Delamianting windshield in corner 2 inches

bsinmich wrote:
If your front cap is fiberglass you won't have this problem.

The front cap is fiberglass, but they seal the windshield to a metal frame, and then use a wide rubber molding to cover the gap between the windshield and the fiberglass.

If your front cap is fiberglass you won't have this problem.

B's Bunch wrote:

Gjac wrote:
Is Winnebago the only Mfg with this rusting problem?

I bet not

I did a search on Motorhome Windshield Frame Rust and could only find it was a Winnebago issue.

If you call Winnebago they will not admit they have a problem with rusted windshield frames. That's why I sold my Winnebago and now own a Tiffin.
Cap

Not sure if it is only a Winnebago problem, but if you do some Google searches on "Winnebago Windshield Rust" you will find lots of articles and postings on it. What is really upsetting is that it is a problem across all model class A lines. If you have the most expensive diesel pusher or the less expensive gas model, you can have the problem. Price is not an issue.

Spizzer wrote:
Am I understanding this right? The windshield is on the outside of this metal frame, so outside water is not the issue, but condensation running down the inside gets between the glass and metal?

Thanks, jeff

It's and outside and inside water problem. On the upper part of the frame, water can seep in between the glass/sealer and the frame. This would be outside water. The bottom of the frame, though is covered by the same black rubber molding and can be exposed to water. I however believe the problem occurs when water gets trapped from inside condensation. It makes no difference if it comes from outside or inside, it stills rusts.

Gjac wrote:
Is Winnebago the only Mfg with this rusting problem?

I bet not

Is Winnebago the only Mfg with this rusting problem?

Am I understanding this right? The windshield is on the outside of this metal frame, so outside water is not the issue, but condensation running down the inside gets between the glass and metal?

Thanks, jeff

Just got my rig back from the dealer this past Saturday. They removed the front left windshield (which broke), cleaned all the rust, painted and sealed it with "Chassis Saver", and then replaced the windshield (at my expense). Total was close to $1400. OUCH!

What really irks me is that if I had known about this potential problem, I would have taken steps to abate it long ago. The rubber molding around the windshield just pops out. I would have taken it off, made sure everything was clean and sealed, and then coated everything with a rust preventative. It would have taken me a couple of hours to do, and saved me a bunch of money.

So the moral of this story, if you have a Winnebago class A motorhome, and you want to save some green backs, carefully remove the rubber molding surrounding your windshields, make sure you have a clean field to work with, seal the entire joint between the glass and metal frame, and then put a good rust inhibitor on all exposed metal parts that you can access. Also, if you use your coach in colder climates and you get condensation on the inside of your windshield, place some older towels along the base of the windshield to soak up any runoff, and make sure you wipe your windshield dry often. The water can run down the inside of you windshield, and possibly work its way between the sealant holding the glass to the metal frame. If the metal is not treated correctly, you will get rust.

Prevention is much better than having to pay for inattention. Oh, and don't expect any help from our friends in Forest City, IA.