RV Windshield Repair: 5 Smart Tips to Avoid a Costly Replacement
8/15/2025
When you live or travel in an RV, your windshield does more than frame the view. It’s a structural part of your rig’s safety system. And if you drive a Class A, B, or C motorhome, you already know that your windshield can take a beating after just a few long trips. Even a tiny chip can turn into a costly crack if you don’t take action fast.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do when your RV windshield is damaged, whether you’re hoping to fix it yourself or need help deciding when to call in the pros.
Tip #1: Keep the Chip Clean and Covered
The moment you notice a chip in your RV windshield, your top priority is keeping it clean and dry. Dirt, moisture, or bugs can compromise the resin’s ability to bond during a repair. Here’s what to do:
Use a chip repair sticker if you have one. These are often included in DIY kits or handed out by glass shops. In a pinch, a clear waterproof vinyl dot or even a piece of cling film can help keep the chip sealed until you’re able to repair it.
No sticker? Clear packing tape works too. Just be sure it’s clean and smooth when applied.
Avoid scrubbing. Gently wipe the area with a soft, dry cloth if it’s already dirty.
If debris or moisture gets into the chip, even a professional repair might not work. Keeping it sealed and protected gives you the best chance at a successful, low-cost fix.
Tip #2: Avoid Sudden Temperature Swings
One of the quickest ways to turn a small chip into a spreading crack is by exposing your RV windshield to sudden temperature changes. Whether you’re traveling in the mountains or parked in the desert, thermal stress is real. To reduce the risk of cracking:
Don’t blast the defroster or A/C directly onto the windshield.
Avoid moving your RV from a shaded garage into intense heat or from warm sun into cold rain.
Use a reflective windshield cover when parked in extreme temperatures.
Chipped RV windshields are especially sensitive to expansion and contraction. Sudden changes in temperature can stress the glass and cause damage to spread, turning an easy repair into a full windshield replacement.
Tip #3: Drive Gently (or Don’t Drive At All) Until It’s Repaired
Once your RV windshield is chipped or cracked, it’s at a higher risk for further damage due to vibrations and road stress. Every bump, pothole, or slamming door can make the crack worse, especially in larger motorhomes with big front glass panels. To protect your windshield while driving:
Avoid rough or uneven roads when possible.
Take it slow over bumps and speed humps.
Don’t slam your RV doors. The pressure wave can make cracks spread.
Park as level as possible to minimize twisting or stress on the glass.
Even a small chip can worsen just from daily driving. If you’re heading to get your RV windshield repaired, be extra cautious on the way there.
Tip #4: DIY Windshield Repair Kits: Can You Fix It Yourself?
DIY repair kits can be useful for minor damage, but they’re best suited for automotive-style windshields like those found in Class B and C RVs. If you drive a Class A motorhome, your large, curved Class A windshield is under significant structural and vibrational stress. Attempting a DIY repair on this type of glass often leads to poor results or worsened cracks—especially if done in less-than-ideal conditions.
Best case for DIY RV windshield repair:
The chip is smaller than a quarter.
The crack is under 3 inches (and not near the edge).
It’s on a flat section of glass, not curved or vertical.
You can work in clean, dry, shaded conditions.
Skip the DIY kit if:
The crack is long, deep, or growing.
The damage distorts your field of vision.
It’s near the edge or in a curved area of the glass.
💡 Bottom line: DIY kits can be a quick fix for minor chips, especially on standard RV windshields. But for Class A motorhomes, where the glass is larger and under more stress, a professional repair is usually the safer bet.
Tip #5: Don’t Wait! Early Repairs Save You Time and Money
When it comes to RV windshield repair, putting it off can cost you both financially and in terms of safety. What starts as a tiny chip can quickly spread into a crack that requires full replacement, especially if you’re driving or experiencing temperature swings. Here’s what happens when you ignore it:
The chip turns into a spreading crack
DIY repair is no longer an option
You’re calling around for a specialty glass shop and possibly paying out of pocket
But beyond cost, there’s a bigger issue: a cracked RV windshield compromises your safety. On motorhomes, especially Class A rigs, the windshield is part of the vehicle’s structural support system, helping stabilize the front end and protect passengers in an accident or emergency braking situation.
Most chip repairs take less than 30 minutes and cost under $100. Plus mobile RV windshield techs can often come to you, which is especially helpful if you’re stationary, boondocking, or tucked into a tight campsite. The sooner you act, the more you save, and the safer you stay on the road.
Will Insurance Cover Windshield Repair?
In many states, RV insurance covers chip and crack repair with little or no deductible, but not every policy includes this automatically. Coverage can vary depending on your provider, the type of RV, and whether you’ve added glass protection to your plan. If you don’t already know the answers, ask your insurance provider:
Does my policy cover windshield repair or full replacement?
Is there a deductible for glass damage?
Do I need to use an approved repair shop to get coverage?
Will mobile repair services be reimbursed?
A quick call now could save you from surprise out-of-pocket costs later.
FAQs: Still Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Q: Can a crack really be too long for repair?
A: Yes. But the limit depends on the type of vehicle and glass. For cars and some Class B or C RVs, professionals may be able to repair cracks up to 6 inches under ideal conditions. But for large RV windshields, especially Class A motorhomes, cracks often become unsafe to repair much sooner. Longer or edge-reaching cracks usually mean it’s time for a full replacement. DIY kits are even more limited and are best used only on quarter-size bullseye chips or starbursts.
Q: What kind of glass do RV windshields use?
A: Most RV windshields are made from laminated safety glass, just like in passenger vehicles. This means two layers of glass are bonded with a plastic inner layer. If cracked, the glass holds together rather than shattering. Class A windshields are often large, curved, and custom-formed.
🔧 Note: Some custom or retrofitted RVs may use polycarbonate or acrylic windshields instead of traditional glass. These materials require special tools and adhesives, so repairs should always be handled by a qualified technician, not a DIY kit.
Q: Are windshield repairs or replacements covered by warranty?
A: Not always. Manufacturer warranties typically don’t cover glass unless there’s a clear defect. Extended warranties or RV service contracts may offer glass coverage, but it varies. If you’re unsure what your current plan includes, RV Service Shield (via RVer Insurance Exchange) may offer more comprehensive options.
Q: How much does RV windshield replacement cost?
A: Replacing a Class B or C windshield might cost $500–$900. For a Class A, expect $1,000–$3,000 or more. Price depends on size, glass type, and labor. Mobile service and recalibration can also increase the total.
Q: How do I find a shop that works on RV windshields?
A: Look for glass repair shops or mobile services that specialize in RVs or heavy-duty vehicles. Not all auto glass places can handle large Class A rigs or curved windshields. Your local RV dealership or repair center may have recommendations.
Q: Is it safe to drive with a cracked RV windshield?
A: It’s risky. Even a small crack can spread fast, especially on rough roads. And in Class A motorhomes, the windshield helps support the structure of the rig. Driving with a compromised windshield can reduce your safety in a crash or emergency maneuver.
If you would like to reserve a stay with us and enjoy the Williamston, Greenville, Washington and Eastern NC area please give us a call 252-943-1699 or visit our website: Treeside RV Park
To reserve a spot, give us a call 252-943-1699