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Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

March 05, 2013, 10:00:01 am

Probably old news to experienced folks, but the recent article in Motorhome magazine, with the FT IH-45 on the cover, has a review of seven brands of wipers and covers somewhat how to install these.  In addition they do a rating of the seven brands and how designs have changed.

They suggest covering blades to protect from UV when parked and that sounds good to me though I have seldom seen that done.  I do put the tennis balls under to keep them off the glass when parked and if you do a search of this Forum you will find good discussions about Rain-X. Motorhome mag in 2009 reportedly supported using water repellents.

I do not agree or disagree with their blade ratings but they suggest Trico Onyx blades have a bit better rating than some others yet I do not know if their metrics are the only ones to use. 

Personal note for newbies.....I have avoided driving in the rain. But twice we got caught in rain for most of a day and the wipers did a great job.  Emphasized the importance of good wipers, don't wait until I am on a trip and need them.  If you do not get the mag and need the complete list of ratings, drop me a PM.

Mike

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #1 – March 05, 2013, 11:02:06 am

Thanks for the update.

Interesting about the tennis ball use.  I have been doing that when stored, or when the mesh cover was on the windshield to hold the blades off the material.  But on this last round trip I noticed that on two lane roads, with passing oncoming truck, their wind blast blows the wipers off the glass.  I was thinking it might be time to look at replacing the wiper arm springs, as I might have stretched them with my tennis ball use?

Being new to so much of this stuff, makes me wonder.

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #2 – March 05, 2013, 01:22:50 pm

I use those water/pool  noodles that they sell in Wallyworld to protect the windshield wipers.  Also use them on the awning arms to protect my head!!

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #3 – March 05, 2013, 08:59:37 pm

I use rain x and do not have to use my wipers. The water just shoots off.  I have driven thru huge storms. I do not like to as there are usually accidents but sometimes there is no option.  The FT sits above the spray and you have heavy tires and deep grooves and it is easier to drive in the rain than a car.

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #4 – March 05, 2013, 09:13:38 pm

Thanks John, I think that I will feel a bit safer if I get caught in the rain.  I did slow down some, did not think about the weight being a plus.  As you said, could not avoid, I just got caught twice, about 200 miles of light rain one time, another a bit heavier but not so long.

By the way, just saw a totaled coach.  What a mess, local owner.  He dodged a vehicle that pulled out in front of him, got into a culvert in the right of way, said went air borne a bit, toad passed him.  Driver and passenger ok but coach totaled.  Could have happened in a car too, not just a motorhome hazard, but I was surprised that the motorhome really came thru it fairly well.

mike

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #5 – March 06, 2013, 08:48:45 am

Mike,  Is that a FT that was totaled ? Hope it was not one of us.
Gary B

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #6 – March 06, 2013, 10:32:52 am

Sometimes I am uncertain what I can post, I think.  It was a Monaco, owner is local.  Just done lots of upgrades, first trip I understand.  I will send you PM as to owner.....not sure if owner would or would not care if I mentioned name.  I would think dang proud of what they did.....saved the life of the farm truck that pulled out into their path.

Mike

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Re: Windshield wiper blades, reviewing, installing

Reply #7 – March 06, 2013, 07:38:29 pm

If it is a high-end Monaco, the construction is very nearly the same as a Foretravel, steel semi-monocoque,, and that would explain it doing well in an accident. 

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