Dear Dave,
Will a reflective windshield sunscreen damage the seal around my RV’s windshield? —JR
Dear JR,
I have not read or been involved in any documentation that a reflective material such as Reflectix has caused UV degradation or other damage to the rubber seal around a windshield.
However, this product and other reflective materials are generally installed on the inside of the windshield. That leaves the rubber seal exposed to the sun and elements. This will dry out the seal and make it crack or shrink and create an improper seal and leaks.
Products to protect windshield seals
There are some products that will help protect the seals such as ProtectAll All-Surface Care which has UV protection, which would help.
In my opinion, it is better to install an exterior covering, which can be a little harder to put on and take off, especially in extreme weather. However, it will do a much better job at protecting the windshield and all rubber seals.
There are several types and brands including suction cup, hook and loop, and even some with snaps that have to be screwed into the face of the front cap.
The easiest cover to install is one that is fastened by magnets such as Magne Shade™.
The heavy-duty magnets are installed inside the windshield with 3M peel and stick adhesive strips so no tools or ladders are needed to install. The cover magnets literally sandwich the material to the inside magnets for a superior fit. After the initial installation of the magnets, it can be installed from the ground with the easy-to-use rod in the pockets.
The test model we used has withstood some pretty harsh conditions in California and Death Valley the past two years and still fits tight.
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook” as well as the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club.
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I have always used an external windshield cover. I also use pool noodles to cover the wiper blades. Cut the noodle the length of the blade, slit one side and slide it onto the blade. Easy to install and remove. Store with the cover.
Chuck also uses pool noodles, tried them in Az. Walmart’s does not last
I have often wondered how magnets stuck on fiberglass front caps. My new thing I’ve learned today, now I don’t have to waste my time looking for something new to learn. Lol. My 2002 Mountain Aire used the snap fasteners which required standing on a ladder to install. Not fun
My MagneShade magnets are glued to the inside of the windshield. So far they are working very well. We had some 60mph gusts last summer that didn’t blow it off! Also numerous dust devils had no negative effect. It was expensive but I would do it again if I get another coach.
I have always used an exterior WS cover. I installed the snaps (15 yrs ago!) on both the MH and the screen cover – however, I also included 3/4″ blue styrofoam with one aluminum face, which goes under the cover as hail and heat protection. The foam is cut in four pieces and taped with aluminum duct tape so it is easy to handle and store folded. It will lower the interior temp substantially! I use it winter and summer when not in use. It is a pain to have to use a ladder but removing is easy with the awning rod. On the side curves of the WS I attached reflectix to the styrofoam with alumin. duct tape of course, which the screen cover holds in place. It has withstood winter and summer wind gusts up to 70-80 mph!