Community Forums

Gannet · 09-06-2014, 03:54 AM

All else being equal, which is more reliable, a one-piece or two-piece windshield?

By "reliable" I am referring to how prone they are to leaking, and how prone they are to popping out or breaking. Not in theory, but in real-world practice.

Experiences?

bgsc · 09-06-2014, 05:56 AM

Have had both prefer the 1 piece, both are prone to water leaks my Adventurer needed to have the supporting steel treated when I had the windshield replaced, my current coach a Tour was leaking bad from the top of the windshield, repaired that with a product called Sica Flex that we put between the rubber and body of the coach

Gary RVRoamer · 09-06-2014, 11:52 AM

I don't think there is any significant difference based on one vs two pieces. Leakage, popping, etc. are a result of the quality of the front cap design and construction, not the number of windshield pieces

mike brez · 09-06-2014, 04:23 PM

If you get a crack or bad chips and need to replace one might be 1/2 the price of the other.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-07-2014, 06:34 AM

Quote:

one might be 1/2 the price of the other.

Maybe, but probably not. The cost of the glass is driven more by the shape (complexity of molding it) than the size and the installation labor is pretty much the same.

mojoracing · 09-07-2014, 06:56 AM

I can't remember seeing any two piece windshields on any recent offerings from any manufacturer, can anyone else? I would tend to think that a one piece windshield would be more prone to popping out but again just my thoughts no real world experience. I have a one piece now in our bounder and other than a small area of the lip sticking up a bit I have had no problems. Although the windshield wasn't leaking i thought it a good idea to have the dealer fix the lip so it wouldn't cause any problems going forward.

IMDSailor · 09-07-2014, 07:22 AM

I haven't seen two piece windshields on new coaches, or recent coaches. Mine is a one piece, cracked it last summer. Neither my wife, who had the coach out at the time, or the replacement installer could figure out what caused it. The rig went up on the jacks the way it always does and the installer couldn't find any frame contact. The one thing we do know is that it wasn't a rock. Just one of those things I guess.
Replacement cost; $3000.00Cdn. Thankfully my insurance picked up $2000.00 of that.
Not sure how much of a difference it would have made had it of been a 2 piece windscreen.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

mike brez · 09-07-2014, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMDSailor

I haven't seen two piece windshields on new coaches, or recent coaches. Mine is a one piece, cracked it last summer. Neither my wife, who had the coach out at the time, or the replacement installer could figure out what caused it. The rig went up on the jacks the way it always does and the installer couldn't find any frame contact. The one thing we do know is that it wasn't a rock. Just one of those things I guess.
Replacement cost; $3000.00Cdn. Thankfully my insurance picked up $2000.00 of that.
Not sure how much of a difference it would have made had it of been a 2 piece windscreen.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Maybe, but probably not. The cost of the glass is driven more by the shape (complexity of molding it) than the size and the installation labor is pretty much the same.

Looks like way under 1/2 price.

Doc Hugh · 09-07-2014, 08:44 AM

A few years ago the one-piece windshield on our QSDP "acquired" a stone chip from a passing vehicle during a trip. It was a clean single chip with no visible "starring" or cracks. Since we were on the road, I arranged for a mobile chip repair by a reputable national glass repair franchise with our insurer's approval, to avoid potential further damage. Unfortunately, as occasionally happens, during the chip repair the windshield developed a substantial 18" crack, much to the dismay of myself and the repairer! Due to our schedule, we decided to have the windshield replaced after we retuned home. (BTW, very much to their credit, the franchise offered and later reimbursed me for my insurance deductible.)
Once home, I approached several auto and truck glass replacement franchises. They were invariably unwilling, unable or not properly equipped to handle the weight and bulk of a one-piece windshield; but quite prepared to do so if I had a two-piece windshield. I finally had the windshield replaced at the Triple E RV factory only 1 1/2 hours away, and I'm glad I did. They knew exactly what they were doing, and did a fine job! Got a few other things attended to while I was there too!

Despite the foregoing, I love the one-piece windshield which provides a full unobstructed view of the world.

Now I know what needs to be done if replacement is required in the future - and have a better appreciation of the potential risks of glass repair!

Ramets · 09-08-2014, 06:14 AM

We have a 2000 DSDP with a two piece windshield, and invariably about every 1 1/2 yrs. the upper corner of the passenger side will pop out a little. It's never leaked, but it's been a problem to find someone while on the road that will put it back in.