Community Forums

tdb8254 · 05-17-2011, 06:36 AM

Well the modest sized ( 8 inch) crack in the corner of the passenger side windshield of my 2000 Diplomat (two piece windshield) is now a major crack. Making a turn yesterday the back wheels got into a big dip and the windshield is now really cracked. Also the rubber gasket pulled away from the frame about ¼ inch. Taped that with good old duck tape
I am on my way to Louisville KY for a few days but I live in the Mobile Alabama –Pensacola Florida area, does anyone have a recommendation for where to get the windshield replaced?

"007" · 05-17-2011, 06:49 AM

Any good glass company in area would have to order glass from supplier. Could be done on site of stop over inform them if rubber seal is torn or in tack.
Have traveled through Canada west with Duck Taped windshield and on returned to states had replaced at Newmar before heading home.
The tape works fine its just the appearance of your pride of taped up coach that hurts.

Duncan Glass your insurance should cover expense.

Richard S. · 05-17-2011, 07:37 AM

My insurance used Duncan systems inc. and a local shop to do the installation, no problems.

Tincup · 05-17-2011, 07:58 AM

I would rely on your insurance company to recommend one. I had a windshield replaced in Las Vegas and Columbus, Ohio, in both cases my insurance company had the glass company call me and they came to me and replaced it. Great service and cost me just nothing.

dave47 · 05-17-2011, 04:40 PM

When a windshield cracks like you have described .. UNLESS there is visable damage that caused the crack .. more than likely The Cap Has Caused The Problem .. When YOU HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED .. Ask the installer.

TO DO A "DRY FIT" IF the installer does not know that term...
He is not the one to use... MONACO has had this problem for many years...
A quick explication is .. The original windshield was installed into the front cap
prior to installing onto the coach .. A such .. if there were any "fit" problems
It would not be noticed .. So .. In other words the cap(or cap opening) & windshield are not the same configuration.. (causing a bind)
I have replaced 100s of these windshields .. mostly for the manufacture ''
So last comment is .. you might have a fiberglass problem ...

Thanks ..Dave

Ottawa · 05-17-2011, 07:06 PM

I would recommend http://www.rvglassexperts.com/. I have used them and was very satisfied.

Submustang · 05-21-2011, 11:09 AM

I second RV Glass Solutions. They arranged for an installer and took care of the insurance last year when we broke ours.

tdb8254 · 05-22-2011, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave47

When a windshield cracks like you have described .. UNLESS there is visable damage that caused the crack .. more than likely The Cap Has Caused The Problem .. When YOU HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED .. Ask the installer.

TO DO A "DRY FIT" IF the installer does not know that term...
He is not the one to use... MONACO has had this problem for many years...
A quick explication is .. The original windshield was installed into the front cap
prior to installing onto the coach .. A such .. if there were any "fit" problems
It would not be noticed .. So .. In other words the cap(or cap opening) & windshield are not the same configuration.. (causing a bind)
I have replaced 100s of these windshields .. mostly for the manufacture ''
So last comment is .. you might have a fiberglass problem ...

Thanks ..Dave

Dave

Thanks for the input, just so I know what is a dry fit? I have read on some forums that there is an argument about butyl vs urethane for sealant. Lots to learn and you guys are the place to learn it

Dan B

njs42 · 05-22-2011, 05:45 AM

Plenty of good help here---but I thought I would add-----this is how I discovered black duct tape---not so unsightly-----not so humiliating.

The only thing it is not good for is taping ducts---------as we all know.

And now you have the rest of the story.

dave47 · 05-22-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdb8254

Dave

Thanks for the input, just so I know what is a dry fit? I have read on some forums that there is an argument about butyl vs urethane for sealant. Lots to learn and you guys are the place to learn it

Dan B

Butyl never drys / and the heat makes it expand (creping out from gasket)
over time will look ugly // Urethane is an adhesive and will keep your windshield where it's supposed to be ....

// Dry fit .....

Remove windshield & gasket
Install windshield .. using small pieces ( cut to 4 to 6" ) of windshield
just enough to hold windshield .. to measure the distance between windshield and the front cap flange .. there should be an even 1/2" gap ..
even around the complete windshield / cap ..
If there is less than 1/2" there will be a bind .. causing the windshield to crack or pop out ..If there is more than a 1/2" gap the windshield will be loose and will result in the same outcome .. ALSO SOME CAPS ARE TWISTED ..The windshield must be checked to insure the windshield and cap are the flush with each other .. I SUGGEST YOU CALL COACH GLASS ...
They have a RV expert ( ask for Todd) that will know the history of your model and if there were any problems with your coach .. Thanks .. Dave47

'

tdb8254 · 05-23-2011, 02:44 AM

Thanks for the detailed explanation.I will follow up on that

Dan b

azloafer · 05-23-2011, 04:36 AM

I could get into a long story, how four [4] RV windshields arrived broken through Duncan Systems and why a local glass company couldn't handle the windshield replacement in the end, but I won't. It would be boring and some people would think that it is unbelievable, I would have if it hadn't happened to me! Bottom line: My advise is to use an RV windshield firm, not just any auto windshield repair firm.
Happy Trails, Joe

Chuck 1935 · 05-23-2011, 11:31 AM

BUYER BEWARE, I just had my passanger side windshield repaired and have $250 deductable. The installer Master Glass from Escondido,Ca sent out their independent contractor to do the job. After they had the old widshield out the installer said that there was some rust on two of the mounting brackets and said did I want them treated, of course I said sure. He dabbed some stuff on the 2 brackets, !"X1/2" and installed the windshield. When he handed me the bill for the $250 deductable, he had also add $40 plus tax for a windshield install kit. Rather than get into it, I signed the Credit Card reciept. I then called Master, told them of the $250 deductable and they removed the additional charge. You just have to watch out for all the little games.