Windshield Wipers "Skipping"

[Islandsmith]

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread but I figured I'd start here. Something that bothers the hell out of me is when the windshield wipers "skip" on their return trip. Turn them on, the first wipe is beautiful and clean. However, on their return trip to the starting position they tend to "skip" and leave a bunch of unsightly water deposits right in my vision. This is compounded when the rain starts to really lighten up and all I'm trying to do is get a clean windshield to look out of.

Is there such a thing as a heavier spring for the wiper arms? The blades are new and clean and I'm at a loss other than just poor engineering.

Let me have it...

[Hugh.vines@att.net]

I use Rain x window cleaner and I hardly need my wipers but yes poor engineering

[16ACE27]

If they wipe good in one direction but not the other it's more likely a wiper blade problem not an arm problem.

[Lt Keefer]

Rain X. I use the cleaner and the stuff for the washer tank. Keeps the windshield pretty clean on misty or drizzly trips.

[cpmath]

I would contact Thor and tell them about it immediately, one other avenue to explore would be to contact the manufacturing plant for the wiper blades and see about a replacement.

[Islandsmith]

Originally Posted by cpmath

I would contact Thor and tell them about it immediately, one other avenue to explore would be to contact the manufacturing plant for the wiper blades and see about a replacement.

It's not under warranty so I'm not sure what Thor will do about it.

[MJC62]

When you say blades are new, did you replace recently? If they are on a "new" coach chances are they aren't so new. Been sitting in the sun getting eaten up by UV for a good 3 months minimum. And if the coach has been parked east or west they got a poop load of sun on the rubber. Our new Cherokee from the day we took delivery had a streaky blade on drivers side. New car and new blades needed to fix the streaky window.

[Islandsmith]

Originally Posted by MJC62

When you say blades are new, did you replace recently? If they are on a "new" coach chances are they aren't so new. Been sitting in the sun getting eaten up by UV for a good 3 months minimum. And if the coach has been parked east or west they got a poop load of sun on the rubber. Our new Cherokee from the day we took delivery had a streaky blade on drivers side. New car and new blades needed to fix the streaky window.

They are at least a year old and could easily be degraded. I keep covers on them when we're not traveling but I really don't think they've ever been replaced since the rig was new...in 2018.

I may start with new blades.

[sanjaun2]

Whenever I buy new wiper blades, I give the windshield a good cleaning. rubber from the old blades get imbedded in the glass. I use 0000 steel wool or polishing compound cleaner.

[10scDust]

I would try this, if possible, before jumping to much of a conclusion.

Can you remove the blade and re-install it the other way?
Of course the wiper side has to be towards the glass,

I know some wiper blades, the whole assembly comes off, from a single post on the wiper arm itself.

[cavie]

Blade problem and probably old stiff blades. The blade needs to FLOP back and forth with the direction of wipe.

[dwmanning]

I keep a tennis ball under each wiper arm this keeps them from resting on the windshield when RV is not in use or parked for any length of time. When the blades rest on the glass especially in the sun they tend to conform to the glass in one direction because of the constant pressure. You just need to insert the tennis ball under the arm enough to hold the blade off the glass.

[Tom Brown]

Where do you buy your blades? Ours are 30 inches long and wider than what I see at most retail stores. Most stores only go up to 28 inches.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by Tom Brown

Where do you buy your blades? Ours are 30 inches long and wider than what I see at most retail stores. Most stores only go up to 28 inches.

Most auto stores will order what ever you need. There is not enough market for them to keep them in stock. Truck stops are also a place to look.

When in storage just lift the arms away from the windshield. They should stay out just like you car does.

[10scDust]

I like the tennis ball idea.

[dwmanning]

Tom

Most auto part stores will order what you need also a quick internet search for RV wiper blades will render several sites where they are available.

[lwmcguire]

I switched to the 28 inch blades due to the availability and selection

Beam style only

You can increase the spring tension if the new blades don't help enough

Buy a good quality blade and anything over a year outside on a long blade is stretching it