Windshield replacement

[Pete Masterson]

Greg,

You're right -- California has rules requiring loads, especially those that might lose materials, to be covered. Yet, there is still debris that comes off trucks at times, even in California. You can get in trouble over chicken feathers, if there's no chickens on board -- I had a friend, some years ago, who drove truck loads of wet chicken feathers from a poultry processing plant to the dump -- and he once had a tie-down come lose -- leaving a trail of feathers for 20+ miles. The CHP was not amused.

Still, even the most careful driving can still 'get you.' Even with adequate following distances, a rock tossed up by a tire or falling from a truck can take a bad bounce and still have plenty of energy to crack a window even from quite a distance. Once, I overtook an empty flatbed tractor-trailer on a 2-lane highway -- it had apparently previously hauled a muddy harvester (not unusual in the rice growing area I was traversing) and chunks of dried mud and small rocks were shaking free and flying off the back of that trailer. Even though I followed from a considerable distance back (once I realized that junk was coming off the trailer), I still got a couple of small chips in my glass -- they'd come off the trailer, hit the pavement (just right) then fly very high into the air -- some would bounce up to damaging height 2 or 3 times.

Interesting comment about the toad. I never bothered to do anything special to protect my toad -- and in 3 years, never picked up any new dings or glass chips that I could tell. (The toad was already more than a dozen years old when I started towing it.) It did get thoroughly covered in diesel-dirt, but other than the difficulty in washing that off, it wasn't damaging.

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Nov 24, 2009, at 4:40 PM, gregory O wrote:

In California it is a misdemeanor to have a show load ( dump material visible in payload smaller than 24" X 24") blow load (dust coming out of truck bed)or to drop anything on the freeway other than chicken feathers and water. First fine is $280. then $1,600.00. (I'm told).
Load covers are required in some counties and even some cities of counties that do not require a load cover require them to be used in their city.

I think the fault is with the person who got the broken window for driving too close to a truck or bus. I would bet most of the stones that get thrown are from tires. while driving on gravel roads stones get set in the tread and dislodge on the freeway. many get tossed to the mud flaps then bounce only to get retossed by the next truck or bus.

If you think motorhomes are innocent look at the lengths folks go thru to keep their toad protected from the toss of a motorhome and think of how many more gravel roads a motorhome travels vs a big rig. I think there is proof that they cause damage in view of these measures

He who lives in 45,000 lb-Housecar should not throw stones. Give a trucker a break.

Greg
94ptca


--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "jackdanielsnb@..." wrote:

Yes, I am also a property adjuster and know their insurance will pay for your windshield.

Yes, if you talk with the truck driver or the company, they will say it isn't their fault. Did you think they would willing pay you hundreds of dollars for something they can BS their way out of? If you get the name of the insurance company and file a claim with the insurance company, you will get paid.

Yes, you can also file on your company, and sometimes at no cost to you in a rate increase. Some insurance companies have company policies that cancel you after so many claims, no matter what the claim. Why take a chance if you can get the other guy's insurance information.

Just some helpful tips for the "next" time.

Glenn

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "jackdanielsnb@" wrote:

I can't help on finding a replacement, but have other info that may help others in the future.

I own a bird, I drive a big truck, and yes, it is a gravel truck. Yes, sometimes rocks fall of the gravel hauler and sometimes it comes up from the road, either way, here is what you do, if possible. Even if it isn't a gravel truck, do the same.

If you run with a cb, then tell them on the radio about the incident. He may or may not answer. If they do answer (in a polite way) ask if he would pull over and offer his insurance info. Most likely the answer will be NO. DOT regs says he has to post certain info on the truck, they actually say it is located on the door, but truckers put this everywhere on the truck. Look for TXDOT (or USDOT if out of state) numbers and they will be on the truck. The name of the trucking company and city should be posted. Get any or all tag numbers. On big trucks (Semi Trailers) the truck (Tractor) tag is only on the front, but you should be able to get the trailer tag number. Get ALL this info and also make note of the date and time, and exactly where it happened, hwy#, mile post#, exit#, or the mileage to the next city. The hard part is going to be "getting" the info off the truck. If he is "hauling ass", you may not be able to get beside him. But safely try to get this info.

You can go online (I don't have the link handy) and look up the TXDOT number and it will provide you the name, address, and their insurance company. The insurance company info is what you want. You call them and file a claim and most likely they will pay for your damage. If you have the date/time, where's, how's, and truck info, they won't argue with you much, just pay.

I know this didn't replace your windshield, but maybe next time you can get the insurance to pay.

Glenn

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "mrkane1952" <mrkane@> wrote:

Greetings:

Lost the right windshield ('87 PT40) to a rock hauler in Waco. Anyone have a suggested supplier and installer in the DFW area?

Thanks--

M. R. Kane

1987 PT40

currently Terrell, TX

PS: The search function is not working for me. The form does not recognize search term entry?

------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
"WanderlodgeForum-digest@yahoogroups.com"
"WanderlodgeForum-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com"

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
"WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com"

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/