[VACList] Re: VACList Digest V3 #295 - RV trailer glazing

[waymark1@xxxxxxxx]

Motor vehicle windshields are not made using polycarbonate (Lexan) because it is 
much softer than glass and will be rapidly scratched by windshield wipers. 
Aircraft windshields that have wipers are made of thick safety glass that will 
withstand bird impact. When aircraft windshields begin to lose their transparency 
they are replaced.

Our 1979 trailer has no safety glass anywhere in it. It's all plain window glass 
except for the two curved panes in the front corners, which are Lucite (plexiglass). 
The Lucite panes are still transparent but this trailer was stored indoors for 
most of the last 16 years.

Houses are now required to have safety glazing (whether glass or plastic) in 
windows in or next to doors. I don't know if this is in the RV code or not.

Motor homes are required to have safety glass where seats are mounted for 
occupancy during travel, just like any motor vehicle. As trailers are not 
intended for occupancy during motion they do not need safety glass.

Polycarbonate is made that has a very hard skin but it still is not hard enough 
to withstand wipers, which of course gradually scratch glass too but not so 
severely as to obscure vision significantly (usually).
Polycarbonates are made that are highly UV resistant, so they will last many 
years of sunlight exposure before yellowing.
Al Grayson