Dear Dave,
It seems I can never get a windshield wiper that cleans without a streak right in my line of vision. Is there a secret to getting a clear windshield? —Tony, 2010 Holiday Rambler
Dear Tony,
I’ve been fighting the same battle since I first started driving—something my granddaughters like to joke was before windshield wipers were even invented!
The challenge becomes even greater with motorhomes. Their large, expansive windshields require wipers that not only clean effectively but also maintain consistent contact with the glass, even in windy conditions.
Designing a system that covers most of the glass is difficult. Because the wiper arm pivots from a fixed point, it creates a circular wiping pattern on a square windshield.
Wipers that rest horizontally at the bottom tend to leave an unwiped area at the top center, while vertically mounted wipers can interfere with the driver’s line of sight.
Skipping has also been a persistent issue over the years. As the spring tension in the wiper arm weakens, it no longer provides enough pressure to maintain proper contact—especially against wind and road vibration.
Various aftermarket “tension rod” devices have been introduced to improve contact. While I’ve tried several, most only worked temporarily and didn’t fully solve the problem of streaking or blurring. You can find them on Amazon here.
Windshield wiper maintenance
Most of us don’t think about our wipers until they start squeaking or smearing—mainly because we don’t use them in good weather. It’s a classic case of “out of sight, out of mind.”
That’s why it’s important to inspect your wiper blades regularly. I make it part of my pre-trip checklist. Some experts recommend checking them every time you fill up with fuel.
Inspect the blades for:
- Cracks, tears, or missing rubber
- Flexibility, so the blade can conform to the glass
- A sharp wiping edge (not rounded, which reduces performance)
- Proper blade alignment and secure attachment to the wiper arm
Like other rubber components—such as tires or slide-out seals—wiper blades are vulnerable to sun exposure. UV rays can dry out the rubber, leading to cracks and uneven surfaces. To extend their life, cover the wipers when the RV is not in use or treat them periodically with a conditioner like 303 Protectant. This helps keep the rubber soft and pliable for better performance.
Environmental factors also play a role. Dirt and sand on the windshield can tear the rubber, while airborne contaminants like exhaust and salt can accelerate deterioration.
Clean and condition the blade
Regular inspection, cleaning, and conditioning of the blade are essential. In some cases, you may also need to restore the wiping edge.
The blade’s squeegee edge should be sharp. Over time, it can become rounded, which reduces its ability to clear water effectively.
In the past, I’ve used fine sandpaper to recondition the edge. More recently, I found a handy tool designed specifically for this purpose. These wiper repair tools typically feature both coarse and fine surfaces to help restore worn or uneven blades. You can find it on Amazon here.
Tips to prolong wiper life
- Don’t use wipers to remove ice from the windshield
- Cover the blades and arms during storage
- Lift the blades in cold weather to prevent freezing to the glass
- Avoid low-quality, inexpensive wiper blades
More posts on RV windshields
- RV windshield gasket pulled away, left a gap. What are options?
- Can I use silicone to seal the gap under my Class A windshield?
- My RV’s windshield has a leak. Where can I get it fixed?
- Defrost your vehicle’s windshield in half the time with these tricks
- Tips for windshield wipers plus special tips for motorhome wipers
- How to clean the inside of your windshield in under 2 minutes!
DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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I remember years ago they said to clean your windshield once in a while with that fine cleanser they clean glass stoves with. I’m not sure if Bar Keepers friend would work. Try a small spot first. My wipers seem to harden up on my 2025 F150 and I only have it nine months.
Liquid Barkeepers Friend works great, just make sure you use a micro cloth or very fine steel wool. We treated 25 windshields at the Winnebago Rally several years ago with BKF and a fine steel wool before applying a Nanofilm coating and it worked great and was recommended by Viracon, the manufacturer of windshields for most of the motorhomes. I used a ScotchBrite pad a couple years ago to do my truck windshield and scratched it horribly! I did not think glass would scratch like that, I was wrong.
I remember that in my VW manual it said to clean your wiper blades with isopropyl, or alcohol I’ve been doing that on all of my wipers. Seems they collect oil & grease & over time it accumulates & will leave streaks! I use a paper towel & wet it with alcohol (not the drinking type, though it might work) & pinch the wetted towel between your fingers & the blade rubber, You’ll be surprised how dirty they are.
Snoopy
Hi Snoopy, glad to hear from you again. Do not use the “drinking kind” alcohol as that would be wasteful, create a shortage for those of us that appreciate the engineered original design, and classify as “alcohol abuse” in my opinion! I have used rubbing alcohol and even brake cleaner for years to clean the blades and you are right, it’s amazing what junk wipes off on the rag. However, I have found that most rubber component manufacturers do not recommend using it as it will not only clean the surface, but wipe off any petroleum protectant and make the material dry out and crack prematurely. So maybe wipe them down with rubbing alcohol, condition them with 303 protectant, then pour yourself a Vodka Tonic and wait for rain for testing?
Is there a wiper brand for motorhomes that is better than others?
I don’t know of any specific brand that specializes in motorhomes, however I have had good luck with NAPA and ANCO
I cover the blades on my MH with pool noodles during the summer periods of non-use and remove the blades in the winter and store them out of the xthr. My blades last about 10 years. That sharpening tool looks like a nifty item… Hmmm? The most streaking I have is with my car wipers – they are also expensive and streak at line of sight. Car is garaged 90% of the time also!