Protecting a 5th Wheel Front Window From Rock Damage

[Edd505]

I am currently in talks with a company in Texas to see if they will make me cover that would Velcro on the window on the outside. They already make some, just not the size I need. I will post the info if it turns out positive.

how about a canvas type cover that snaps on like the "bras" for vehicles.

 

[Lou Schneider]

What about using the existing window as a mold and having some place a body shop or boat yard make a fiberglass panel to go on it's place? You could structurally frame and insulate it like the rest of the front wall.

 

[SargeW]

how about a canvas type cover that snaps on like the "bras" for vehicles.

Snap covers on the front are questionable when moving. A strong side wind can get underneath and pull it off. Strong Velcro can have a better chance when towing as there is less chance of wind getting under it.

What about using the existing window as a mold and having some place a body shop or boat yard make a fiberglass panel to go on it's place? You could structurally frame and insulate it like the rest of the front wall.

I considered that option as well, the main drawback being cost. If this other option doesn't pan out, I may investigate that route.

 

[Edd505]

Snap covers on the front are questionable when moving. A strong side wind can get underneath and pull it off. Strong Velcro can have a better chance when towing as there is less chance of wind getting under it.

Keep the snaps close together Velcro would need to be around the entire piece. They use both to enclose the underside for cold weather.

 

[SargeW]

Update and results. I looked at a lot of options and finally settled on an exterior removable cover from YBOutdoors.com They are a Texas based company, and they have had many positive reviews on their site. They also have a few YouTube video's with the owners demonstrating and installing a cover. They didn't have an exact match for my window (it's pretty big) so I sent them a template cut out of butcher paper and they made me a cover based on the template. I got a price reduction for my efforts, and the owners were very responsive during the whole process.

The window cover on my unit will fit several different newer rigs built by Jayco, the parent company to Starcraft, so they will be able to sell the same size to other owners. The cover comes with a roll of 3M hook tape to install on the window, and the cover has the "loop" side sewn in on the outside edge of the cover. I opted for a light gray color and it turned out really nice, and is very well made and heavier than I thought it would be.

The best test before putting on the cover was I waited until a sunny day in AZ, about 1000 in the morning and 80 degree temps in full sun. I took a temp reading on the outside of the glass with infrared thermometer and it showed 148 degrees. The temp on the inside of the glass was about 145 degrees. I already have a 1" foil backed piece of Styrofoam insulation in the window to help with the heat transfer. The back side of the Styrofoam was 101 Degrees.

After putting the cover on the outside, the inside of the window dropped to about 95 degrees, and the back side of the Styrofoam dropped to 77 degrees, which is what the AC was set on.

There is also a video on the company web site that shows a test with a piece of auto glass, and someone with a sling shot and a good size (about 3/4" rock). The first shot at the uncovered glass left a big impact and crushed the surface of the glass with divot. The second shot using the same sling shot and size rock was shot at the auto glass right next to the first shot, but with their cover leaning up next to it. The shot hit the window hard, but when he moved the cover away, the glass was unmarked. Hopefully this will translate into no further damage to the front of my RV window.

So far so good.

 

[Edd505]

That looks great! My new 5W has that big window up front and this maybe one of my next projects as I live in the SW and the summer heat.

 

[SargeW]

Thanks. Even though my primary goal started to save that window from getting shattered, the heat reduction was a great perk.

 

[TheBar]

YBOutdoors.com is missing a bet by not making covers for all the Class C that have a similar window.

 

[SargeW]

I think they would be open to it if the market was there. You are right, many C's have that similar window up front.

 

[Edd505]

my computer keeps blocking YBOutdoors.com.

 

[SargeW]

Hmm, I was on their site 3 times yesterday. Maybe the settings on your computer?

 

[PancakeBill]

Looks great!, I am pretty handy with stuff like that, Might make my own for front window of the TC.

 

[SargeW]

Yeah, I don't think the process is hard, if you have access to a heavy duty sewing machine. If my mom was still around she would have knocked one out easily.

 

[PancakeBill]

Is it hust the thickness of the vinyl or is there a backing?

 

[SargeW]

It appears like it is double thickness, as the weight of the cover was much more than expected. It was a two handed job to hold it up and adhere it to the window.

 

[PancakeBill]

OK, pretty much figured that. If I were to make one it would sandwich some insulation in it.

 

[SargeW]

BTW, they also used 2" Velcro sewn to the edges of the cover, then another inch or so of material past that to cover fully the edges of the glass. Very well made.

 

[Domo]

Where are the rocks coming from? If kicked up by your truck it might be that your rock guards/mud flaps are at the wrong height, as often happens with class A and toads where they should be about four inches off the pavement when at ride height.