Pro-Tint, Inc. - Windshield Protection Film for RVs

RV Product Overview

Windshield protection is a constant concern as you put miles on the coach. Stone and rock chips being dislodged from the highway surface and hitting the windshield of the coach happens frequently usually as a result of cars and trucks passing a slower moving coach. After replacing my second one- piece windshield I realized just how vulnerable and susceptible to breaks these large RV windshields are.

I remembered seeing a news story on TV regarding how many helicopter windshields are being broken in Afghanistan by rocks hitting them and that the Army had contacted NASCAR to develop a product to protect helicopter windshields similar to tear-off film used by NASCAR pit crews in NASCAR races for the same reason. With some research, I found the company that was working with the Army and contacted them to see if there was an application for motorhomes experiencing the same problem. The company is Pro-Tint, Inc. out of Kannapolis, NC. They were very interested and suggested using a NASCAR-like film that could be applied to the front windshield to protect it from stones, etc.

The professionals at Pro-Tint advised me that completely covering the entire windshield with such a film might not be Department of Transportation (DOT) approved, so we only covered the bottom 1/3rd which was where the majority of chips occur. Since the film has been applied we have experienced approximately 10 hits onto the film and not one chip. We did however take one rock above the film and (thankfully) had it successfully repaired.

The Problem

Chipping, cracking or breaking the front windshield of the motorhome can be a big problem; and sooner or later it happens to everyone who has a motorhome. Usually it is the result of a stone being thrown up and striking the windshield caused by a passing car or truck and more often than not it strikes the motorhome windshield anywhere in the lower part.

The Solution

There are several solutions that address preventative measures to keep the windshield from chipping, cracking or breaking as a result of being struck by flying debris usually caused by passing vehicles. One such solution that I've found particularly interesting and reasonably priced is to have a protective film applied to the front windshield. The company who I have found that has the expertise to accomplish this successfully is Pro-Tint, Inc. out of Kannapolis, NC. They were willing to travel to apply the film on my coach and would be willing to do likewise, if requested for multiple applications.

The technique used by Pro-Tint, Inc. is a similar application that they use regularly for application to NASCAR racing cars for protection while racing on a track wherein several layers tear-off film are used and each layer can be quickly pealed off during pit stops. Although the product as applied to motorhomes is still in the development stages, it is worth trying as it definitely works and will normally prevent a chip or break from occurring if a rock strikes the film. Since it cannot (at this time) be applied to the entire windshield due to the fact that over time (years) the film might discolor or in some way obstruct the driver's view, the upper 2/3rds of the windshield is still vulnerable. However, this is a good preventative measure.

Installation and Operation

The installation should be done professionally as the film must be applied very carefully to prevent any bubbles or imperfections from occurring. Do-it-yourselfers who are inexperienced in the handling of a 8 foot by 18 inch sheet of film will find this application quite difficult, whereas the professional like those at Pro-Tint, Inc. are skilled and do this application routinely. The installation involves cleaning the windshield perfectly with a special windshield cleaning solution. Then removing all residual debris from the windshield with a razor blade. Next the windshield is wetted with a soapy solution and the film is stretched out and applied directly to the windshield. The film is then squeegeed with a plastic squeegee until all of the bubbles are completely removed. The film will then be completely transparent on the windshield and difficult to see that it is actually there. The film must then be trimmed up as necessary to attain a perfect fit. This can only be done with a stainless steel razor blade so not to scratch the windshield. This is another reason to leave this job to the professionals at Pro-Tint, Inc. If too much pressure is applied to the blade or the wrong type of blade is used, you might inadvertently scratch your windshield.

The only maintenance required is a monthly waxing of the film with carnuba car wax to keep the film clean. This waxing also makes it easier to clean bug debris from the film.

I have had the film on my windshield for nearly one year and it looks good as the first day it was applied.

Contact Pro-Tint, Inc. directly regarding more information or to schedule the application of this film. They can be reached via clicking on this link:

Company Website: www.protint.com

Pro-Tint, Inc.
1098 North Cannon Blvd.
Kannapolis, NC 28083

Telephone: 800-553-8673

Back To: RV Parts & Accessories Reviews