Be Window Ready on your Next Road Trip
04-19-2018
Author: in Education
Window preparation should be one of the top priorities on that inventory. Besides having a clear view of the spectacular scenery along the way, adequate visibility allows the driver to avert potential road hazards and casualties.
Before firing up the engine on your next road trip, be sure to complete these four window hacks:
Clean both sides of your windows.
Washing and wiping down your RV windows on the outside and inside is ideal. Outside, your windows are exposed to environmental elements including precipitation, bird waste, and bug splatter. The inside gets less of a beating. If you have pets that like to sit in front of the window and sightsee or bark at the neighbors, much of your cleaning is focused on paw prints and nose smudges.
Related Read: Safety Tips For RVing with Pets
If streaking is a big problem while cleaning, consider waiting for the sun to go into hiding. The sun shining on your windows quickly dries up the cleaning solution after it is applied causing the streaking.
Make sure your wipers are in good shape.
This is one tip we won’t make the mistake of neglecting again. We inspected our wipers and realized we needed replacements but kept putting off buying new ones. We set off to our next destination and figured we’d be able to purchase wipers at the next Walmart. We were incorrect. Two days, three states, and several inquiries at auto stores and RV dealerships later, we found the specific wipers needed for our RV. We drove through bouts of rain on our drive, but luckily they were mere drizzles.
Since purchasing the special wipers, we’ve made sure to prolong their life by covering them during extended stays with vinyl covers. I have seen fellow RVers use pool noodles for the same purpose. Also, if you have special-to-your-rig wipers, like ours, we recommend purchasing an extra set.
Related Read: 4 Useful RV Hacks with Pool Noodles
Secure the blinds and curtains.
RVers enjoy their view as much as they enjoy shade and a bit of privacy, hence curtains and blinds. While on the road, it’s a good idea to tie back those curtains and roll up the blinds. Curtains can be a pain for driver’s, especially if they are blocking their line of sight. Owners of motorhomes may experience this if they don’t secure their front and side windshield curtains/shades. Blinds can also be extra noisy and annoying if left down.
Shield your windows with Rain-X.
Of course, no proper road trip is complete without a treatment of Rain-X. This particular brand has branched out with an array of products and capabilities over the years. Not only does Rain-X create a coating over your window, impervious to rain, sleet, and snow, but it acts as a repellent to an all too common traveler’s woe, bugs on the windshield. The fewer visual deterrents, the smoother the ride.
What are others ways you prepare your windows for the open road. Share your tips in the comments below.
Comment
All the work you go through to clean your RV then comes the job of wiping off the water before it spots the coaches bodywork before the water spots show up. I've used many products but by far the best one yet has been the SPOTLESS WATER SYSTEM that uses deionized water. When you done cleaning and rinsing off the soap, just turn on the Spotless system and re-rinse your RV, just lightly so that you cover the entire body. Then walk away and let the drying begin. Depending on the temperature the water will dry by itself and will be spot free and the windows will be crystal clear. I use it on the cars, pickup and the RV with great results. I have not had to wipe down my vehicles since I got the Spotless system. The system does cost, but overall its been well worth it.
Thank you for commenting!
Author: Levi and Natalie Henley
