RV Emergency Road Service

Author Topic: Leaking windshield  (Read 776 times)

sanosurfer

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Leaking windshield
« on: January 27, 2010, 10:52:54 AM »
I have a 1995 Monaco, Dynasty that has been in the family since new. I recently replaced the two piece windshield because they were badly pitted and I had an annoying air leak on the drivers side.
The installer warned me that because of several factors the new windshield would also eventually leak air, water or both. He cited three factors: 1. The 3-point leveling system caused the unit to twist when leveling on uneven ground, 2. The windshields were too large and 3. The fiberglass front cap the windshield is mounted in wasn't structurally rigid.

Anyway, sure enough, on our very next trip we were camping in an area with uneven roads. While driving we could actually watch the windshield move as the rig twisted.  Once in our campsite we noticed the rubber molding, the windshield is mounted in, had become unseated and dislodged from the fiberglass frame and you could literally see into the coach.

When we got back home I called the installer to come back out and re-seat the windshield under warranty. When he got to my rig he reminded me that he said this would happen.  He then proceeded to walk over to a 2006 Monaco, that is stored a few spaces from mine, and pointed out a similar issue with his windshield.  This also made it difficult for me to argue that it was caused by the installers poor workmanship.

He then informed me that he would NOT fix the issue under warranty again. He stated it wasn't his fault and it would continue to happen. At this point I pressed him for suggestions.  He had none other than to warn me against using any kind of a strong sealant to mount the windshield to the frame as the twisting would cause the windshield to crack.

Sorry to make this so wordy, but I felt the background would be helpful in seeking a solution.  I also realize my coach is 15 years old, but it has been meticulously maintained and never abused.

I just can't believe this is normal. What can I do to keep the windshield from leaking?  Are there sealants that will hold the windshield in place without cracking it? Is there an after market windshield gasket that will fix this issue?  Could the front cap somehow have broken loose from the structure and now be causing it to twist abnormally? 

Any ideas or solutions would be much appreciated.  Scott

viking

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Re: Leaking windshield
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2010, 08:47:09 PM »
Hi Scott,

In my experience, any kind of silicone sealant used for a bathtub wont become ridged, therefore will seal but also be flexable to the window frame you mentioned.  as far as the rubber gasket already there,  i dont know what can be done to better form it. as rubber will shrink or swell with temps.  hope this helps.