Cracked RV Windshield

[RayIN]

There is about four different major MH windshield replacement companies from which to choose. I'd go with the one your claims adjuster recommends in your area.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Safelite repair, Safelite replace!

Not for RV windshields. They are good for cars and trucks, But Not RV Windshields.

I'm perplexed why the OP would even consider a repair when his insurance company recommended to replace, and they will cover the new window.

 

[Boat Bum]

I believe his concern was losing the integrity of the original factory install.

 

[Chef Duane]

Not for RV windshields. They are good for cars and trucks, But Not RV Windshields.

They do RV windshields but it's up to the owner to determine of the want to use them.

 

[TheBar]

There may not be any high tech windshields in RVs yet but I recently found out car windshields with sensors for automatic windshield wipers, etc. can cost $1200-$1600.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

I have had a large motorhome windshield replaced on my Georgetown and Safelite told me they can't do motorhome windshields. Also, I have a post on the forum from earlier in the week regarding the windshield on my DP needing to be removed and reinstalled. I was told by Progressive Ins. don't even think of calling Safelite, they can't do the work you need.

Now, since there are many types of "RVs" I would guess that Safelite could replace a Ford or Chevy Class C window, or many of the windows found on today's popular Class Bs, from the Mercedes chassis rigs, Ford Transit, or from Ram.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I guess the Safelite guy on TV (comes to you in a van) probably doesn't do motorhomes, but I got a Class A windshield repaired at a big Safelite facility in Anchorage AK some years ago. The shop had bays that could accommodate a 35 footer. So maybe some few Safelites can do motorhomes, but not the typical one? In any case, I'd be looking for a glass shop that had experience in big rig windshields.

 

[Tom]

I'd replace rather than repair, provided I could get someone to do it. A few years ago, on our way to WY, Chris pulled off the freeway to fill the coach with diesel; As she pulled into a gas station, we went over a dip in the road and there was a loud bang. I thought a large bird had flown into the windscreen, but the sound was the windshield cracking.

After filling up, we proceeded to our summer lot in WY. I spent the next few weeks trying to find a shop that could and would do the repair. I even called a relative who takes the calls for Safelite, and he couldn't help. After a lot of searching, I had a list of shops to call and, working down the list, continued to get negative responses. Apparently, most of the shops either couldn't do it or were concerned about liability issues.

I eventually called a large RV dealer and, when they said they won't replace windshields, I asked who they use to replace them. They gave me the name and number of a shop that was further down my list. I called and made an appointment, and drove 2 hours each way to drop off the coach. When we picked it up several days later, the shop owner mentioned that he had some external glass guys come in and do the replacement. I never did find out who the 3rd party was.

 

[Tileman1]

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??

I had a 6-inch crack at the bottom of the driver's side windshield. (Class A). Safelite said a new was not available. They said a used, if available, may not fit right. They treated the crack and guaranteed it would never get bigger. That was 5 years ago. It hasn't gotten any bigger.

 

[NY_Dutch]

In the fall of 2023 we had a crack appear at the bottom of the drivers side windshield on our 2001 Class A after a stone hit. A call to Progressive, our insurer, brought an adjuster that confirmed the crack, and he also noticed a stone chip on the passenger side windshield that was large enough that he said they would cover replacing that side too. A local RV repair shop was scheduled to do the replacement, but storm damage at a major glass warehouse caused a shipping delay that meant the work couldn't be done before we left upstate NY for Florida. Our contact at Progressive had no problem with rescheduling the work with a shop in Florida that they recommended. When I called the shop to confirm the schedule and get directions, they informed me that they would come to our campsite to do the work. All they needed was the park name and site number. They arrived right on time and 4 hours later the job was done. The total price was $7200, and Progressive covered every cent of it. NY does not allow a deductible on automotive glass coverage.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

The total price was $7200,

Holy Cow! Just yesterday, I got a quote for my windshield to be replaced on my 2014 Sportscoach for just over $3900, but I am taking it to the glass shop.

 

[CamperAL]

Just an update on my cracked windshield. Replacement went well and they matched the price of the other place I got an estimate which was lower. Only thing I didn't like was after the match, they charged tax (just on the cost of the Windshield, $100)

They did a great job but we found out some things during the repair. They showed me, but glass had been replaced one other time and who ever did the repair (owners) had done things a little iffy and the glass repair place asked if it had ever leaked. I told them no. Glass now looks great and I took it easy going home and I've let it sit for a couple of weeks to let it seat and dry proper.

 

[Fyrflie]

Deleted post
Anyone needing glass in the future consider these guys

Windshield Glass Replacement | RV Glass Solutions by Coach Glass

RV Glass Solutions offers windshield glass replacement and repair with nationwide service and warranty at more than 3000 locations.

rvglassexperts.com

 

[CamperAL]

These are the same guys (my area) that insisted that I had to run things through them (even though I didn't) and that State Farm had appointed them and I had no choice (which I did) I quickly fired them and went with the place that had worked with me on my windshield. BTW Safelite supposedly bought them out.

 

[TheBar]

Cracks in the top of a windshield can cause big problems. I had a little crack in the very top of a car windshield. I ignored it for several years because it wasn't noticeable or in the way. When washing the car on a hot summer day I hit the windshield with cold water and I actually heard it crack. It was too big to fix so I had the windshield replaced.

When the shop removed the old windshield they showed where the little crack had been leaking and had rusted out the steel windshield channel. That was a much more expensive repair than the cost of a new windshield.

They said that is common with cracks in the top of the windshield because of your 70 mph wind when driving in a rainstorm. The water comes off the hood and up the slope of the windshield which forces the water past the rubber gasket at the top. The sides and bottom of the gasket don't experience as much pressure that forces rainwater in past the gasket.

 

[Fyrflie]

These are the same guys (my area) that insisted that I had to run things through them (even though I didn't) and that State Farm had appointed them and I had no choice (which I did) I quickly fired them and went with the place that had worked with me on my windshield. BTW Safelite supposedly bought them out.

I couldn’t confirm that via the internet. It still says they are two different entities. But who knows. I only suggested them because they were very helpful to me.

 

[CamperAL]

Think I said this in another thread but RV Glass Solutions were going to take the bulk of the insurance money $2,329.52 and then outsource the labor to another glass place. It happened to be the very place that I had the full job done, and original place I got a higher quote from. They were allowing them $700 plus dollars to do the work. I could see all kinds of problems with two different entities working on the replacement.

My understanding from talking with the two places, was Safelite was buying RV Glass out. Don't know if they were but that is what someone told me in the whole process.

I appreciate your input Fryflie, and know you were trying to help based on your experience. Mine was a negative one working with them. Best!!

 

[CamperAL]

TheBar said: When the shop removed the old windshield they showed where the little crack had been leaking and had rusted out the steel windshield channel. That was a much more expensive repair than the cost of a new windshield.

That was my experience as well on my replacement. They had to work the area where it rusted and make it right. I'd say they did an outstanding job and did more than required of them.