Valuable Reasons Why You Need An RV Windshield Cover

No matter what type of motorhome you have, you’ll find one accessory to be an absolute necessity for the protection of your investment: an RV windshield cover. Even if you have a towable RV, a windshield screen for your tow car or truck will protect the interior. While a windshield cover may not be as exciting an upgrade as lithium batteries or a bank of solar panels, it’s a necessary upgrade. It will keep your rig cooler on hot days, protect your dash from fading/cracking AND give you substantial privacy while you enjoy the RV lifestyle. Buying one for your Class A, B, or C motorhome is a no-brainer, no matter what size or age your vehicle may be.

What is an RV Windshield Cover?

Created to provide protection for your recreational vehicle, an RV windshield cover also affords privacy. Many covers are attached to the exterior of the vehicle. But some RVers prefer those that can be inserted on the interior portion of the windshield. Each design has various benefits for your coach, and windshield covers come in a variety of materials, sizes, and prices.

Types of RV Windshield Covers 

Most covers are divided into two types: (1) exterior and (2) interior. Those that affix to the exterior of the windshield can be attached in a variety of ways: many use straps, snaps, suction cups, twist locks, or magnets to hold the cover in place, and some even utilize velcro.

Interior windshield covers can be drawstring shades, flexible reflective materials, or curtains attached to a track. Both types of covers will help to keep harmful UV rays from entering the vehicle and destroying the  dashboard… while also providing privacy to the occupants.

Benefits of RV Windshield Covers

First, a good cover will keep harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from damaging the dashboard. It does this by deflecting/blocking the light from the RV’s windshield and not allowing it in.

Second, a windshield cover can keep the interior temperature much lower. In addition to blocking UV rays, they also block infrared from passing through your RV’s windshield. With a windshield cover in place, the temperature inside your RV can remain at least 20 degrees lower than on the outside of the RV.

Lastly, by covering what are usually the largest (often untinted) windows in an RV, a good deal of privacy is offered to those inside. Of course, blinds and curtains in other windows help to complete that level of privacy.

What You Should Look for in an RV Windshield Cover

There are a lot of options you can choose from when shopping for windshield covers for your RV. Here are a few tips for things to look for to make sure what you buy will work well for you:

Quality

Custom RV windshield covers can be made to fit exact measurements. This will not only protect the rig from damaging UV rays, but can also keep moisture away from the window frames. Most exterior covers will need to be custom measured, whereas interior methods of keeping out the sunlight can usually be less specific. Interior examples are curtains hung on a rod behind the cab area, or hand-cut Reflectix material attached by velcro to the inside window frames. Some newer RVs come with custom window shades that fan out from the sides or tops of the window interiors. The material in these is usually of decent quality, but the shades quickly become ‘dented’ if you’re not careful when opening and closing them… which we quickly discovered in our first overseas rental that had them!

Material

RV windshield covers can be made from a variety of materials. However, most agree that high-quality vinyl offers the best protection for your vehicle. It fits snugly to the windows and can be customized to completely cover the glass. This option blocks out UV rays while giving total privacy to the front area of your rig. Other materials may include Reflectix (which can be fit against the interior of the windshield) or acrylic mesh (that reduces UV and heat transmission into the RV while allowing in some light). Fabric curtains, a common choice, don’t fit directly on the RV windshield glass, so some of the beneficial effects are lost when using them. If choosing exterior covers, you just want to make sure that they’re made of waterproof, durable material.

Size

You can find RV windshield covers to fit van windows, Class C truck-like windows, and even the large Class A scenic windows. All that’s needed are measurements to have custom windshield covers made. But if cost is a concern, there are also pre-made options that will fit the windshield of common-sized vehicles (Class B or C motorhomes on Ford E or Sprinter chassis, for example). Cutting Reflectix to fit the interior windows can be an inexpensive way to protect your vehicle. Curtains added to an interior cab can be made of any size, and have the added benefit of many fabric choices, giving owners the option of a more personalized space.

Storage

Whatever you choose to use as windshield covers, make sure you have sufficient space to store them in your RV. Some covers may fold down making them easy to store away, while others may need to be rolled up or remain attached to a curtain rod. Plan ahead before you purchase them.

RV Windshield Covers: A Worthwhile Investment

No matter your investment, an RV is your home away from home and requires some tender loving care to keep it safe and comfortable. A windshield cover will help to increase privacy and add protection for your dashboard. When considering the initial cost of any RV, it makes sense to invest a little extra to protect that vehicle and your privacy. Adding an RV windshield cover to your collection of accessories will be one purchase that you will never regret!

Of course, as wonderful as RV windshield screens are, there CAN be a drawback every once in a while… like when ours were driving us BATTY ?!

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