Buzzard at 45 mph. How best to proceed?
The first step is call the insurance company. Are you just beginning a trip?
No, actually a simple short trip. Headed back home but I think I've read that I should try and get he glass from FOT to ensure proper fit.
Those windshields aren't terribly expensive. I'd figure out an installation place on your route and get what you need done ASAP and worry about the insurance claim later if it's enough over your deductible to mess with it. if you're a Good Sam member they have glass help. They may tell you they only work with your insurance company but don't accept that answer. Tell them it's an emergency and you need a windshield. Insurance company claims people often make RV repair a lot more complicated than it needs to be. I'm an agent but if it were me I'd make arrangements to get it repaired ASAP whatever you have to do then worry about filing the claim later.
If a short trip be careful. That's not a safe windshield.
Not sure about the gasket on your coach but if it's one piece (for both sides) and it's damaged be sure they remove the other side and replace the whole gasket. You may want to check out all the other window gaskets for shrinkage etc. You don't want any leaks down the road.
DANG! I bet that was exciting for your copilot (if one was onboard). Been me in the right seat woulda needed fresh undies. :o
Here in Wisconsin it is usually turkeys or sharp shinned hawks, or deer. I've have my experience with all three.
And I have even seen some folks who apparently didn't have windshield insurance (or any insurance for that matter) who went so far as to knock out the glass and wear a pair of goggles. Only once did I see this, but weirder things can happen up here in the north woods.
As long as you're all talking about glass, and in lieu of beginning another thread just to ask:
Is the left front windshield available for my 1992 Foretravel Grand Villa? As soon as the Rockwood is gone, I'll be checking in with Safelite for one of their epoxy chip repairs.
Art
PS Sorry about your windshield, and glad you weren't hurt. If you have time on your hands, and you share my sick sense of humor, call Safelite and ask them to come by and do their chipped glass repair.
My insurance company arranged for the replacement of our passenger-side windshield using the information printed on the glass. The replacement apoears to fit perfectly.
Buzzard at 45 mph. How best to proceed?
Slow roasted in a shallow pan, baste with beer, tastes like chicken ?
( A joke guys )
Call nearest glass company, give them numbers etched on glass, they an probably have one the next day. These are not like the GV WS's, they are available everywhere.
I'm with David. I don't think there is any reason to buy the glass from Foretravel nor to have them install it.
The buzzard reminds me of West Texas where we lived years ago. My friend was traveling south of Marfa in one of those old 60s vans with the flat almost vertical windshields. His wife was in the pax seat. They were doing about 65 mph when a buzzard smashed into the windshield. It actually came partially through the glass right into her lap. Good story; bad experience.
jor
Quick update. Submitted claim through Progressive and, as most probably know, Safelite administers the claim. They then refer to Duncan Systems who apparently coordinates glass procurement and installation. Although I know from other threads that Duncan does installs, they also refer to local shops who agree to do the job at Progressive approved rates.
Fortunately Florida policies require -0- deductible so no out of pocket. Unfortunately Duncan Systems only works M-F and this as all claims of any type....happened on a Saturday!
Other threads seem to recommend getting OEM Guardian Glass replacement. Our existing windshields both say Guardian Custom Glass Solutions. Driver's side as the Foretravel logo and passenger side does not. Is glass manufacturer important?
Finally, any install recommendations on Florida's west coast. We're about an hour south of Tampa. Looks like Duncan Systems has a location in Lakeland.
Thanks
Don't need to go to Foretravel. But make sure it's the same window. See name and numbers on yours. I would try and get the same. But there may be others with the same size.
I once had a company put one in that they said would fit, which lasted one week before a stress fracture. So then they had to order the correct one and replace is. Fortunately I was still in the same area.
Also check for matching color strip at the top, if available (may be slightly different and have to live with it)
Eric
One more aspect of this I forgot to mention. Recently had solar film installed on entire bus. Windshield has darker strip at top and clear below. I expect this also helps to keep glass intact ( and birds out of passenger's lap JOR) besides being laminated safety glass. Wonder if insurance will cover new film after new glass?
Randy,
Both of our windshields were replaced about 1.5 years ago with Guardian glass. No issues whatsoever. The shipped the glass to MOT who did the install along with some other service work.
I would have no concerns about using their products again.
Steve
We have done extensive research on the topic of windshields. OUR Conclusion - of the 3 manufacturers of our style windshields (Guardian, Viracon, Duncan/Coach Glass), we noticed no difference in thickness, radius of glass between Guardian and Coach Glass. Laid them side by side and had experts in Nac measure all of them with us, and they appeared identical. The difference was in height and tint of shadowing at the top. At that time, Coach Glass (Duncan) had same tinting as Guardian; Viracon was different color and slightly different height/tallness.
Regarding gaskets, I believe your coach, Randy, as ours, has a single gasket all the way around. Also manufactured by Duncan/Coach Glass. Being on the east coast as you are, if you get a new gasket sent, it will come from their Indiana plant. Duncan was very professional, and asked us if we had a preferred shop to install our glass. We were able to tell Duncan which shop to send our glass to, and they did a fantastic job. Do your research, and insist on watching. Make SURE their solution isn't to "shave a little fiberglass off" if the windshield is hard to install. That could lead to shifting windshields, popped out of place windshields, and possible leaks in the future.
The windshields come from Long haul trucks for the most part.. they are all to spec when made so they should all be very close to the same.. (for the most part).. I think mine came from peterbuilt.. I forget what year
Big difference is the label from foretravel and price I would assume.
Had the passenger side windshield replaced today at Coach Glass in Lakeland, Florida. Guardian OEM glass shipped from Guardian in Ohio to the Coach Glass facility in Lakeland. Seal was in good shape and install took less than an hour. Also had a chip in driver windshield repaired. 100% ( no deductible) coverage for Florida policyholders.
Andy,
Good shots. I want a platform like that! Nice to raise the platform and bring it closer for a GV body shape. Really excellent.
P
I love the color of your rig.
jor
Total cost to the insurance?
Cost to insurance was about $1600.
We replaced our drivers side window in 2017 using Creative Coach, also in Lakeland. It also cost $1,600.
Randy, we enjoyed meeting yourself and Karen at the Florida rally a few weeks ago. Let's do it again!
Let's all try to avoid hitting critters!
I had gotten prices and they wanted $1800 for 1 side.. read others had replaced for $ 800.00 but Finally ended up using the insurance and my $500 deductible... I am back to needing passengers side... going to wait if I can and get both replaced at the same time for one deductible