Cracked RV Windshield

[CamperAL]

I'm wondering if it is better to replace or repair a cracked windshield? We got a crack while driving home from the south this year. My insurance guy said to just replace it but thinking if it could be fixed without much problems it might be the better thing to do. I plan to use a company called American Auto Glass which does RV's and Trucks as well. Any thoughts.

 

[SpencerPJ]

Usually a crack grows. If insurance says replace, and little or no deductible, that's what I would do.

 

[oldwildman]

With me, it depends on the type of damage. If it's a 'bullseye' crack, I'd go for the repair. But if it's the type that might spread later, I'd replace the windshield.

 

[Mr Lars]

Depending on what type of crack, and the location in relation to your ‘field of vision’ should be the determining factor.

 

[CamperAL]

Thank you both for the input! The crack is in the bottom of the windshield and is about 8 inches long. Not completely straight some curve to it.

 

[RNS1]

I would replace, cracks tend to grow and then you also can get rid of any pits from sand etc.

 

[Joezeppy]

I had a small crack in a car windshield "filled" once and it stayed invisible/intact for 10+ years. But, as noted, it really depends on the specifics. Some insurance plans will waive the deductible to "fix" vs. replacement.

 

[gwinger]

I would replace, cracks tend to grow and then you also can get rid of any pits from sand etc.

Plus, even though it is at the bottom, the strength of the entire windshield is compromised. The glass is cut and formed, then tempered.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

I put a diamond bit in a dremel tool and drill out the end of the crack a bit as a stress relief. Does nothing for the crack but stops the spread. I don't usually replace for just cracks, I wait until the glass gets pretty pitted. If you live in a state with safety inspections often that will drive whether a crack is bad enough to require replacement.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[rvlifer]

broken windshields are very common here in so colorado and i have had both vehicles windshields repaired or replaced in the past year. Twice on the jeep.

The repair companies seem to be able to repair the bullseye type before the cracks start spreading but once tbe cracks spread replacement is the way to go. I added windshield coverage to my insurance policy and get someone in to look at problems as soon as they happen now.

 

[dktool]

Replace it. I have had a total of 3 half sections replaced in the past 4 years due to rock strikes that started as minor chips then grew into major cracks.

 

[CamperAL]

Hello again,

Thanks for the good advise. I'll replace the glass!

 

[Isaac-1]

According to eh brochure the 2006 Mirada appears to have a 2 piece windshield, many Class A coaches switched to using a 1 piece windshield around 2006-07, therefore availability on the older 2 piece windshield patterns seems to be dwindling, I would suggest replacing it. An oncoming dump truck threw a rock and broke our drivers side 2 piece windshield in 2019 (softball size bullseye break with cracks directly in the drivers view). Our insurance covered replacement minus deductible, however it took their glass supplier almost 3 weeks to locate a correct size windshield before they could get it shipped to our local glass installer.

 

[Chef Duane]

Safelite repair, Safelite replace!

 

[Jackiemac]

Good idea. Imagine if it went whilst driving down a busy road.

 

[CamperAL]

Hi Isaac-1,

Yes, I have a two pane windshield as you thought. I was figuring that could be a problem and why I thought fixing the problem might be a better idea. Someone mentioned drilling a hole in the glass close to the end of the crack. I've done that in the past. You need to drill on both sides though. Just putting pressure could crack it worst so I think better to have a pro do it.

I also worry about someone not putting the piece in proper and having it re-crack or fall out.

Does Safe-lite do big windshields??

 

[CamperAL]

I live very close to Elkhart and many RV parts places. I should be able to find something right now. RV is going on 20 years old next year. I've owned it from 2016.

 

[RayIN]

FWIW; Regardless of what you choose, replace or repair. it's a claim against your comprehensive insurance. Make the most of it, replace- for all the previously stated reasons.

 

[CamperAL]

Hi,

My insurance agent said that the windshield is covered in full
and I won't have to use the deductible. My concern was it
might be better to repair than replace, based on that lack of professionalism I seem to run into these days when I have
things done to the RV.

 

[RNS1]

My insurance agent recommended the guy that replaced mine. Quick professional job at my home at a fair price.