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There\u2019s a lot of love for personal automobile and passenger car glass around here at Glass.com and elsewhere on the Web. But what about large-format windshields and glass for commercial vehicles such as buses and RVs?<\/p>\n
Well, we\u2019ve got that covered, too. Here are some key factors that make working with (and purchasing) large vehicle glass<\/a>, like bus and RV windshields, different than your average ones.<\/p>\n Most charter buses in Europe have, for some time, featured very large windshields for safety<\/a> and rider experience reasons, and the trend has made its way to the U.S. in recent years.<\/p>\n While large panoramic windshields are sometimes seen in private buses, they aren\u2019t as prevalent in public buses in America. This is in part due to the fact that public buses are purchased in fleets at lower negotiated prices, resulting in them using more conventional windshields.<\/p>\n North America has taken a little longer to adopt the large vehicle glass, but it is here and will continue to grow in popularity as benefits are realized. Still, the downside is cost, as this glass can be twice as expensive as a consumer vehicle. Shipping, packing and installation is also more of a challenge with larger windshields.<\/p>\n Another thing to keep in mind that many of these vehicles see more miles than most passenger cars, and the chance for damage is higher. However, many of these vehicles have windshields located higher than on passenger cars. Road debris still affects them, but sometimes they<\/em> are the ones kicking up rocks for other drivers.<\/p>\n While the large lites aren\u2019t yet as popular on buses in the U.S., they are a hot option for RVs, particularly Class-A RVs, which are a primary application for these windshields. A company called Coach Glass introduced a one-piece windshield to the RV industry in 1999, and it has steadily caught on across the board.<\/p>\n RV owners appreciate the continuous panoramic views that come from a large one-piece windshield, and RV manufacturers switched from two-piece windshields to using one-piece RV windshields exclusively in the mid-2000s to accommodate.<\/p>\n This trend doesn\u2019t leave out buses, either. North American companies such as Nova Bus, among others, make a transit bus with a large one-piece windshield. Other businesses like Alexander Dennis make a double-decker tour bus that has two, large, one-piece windshields, with one on top of the other.<\/p>\n You may be wondering, what exactly goes into making these huge windshields? To put it simply, two pieces of glass are heated and formed on a stainless steel mold, and then cooled down slowly. They are then laminated together with an interlayer, similar to your everyday passenger vehicle windshield.<\/p>\n In some ways, these installations are similar to work on the windshields in cars. Certain rules such as using the right primer and informing the customer of safe-drive-away time still apply. But because of the size of the glass, it could take more manpower and time to install. Some type of lift system might be needed to help the technicians reach the windshield. Whether it is scaffolding, a flatbed truck or a dock, chances are a company will need something unique compared to a passenger car.<\/p>\n Ultimately, replacing these large windshields<\/a> takes experience and is a bit different from working with smaller personal consumer vehicles. A regular automotive glass shop may be able to do RV windshield replacements<\/a>, but some companies specialize in it.<\/p>\n Get an Estimate<\/a>\n\n Special training is required to work on these large windshields, for things seemingly as simple as just popping the old glass out. A large, one-piece windshield is more difficult to install and often takes three or more installers just to lift it. A greater risk of both safety and cost of damage also exists simply because it is so big. Transportation is very different, too. This glass comes in very large crates, and it is more difficult to store and handle.<\/p>\nA Growing Trend<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Special Windshield-Makers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Replacing Large Windshields<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What it Entails<\/strong><\/h2>\n