What Every RV Owner Should Know About Glass Replacement

Many people dream of driving across the country to see national parks, monuments, and other slices of road life known as Americana. Owning an RV is a step toward the type of freedom airport dwellers will never know. With that type of ownership comes responsibility—and that includes the windshield and the windows.

As an RV owner, you should be aware that RV glass replacement is more complex than standard auto glass replacement. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you ever needed and wanted to know about RV glass replacement.

Complexity

RV glass replacement is not the same as putting a new windshield on your sedan. RV windshields are larger and more complex than the windshields found on cars. RV windshields may be curved or have multiple sections, which makes the replacement process more intricate. Replacing them also requires specialized tools, adding to the complexity.

Cost

Replacing the windshield on a car could cost as little as $250 or as much as $1,000. Replacing the windshield on an RV will likely run between $1,000 and $5,000, which is a significant difference. But this is understandable when you consider the special tools, glass, and expertise required for an RV windshield.

Safety

There is one area where the windshields on RVs and other vehicles are similar: when it comes to damage, the smallest chips or cracks can spread quickly. This reduces visibility, which creates a dangerous driving situation. Safety is paramount, as it should be.

Windshields play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the cab in your RV, particularly in a rollover crash. The moral of all this? Get that windshield repaired or replaced ASAP, because your safety depends on it.

Specialized Glass

RVs are little dwellings on wheels, and they’re fantastic for those who enjoy the freedom to explore. To create these comfy living spaces, RVs are built in unique shapes and sizes. So the glass created for each window—and the windshield—is specialized, which requires special tools and specific knowledge.

Professional Repair

Some chips and cracks can be repaired, but only if they’re small and not in a location that obstructs the driver’s sightline. It’s worth mentioning that tons of people try to DIY a lot these days, and it’s commendable—but when it comes to auto glass, whether it's your RV or any other vehicle, you want to leave the repairs (and especially the replacements) to the professionals.

While we risk sounding like a song on repeat, the windshield plays a major role in the safety of your RV, particularly the cab. So don’t try to fix it yourself just to save a few bucks—it can cost you a lot more in the long run.

Insurance

Some insurance policies do cover windshield replacements for RVs, but you’ll need to refer to your specific policy. There’s a good chance it’s covered if you have comprehensive insurance. But if you only have liability coverage, your policy probably doesn’t cover RV windshield replacement. A reputable auto glass company will have people to help you with any insurance questions. They’ll even contact your insurance provider to speed up the claims process.

Does Your RV Need a Windshield Replacement in Boone, NC or the Mountain City, TN Area?

If you need a RV windshield replacement in the Boone, NC area—or if you’re in the Mountain City or Butler areas of TN—contact us at Appalachian Auto Glass. We are a preferred partner with all insurance companies and offer insurance claims assistance. Appalachian Auto Glass provides a lifetime warranty on all our work and has been serving the High Country since 1986. Get your RV ready for road-tripping season with a new windshield today!