Front window rock protection

Dalehelman

@Sharon_is_SAM
Sorry I used a thread TAP not tape.

trimtab

I would be happy just to have something like a heavy fabric cover...over the front window. Bugs..bugs... bugs.....

trimtab

I can sew..have an idea on how to secure a pull on fabric cover that will stay on in 65 mph wind..and bugs?

NomadPilgrim

Photomom said:

Nice. We went a different way - full glass coverage on our T@B insurance policy.

Does that cover plastic windows under glass coverage? ;-)

Sharon_is_SAM

If the fabric is thin enough, you can just wrap it around the window and secure the window closed.  I don’t think that will protect the window from rock damage, but it will help keep bugs off.  

trimtab

"If the fabric is thin enough, you can just wrap it around the window and secure the window closed.  I don’t think that will protect the window from rock damage, but it will help keep bugs off. "< That!  thank you.!

MarkAl

I like the concept of the rails and impressed with the creativity but one issue is the groove does not capture the plastic. KederSolutions.com shows the extrusions, I'm wondering with a straight section of the rail bonded top and bottom to the window. Then bond plastic to a fabric male insert (I see them on eBay / Etsy) to securely hold from being ripped out in the wind? This may be one of the first mods I consider when we get our 320...

trimtab

half brain storming..what about a thin plexi piece the size of the window..attached to a fabric backing that wraps around at least 3 edges, put over window and close it. Tie straps from inside..just a concept.....throwing it out there...

Sharon_is_SAM

Ours stays on without any problem.  We can either remove it at the campsite or just leave it in place and cover with our cloth awning.  The aluminum cross pieces made all the difference.

trimtab

"If the fabric is thin enough, you can just wrap it around the window and secure the window closed.  I don’t think that will protect the window from rock damage, but it will help keep bugs off."  Making that, will report back when done.

Homebodyatheart

@MarkAl @Dalehelman ‘s mod has stayed secure for many, many miles since he installed it. I’ve seen it and am impressed. 

Skyscraper

@Dalehelman I am really impressed by your idea.   I see that this thread is a few months old.  Any updates or further improvements?

Dalehelman

Not really. Be sure to checkout all of the photos in this 4 page thread.

ReenieG

Runtarooti said:

I bet you could find some Krylon Plastic rattle can paint to color match. Even make a reversible color option.
I am going to 777 spray adhesive the panel and smooth some flannel on the back of mine to avoid rubbing.

@Runtarooti good idea on the flannel. I've never used spray adhesive but I see alot of people use it successfully for all sorts of projects.

Denny16

The best front window rock protection is to install mud flaps on your Tow Vehicle to prevent rocks from being thrown up at the trailer front.  Bugs are another issue.  

ReenieG

@Denny16 I'm thinking the window protector might serve as protection from the sun/heat damage warping issue as well as rock protection.

DanWeitzel

Dalehelman said:

@Sharon_is_SAM

I did place a layer of this plastic between the Coroplast and the window. To prevent the possibility of scratching the window.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Expressions-Insta-Cling-Window-Tint-Extra-Dark-5/16672493

Wondering if regular Saran Clingwrap would work as a scratch protector under the Coroplast/ 

Sharon_is_SAM

It may not be heavy enough.  Try the Insta Cling.  Not too bad to install.

Dalehelman

I used a static cling window tint I found at Walmart auto department.

DanWeitzel

Dalehelman said:

I used a static cling window tint I found at Walmart auto department.

Do you remove this when not traveling or leave it on full time?

Dalehelman

I left the tint on and removed only the corrugated plastic.

Black Magic Select Automotive Window Tint Film, 5% VLT
https://www.walmart.com/ip/16672491

Sharon_is_SAM

We leave the Insta Cling on permanently and we also leave the corrugated plastic on full time.  

DanWeitzel

Dalehelman said:

I left the tint on and removed only the corrugated plastic.

Black Magic Select Automotive Window Tint Film, 5% VLT
https://www.walmart.com/ip/16672491

Are there any issue with the tint adversely affecting the plastic window if left on permanently?   

jimcenname

I have used Gila cling film for about 3 years on most of the windows in my 400. I am testing the Walmart Black Magic cling film starting today. The boxes on both films say not to install on Plexiglass or Acrylic. I've had no damage to my windows with the Gila. I am testing the Black Magic because the Gila will stay on my windows for no more than a year. The edges eventually peel away. The circumstances are usually when there is intense sunlight directly on the windows (a hot day in the desert or Southern California in August.) Also, the Gila is thick so it's a little hard to install and it won't wrap around the tight curved edges of the windows, it peels away. I like the mirror effect and privacy of the Gila but I am getting tired of replacing it every 6-12 months. And it's expensive. The Black Magic is thinner and was easy to install. I found it difficult to cut because I can not see the perimeter cut line I drew on it with my marker, black on black. I hope it won't break my window, so I installed in on one round window exposed to sun, easier to replace if it breaks. Plenty of sun and heat in Southern California this week, I report back on the results. 

Gila film:



Black Magic film:

tonyenglish

Would love to knw how Sharon did this...part numbers, etc. A very cleaver solution. I'm looking to protect our front window as we've attained a number of dents in our front box, and it's just a matter of time before one hits the window.

Sharon_is_SAM

@tonyenglish - Dale Helman supplied a parts list early on in this thread.  It was later quoted by Bill in Tulsa in 2019.
We used aluminum U channel instead of plastic and added the 2 aluminum strips with wing screws which really help hold it in place.  Don’t forget the Insta Cling window film - that prevents the corrugated plastic from etching the window.

That’s all I remember.  It is still in place and we expose the window from time to time to wash off any grit that has accumulated and inspect the cling film.