Windshields and cross bracing

[Airboss68]

Started a thread on this subject https://www.irv2.com/forums/f274/cro...ds-418288.html a year and a half ago after purchasing my TS when I knew absolutely very little about motorhomes and less than nothing about TS's, so now after a year I thought an update would be in order. Unfortunately due to the age of the thread it won't let me reply so here is a new thread

Just departing from Paul's after having my windshield hoop installed.

As an afterthought before departing, as my X bracing was done at a shop in SD I asked Paul to look it over. Indeed all of the cross bracing had not been done.

There is a portion of the bracing behind the steer wheels not readily visible and this was missing from mine. Pulled it back into the shop and in a few hours it was complete. So if your cross bracing was not done at Paul's double check and make sure it is all there.

Now hopefully after replacing 2 left panes and one right pane, do to jack failure and air bag failure, I need replace no more.

Additionally in another thread describing my 1st windshield replacement I mentioned that my TS needed a windshield panel 1/2' less wide than other 2004s.

Info from RV glass solutions there was a mid year change in the front cap requiring a smaller pane. Made sense at the time but:

After talking to Paul and his partner it is really due to the fact(s) that during this period of time TS had 3 different windshield suppliers all supplying a slightly different shape and size. Coupled with the fact that the front cap is fiberglass the openings had minor variances in size. So I guess if you are having your windshield replaced and the installer is having trouble with fit or it doesn't look right make them investigate a different windshield pane.

[rag_ftw]

Originally Posted by Airboss68

...

Additionally in another thread describing my 1st windshield replacement I mentioned that my TS needed a windshield panel 1/2' less wide than other 2004s.

Info from RV glass solutions there was a mid year change in the front cap requiring a smaller pane. Made sense at the time but:

After talking to Paul and his partner it is really due to the fact(s) that during this period of time TS had 3 different windshield suppliers all supplying a slightly different shape and size. Coupled with the fact that the front cap is fiberglass the openings had minor variances in size. So I guess if you are having your windshield replaced and the installer is having trouble with fit or it doesn't look right make them investigate a different windshield pane.

When they were replacing mine in 2018 they had to grind areas of the replacement glass to get it to fit inside the frame. Guess they didn't grind enough, as it cracked again last year. There was no visible impact damage just a crack that started at the top. While doing some research I learned that there are different size windshields. When I contacted Safelite and gave them my VIN they said I had the smaller glass.

I have not found a VIN reference to windshield glass size, but I am sure one exists somewhere!

[Azee]

Is there a way to see if the hoop has been installed without removals? Ours has cross bracing, but I don't where it was done or if it was done correctly and clearly I don't know about the hoop either.

Good information on the various sizes on the windshields. Thanks

[Airboss68]

Not sure. Just crawled under my dash and poked around Generator compartment and couldn't tell. Doesn't mean there isn't a way , I just don't know how.

Unfortunately I am not still at Paul's and can't easily ask. If there is a way I'm sure one of the other owners will chime in.

I'll be setting up later today on a site the really requires my front end to be up in the air and I'll try to post some photos of the additional X bracing I needed.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Airboss68

Started a thread on this subject https://www.irv2.com/forums/f274/cro...ds-418288.html a year and a half ago after purchasing my TS when I knew absolutely very little about motorhomes and less than nothing about TS's, so now after a year I thought an update would be in order. Unfortunately due to the age of the thread it won't let me reply so here is a new thread

Just departing from Paul's after having my windshield hoop installed.

As an afterthought before departing, as my X bracing was done at a shop in SD I asked Paul to look it over. Indeed all of the cross bracing had not been done.

There is a portion of the bracing behind the steer wheels not readily visible and this was missing from mine. Pulled it back into the shop and in a few hours it was complete. So if your cross bracing was not done at Paul's double check and make sure it is all there.

Now hopefully after replacing 2 left panes and one right pane, do to jack failure and air bag failure, I need replace no more.

Additionally in another thread describing my 1st windshield replacement I mentioned that my TS needed a windshield panel 1/2' less wide than other 2004s.

Info from RV glass solutions there was a mid year change in the front cap requiring a smaller pane. Made sense at the time but:

After talking to Paul and his partner it is really due to the fact(s) that during this period of time TS had 3 different windshield suppliers all supplying a slightly different shape and size. Coupled with the fact that the front cap is fiberglass the openings had minor variances in size. So I guess if you are having your windshield replaced and the installer is having trouble with fit or it doesn't look right make them investigate a different windshield pane.

Boy would an Image or two help with seeing/understanding all this.

The explanation of the Fact that they had Different windshield suppliers is one that finally helps explain why TS had so many issues with the Windshied. -

If the windshield is loose when you start - or too tight - explains why some had them Falling out and others had them Cracked. -

So then the question is is there one supplier who is supplying the CORRECT Glass? r is there really any Correct Glass. -

That would be nice to Know. -

Thanks for that info - I remember when I had my Glass replaced at the Factory asking why some Fell out while others Cracked - the explanation was that they did often not cut the Hole perfectly. -

Even now after 15 years - I continue to learn more about these Coaches.

I was very fortunate that I became a Pest and TS - reinstalled new Windshields for me - Installed the New Air Lock Door - then Did the Cross bracing all at the Factory under Warranty. - - -

Thanks for the Info,

[23Clover]

I also had my bracing done at TS but the problem has resurfaced and keeps opening in the upper drivers side windshield ..Im reading about a "hoop " can anyone tell me what this hoop is or maybe share a drawing of this. Does Pauls sell these hoops ?

[The Driver]

Paul installs the hoop.

He also does one thing for x-bracing that no one else does...and he calls it the most important part. He runs two braces from the front of the basement up on a 45 degree angle to some frame member.

I had bracing done by Bishop, and was amazed at the tightening of the steering response afterward!

Then Paul did the 45 degree bars, and I could feel further improvement!

Paul did the hoop a year ago, and the house up front acts like it's made of concrete!

The bracing and hoop improve the steering & handling so much, I'd get them even if I had no problem with the wimdshields!

[texasrs]

Photos showing Paul's RV installing w/s hoop

Ray

[texasrs]

X Brace




There is also a horizontal plate attached between the frames. Unable to see in this photo.


Ray

[Airboss68]

This is the portion of cross bracing missing from our TS that we had installed at the same time as the windshield hoop.

[texasrs]

Airboss68


Thanks for posting . . .
Photos ALWAYS help those that read important comments/posts.


Ray

[Azee]

Yes, thanks so much for those photos. Now we know where to look.

[Herb51]

Paul did my hoop last fall before that coach sounded like old wooden sailing ship going down the road now I can hear my wife seem like one thing always out weights the other

[becks]

Glad to hear all this positive information about hoop install. We have an appt to get ours done in Aug.