install magnets to the windshield I would go ahead and get it replaced. Looks like I just let the insurance company know I want to have Newmar replace it and see what happens. We only live about 200 mi. from the factory so it is really no big inconvenience vs. confidence it is installed right. Plus I'd take the opportunity to take the new factory tour.

ptw · 08-20-2019, 04:31 AM

Yes, good idea to wait on the Magne Shades.

We have Magne Shades on our coach. It wasn't very difficult taking the magnets off or putting them back on. I did a better job the second time than I did the first, anyways. Hardest thing was to keep the magnets from jumping together. Cardboard spacers helped since I didn't save the plastic washers they came with when new. Magne Shades sent me new adhesive at no charge.

You shouldn't have a problem going to Newmar. If your insurance company gives you a hard time, it may be time to change insurance companies.

wildtoad · 08-20-2019, 05:51 AM

When I had to have mine replaced my insurance company had Binswanger Glass come to my home and did the work. First trip was to identify the glass, take measurements, then ordered the glass. When it came in, they brought it to the house with plenty of helping hands. Did a great job. Take it to the factory if you want to, but you may/should not need to.

RKins · 08-20-2019, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OakHillFarm

The windshield actually got hit 2 separate times on our initial trip in 2016. One was right on the lower edge of the glass. I did not notice it until the grass cracked when coming off the jacks. Close examination revealed the initial chip. Second one was up high and I got Safelite to repair it. No problems with that one since and it is hardly noticeable. They said there was nothing they could do for the crack. The crack went vertical to just past where the passenger wiper "parks", then made a U-turn and went back down toward the edge. It has not grown in the subsequent summers. In total it's about a foot long, but not in the field of view so I opted to not address it. Now with the plan to get a Magne Shade I figure if they are gonna install magnets to the windshield I would go ahead and get it replaced. Looks like I just let the insurance company know I want to have Newmar replace it and see what happens. We only live about 200 mi. from the factory so it is really no big inconvenience vs. confidence it is installed right. Plus I'd take the opportunity to take the new factory tour.

I realized that I needed to get mine replaced while I was at the factory and called the insurance company (progressive), which steered me to Duncan. They took care of everything with the insurance company and Newmar installed them. There was a 6 week wait while one of them was being made though, so I left the coach there (had other things being done too) and came back 7 weeks later. The initial drive up and back was 2500+ miles. Leaving the coach at the factory and driving home doubled that.