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Topic: Windshield replacement drama... (Read 968 times) previous topic - next topic

Windshield replacement drama...

I have been working with RV Glass Solutions trying to get my windshields replaced. First off it took weeks for them to even find someone in my area (Twin Cities MN)  that would give them quotes. I had to follow up with them several times to get any answers. Wasn't very thrilled with that part of the service. They did eventually  find a shop that I would have to bring the RV into the shop to replaced. No mobile service shops were found apparently.

Fast forward, I really wanted to have the glass replaced before my Labor Day trip. I started the process about a month before. The shop received the glass 2 weeks before Labor Day. I scheduled the day before I left for the install. This is a bit complicated because I would have to sit and wait while the work was being done but they aid they could do it.

Then just a few days before my install they call back and say "ohh I'm sorry, we actually need you to drop off the RV for a few days to do the work..." I asked what changed and now they are saying they need time for the glue to dry. As far as I understand there is no glue with my type of gasket windshield.

I am just reaching out here to see if these seems weird and I want to make sure I am not taking my FT to a shop that is going to do some hack job with glue when it should not be that way.

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #1 –
Not sure on a Foretravel but my brothers Monaco required 48 hours of no movement for the glue to dry. It was necessary according to his insurance company and Monaco.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #2 –
Foretravel made us limp out of their shop "slow as you can go".
We had to sit in camp Foretravel 24hrs minimum in a spot they selected, "don't level".
Said the glue had to set up.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Phranko –
Foretravel made us limp out of their shop "slow as you can go".
We had to sit in camp Foretravel 24hrs minimum in a spot they selected, "don't level".
Said the glue had to set up.
Interesting. Because there is no glue. I had mine replaced. The gasket has an expander strip.

On a 95 I don't know, though. Someone with that model may have more info.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #4 –
Maybe it's not "glue" but a type of sealant around or on that cord (?) they reinstalled after glass replacement.
Same story both times we were there.
Rates for the CG were real bargain.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #5 –
I guess I was lucky. A rock chip turned into a full blown crack in my driver's side windshield. I scheduled an appointment with a glass shop in Pullman, WA. Pulled in at 8:30 AM and was out before 11. My gasket was in good shape, the glass was a perfect match. I'm not sure whether they used any glue or sealant.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #6 –
Had a windshield replaced by RV Glass Solutions in Oregon at their facility.  Their take is if original gasket is good and does not need rpelaced a couple hours dry time on the  glue is sufficient.  If gasket must be replaced dry time is 24 hours.  (different glues).
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #7 –
Several years ago the navigator side windshield cracked and was replaced. The mobile techs didn't replace the gasket, just the windshield. A year ago the Colorado highways shoved both windshields over about 1/2 inch - enough to give me a shower when we went into the Blue Beacon in Cheyenne. A local auto glass shop was able to move the windshield over enough so that most dirt and water was kept out. This summer MOT replaced the gasket and the driver's side windshield. The coach sat in their shop for a day with a big brace, then they slowly backed it into a selected spot where it had to sit for another 24 hours. Don't know whether it was a "glue" or a "sealant" that had to set up, as they used both terms. At any rate, after they were done it was noticeably quieter going down the highway.

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #8 –
I can't speak to the bus style coach, on my windshield replacement it was both sides. The same gasket was used with sealant and the expansion strip, a conversation with my insurance company and the job was done in my driveway. I told them a long and involved story about moving too soon or leaving the coach outside and relatively unattended. Presto we'll do it in your driveway.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #9 –
According to Andy who runs superglass of Tucson. Who has done our windshields twice.  the Foretravel buss style do not 'require' glue/sealant. Because that's what that giant gasket is for.  HOWEVER, Andy did say he does run some sealant across the top and about 10 inches down the sides for protection against water intrusion. If the buss style is glued all around it will break from the bit of twisting that naturally happens on wavy roads or wonky campgrounds.

I would suggest calling him to verify.  SuperGlass of Tucson | Auto Glass, RV Glass and more

Perhaps if your glass is good enough to make it to another place. Perhaps that is what you should do.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #10 –
When I had to replace the weatherstrip due to high winds and damage from my long awning whipping around across the wind shield near the top on the navigator side, which caused both sides of the glass to be pushed over about an inch to the driver's side(nope, didn't break the glass) and a long wrestling match with the insurance (their take was it hadn't been properly replaced prior), several talks with Foretravel, and all three places I visited with BESIDES Foretravel, (all said the glass required sealer between the coach and the seal, and the seal and the glass, and BTW, ours had no sealant anywhere; the glass had been replaced prior as well as the weatherstrip, and I guess being a shop used to dealing with the automotive side that DOESN'T require sealant on this type windshield), they said that what had happened shouldn't have happened IF it had been properly installed in the first place. Fiberglass flexes, steel, not so much. OK, long story short, all the different places said it had to be sealed in to keep it in place, etc. I received bids from Foretravel, and three other locations. All required about 6 tubes of sealant and a rest period of at least 24 hours. Final result, I LOVE IT! No windshield shake, and oh so much quieter running down the road. My advice, call the place where it was born. They will tell you how it needs to happen!!!!

Before repair pics......
1989 Grand Villa 3600  Our "Furevertravel",  "Ole Furry" for short.....
Cat 3208T  250 HP
Allison MT-643
36SBIORED
Motorcade Number  18541
Build # 3388
2014 Ford F-150 flat towed (My Bride wants "her" MKX in the garage)
Big John, my Bride Miss Mary Lou, and Buddy, Robbi, Gizzy, and Mack ( our furry kids)

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #11 –
After repair and before clean up on seal replacement:
1989 Grand Villa 3600  Our "Furevertravel",  "Ole Furry" for short.....
Cat 3208T  250 HP
Allison MT-643
36SBIORED
Motorcade Number  18541
Build # 3388
2014 Ford F-150 flat towed (My Bride wants "her" MKX in the garage)
Big John, my Bride Miss Mary Lou, and Buddy, Robbi, Gizzy, and Mack ( our furry kids)

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #12 –
Thanks for all the feedback! Sounds like a mixture of situations. I think some glue will be okay, just don't want the whole thing slobbered with glue mess. I am hopeful this place does a good job. They couldn't fit me this week as they had 3 RV's in the lot and full up for space. They get great reviews on Google. I will post updates when installed hopefully next week.

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #13 –
I don't have any good pictures yet but i finally was able to pick up the coach from the glass shop. They ended up being great to work with and flexible with drop off and pickup times (both after hours) and the new windshields look great! The install looks clean and everything fits nice. It really is nice having clear glass to look through again :) One more thing off the long list.

Re: Windshield replacement drama...

Reply #14 –
Been there with our GV .....Found the dash had separated from the base of the windshield...check my prior post ...all good now.
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)