If you own a Class A, Class B, or Class C motorhome, your RV windshield is a key component of your safety. Your RV windshield takes the brunt of the wind, rocks, trash, and anything else that might kick up from another vehicle or fall from a passing truck and hit it. Keeping your RV windshield in tip-top condition should be your number one priority. Here’s why:
Imagine you get a few rock chips in your RV windshield. No biggie, right? Wrong! Believe it or not, those simple chips can affect the strength of your piece of glass. Once a chip starts, it will spread into a deep crack. That crack will penetrate the entire windshield, making it unstable and a danger when you drive.
How much does it cost to replace an RV windshield?
As with many RV parts, the RV windshield replacement cost is going to vary depending on the size of your RV. A larger RV with a larger windshield is going to cost more than a windshield that is a standard size on a campervan or smaller vehicle. RV windshields can also be specialized designs that increase the cost.
For reference, the cost to replace a windshield on a standard vehicle that is not a motorhome usually runs between $200-800.
Class A RV Windshield Replacement Cost
There are several reasons why a Class A RV windshield replacement will cost more than replacing a standard vehicle windshield. For one thing, the windshield is much larger than one on a standard car. The windshields are also designed differently – most come in two pieces that need to be installed side by side. They are also made of a different material than smaller vehicle windshields because they are such a large surface area on the front of your RV.
You can expect to pay between $1,000-5,000 to completely replace your Class A motorhome windshield.
Class B RV Windshield Replacement Cost
A Class B campervan uses the same type of windshield as a standard van so the cost is substantially lower than that of a specialty Class A windshield. You should expect to pay between $200-800 to replace a Class B windshield, the cost of replacing the windshield on a standard vehicle. You can get quotes on replacing the glass on your specific van here at glass.com.
Class C RV Windshield Replacement Cost
Class C campers also have larger windshields that need to protect a larger surface area than a standard vehicle windshield. The cost for a Class C motorhome windshield replacement is therefore going to be more expensive, like a Class A windshield.
How do you replace an RV windshield?
Although replacing a windshield can be expensive, it is important to let the experts do the work. Incorrectly installing your RV windshield could cause leaks, allowing air, water, dust, and other irritants inside your vehicle. It could also cause stress fractures, or could actually fall out while you’re on the road. You could also damage a good (and expensive!) piece of windshield in the process of trying to install it. It is worth the investment to allow professionals to install your windshield safely and securely.
RV windshield insurance
Windshields for RVs are specialty items, and sometimes your insurance won’t cover the cost. Each state, and insurance program, is different, so be sure to check ahead of time, and prepare. Some insurance companies will set a cap on what they will spend on replacement glass. Other companies will ask for a higher deductible for windshields. If you have full coverage insurance, take the time to find out what it covers and what it doesn’t.
Also, see if your insurance covers RV windshield repair. The cost to repair a windshield is much cheaper than the cost to completely replace it and could be a good option if your entire windshield doesn’t need replacing.
RV windshield maintenance tips
Since it is so expensive to replace an RV windshield, it’s important to take care of the one you have! You can’t prevent every instance that requires a new windshield, but you may be able to avoid some of them.
1.) Repair chips and cracks immediately
You may find that you don’t need to completely replace your windshield, you simply need a motorhome windshield repair. Usually, glass repair technicians will come to you and can do the work where you are instead of requiring you to come to the shop. Repairs are considerably cheaper than replacements, and they are finished quicker, allowing you to get back on the road.
When you do get your windshield repaired, be aware that it won’t look as good as new. You can often still see the chip or crack, but it’s sealed and protected so it won’t get worse.
2.) Protect your windshield
There are several options for glass protectors – professionally applied products that ensure that if rocks or other small debris hit your windshield, they will likely bounce off and not cause damage to the glass. Sometimes, insurance companies will even cover treating your windshield with these products since it ends up being cheaper for them than covering a new one! Diamond-Fusion Surface Shield is one such product to consider.
3.) When buying a used RV, look for windshield damage
As you inspect any RV you’re interested in purchasing, make sure to pay special attention to used RV windshields. Don’t buy a motorhome with any type of windshield damage, and insist any cracks or chips be repaired.
4.) Keep your windshield clean
You can clean your RV windshield by following these tips. Be sure to scrub off any sap, bugs, dirt, and other matter that could harden and damage your windshield’s surface. Also, as part of your annual RV maintenance, be sure to clean the rubber sealing around your windshield with a small rubber scraper. Be sure to get out any dirt or debris that could make its way into the sealing and compromise the seal. After you clean the sealing, be sure to push it back down and make sure there are no air bubbles.
5.) Protect your windshield when you’re not driving
There are a variety of outside windshield covers you can get for your RV. Be sure to cover the windshield and protect it from sap, leaves, animals, and more! RV windshield covers usually use snaps, magnets, or tie-downs to fasten in place so they don’t blow off.
You can also opt for either total blackout covers or indoor view covers. The blackout covers will keep your interior cool and may be a good option in sweltering summer months. The drawback is that you won’t be able to see out of your windows. Indoor view covers operate like one-way glass – you can see outside but those people can’t see in during the daytime. They can, however, see inside at night so keep that in mind.
6.) Do not drive in severe weather
Weather events like hail, or high winds that cause flying debris, or grapple (a mixture of snow and ice) are dangerous to drive in, not only because visibility is limited and you can have trouble navigating icy or very wet roads, but extreme weather can also threaten your windshield. If you can delay your trip to avoid extreme weather, or pull over and wait it out in a sheltered area that is the safest option and the one most likely to protect your RV.
7.) Exercise caution when driving behind trucks or on rough roads
Rocks and debris kicked up from dirt and gravel roads can cause chips or cracks in your windshield. Likewise, trucks – especially dump trucks – can also cause chips when debris flies out the back of them. Overpasses can also pose a threat when vehicles on the above road knock debris down onto the highway below. Obviously, you can’t avoid all of these situations, but when you have the option to avoid them your windshield is certainly safer. Definitely drop your speed on rough roads, and give trucks as much space as you can to avoid their debris.
8.) Replace windshield wiper blades
Make sure the windshield wiper blades on your RV are in good shape and replace them every two to three years or when you see them worn down. Worn blades can scratch the glass on your windshield and cause damage.
RV windshield replacement near me
You have several options to find RV windshield replacement options near you. Many auto glass repair centers can replace RV windshield glass as well as that of standard vehicles. Also, many RV maintenance centers offer windshield repair and replacement along with other services. Glass.com can find a repair person or center in your area if you need help with a recommendation. Finally, if you have a service like AAA, the service center there can recommend a glass technician who can help you.
