Why You Need an RV Windshield Cover

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Wade Thiel

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Wade divides his time among various outdoor activities in both urban and rural environments. An adventurer by nature, he is always up for a challenging hike, fun hunt, or day out on the water with friends and family. When he isn’t enjoying the outdoors, he’s writing, reading, or tinkering with motorcycles and cars.

The sun is a beautiful and wonderful thing. It can also be damaging and horribly hot. The sun can take its toll on even the best-maintained RV out there. That’s why you might want to think about getting a windshield cover for your motorized RV. An RV windshield cover is a simple accessory that can help keep your RV in good condition and comfortable while it’s parked.

Why Get an RV Windshield Cover?

motorhome driving without rv windshield cover
Photo by Getty Images

Excessive amounts of sunlight pouring into your RV’s windshield can cause your dashboard and other areas of your RV to fade quickly or dry out and crack over time. Obviously, fifth-wheels and travel trailers don’t have to worry about this much, but any motorhome can use a windshield cover to help protect your RV’s interior.

An RV windshield cover can also add a level of privacy that you may not otherwise have. Yes, many RVs come with privacy curtains, but not all. Many renovated rigs can become an enticing target for those who are up to no good. The use of a windshield cover in your RV not only prevents heat from getting in but also blocks the view of passersby who might want to see inside. This can mean that a windshield shade can help keep you feeling more comfortable from a privacy standpoint.

Do Windshield Covers Work for Heat?

Speaking of comfort, a windshield shade will also help keep your RV cooler. The sun can beat down on your RV and its heat will dramatically warm up your RV if you don’t have a cover. This can make it easier to keep your RV more comfortable in those hot summer months. In fact, studies conducted in the automotive industry have revealed that windshield covers can reduce heat inside a vehicle by as little as 8% and as much as 25%. Black covers can actually absorb infrared heat and trap it in your vehicle. That’s why we recommend a metallic or reflective RV windshield cover to bounce more infrared heat away.

Which Way Does a Windshield Cover Go?

For reflective RV windshield covers, the reflective side should face out towards the sun. Other styles may be used differently, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Our Best Windshield Covers For Your RV

Elements Deluxe RV Windshield Cover

  • Fit: Ford 1996 and up (or) Chevy/GMC 2001 and up
  • Construction: Heavy-duty vinyl with polyester mesh screens
  • Installs without snaps, screws, or drilling
  • Secures with magnetic fasteners and anti-theft tabs
  • Features roll-up windows with integrated privacy screens
  • Includes storage bag

ADCO Deluxe Class C RV Windshield Cover

  • Fit: 2004-2019 Endura/Kodiak C5500
  • Construction: Heavy-duty vinyl with polyester mesh screens
  • Installs without snaps, screws, or drilling
  • Secures with magnetic fasteners and anti-theft tabs
  • Features roll-up windows with integrated privacy screens
  • Includes storage bag

ADCO RV Windshield Cover

  • Fit: 2007-2019 Sprinter Chassis
  • Construction: Heavy-duty waterproof vinyl
  • Installs without snaps, screws, or drilling
  • Lays over the windshield and secures with straps on the top and magnets at the bottom
  • Features security straps that lock inside the doors
  • Includes UV and mildew resistance

What Should You Look for in an RV Windshield Cover?

Rv windshield shade for the sun
Photo by Camping World

When it comes to finding the right RV windshield cover for your rig, start with the type of RV you have. A shade or cover that’s designed for a Class A motorhome will not work on a Class C. So, look for one that’s the right design.

Next, you should look for a cover that’s designed to last. Read through the product description and the reviews. These two things will give you a good idea of what to expect. Generally, you’re looking for a heavy-duty vinyl shade or cover. If you’d like, you can look for one with removable panels that will provide some protection but still let in light.

You also need to think about how it attaches to your RV. Many shades go on the outside of the unit, though there are sunshades that fit inside of your rig, which is common with car sunshades. These are made of reflective material with usually a foam in the middle. All you really need to worry about here is that they’re large enough to cover your full RV windshield.

If you’re thinking of an exterior RV windshield cover that provides shade, then you need to find one that either straps down or has magnet fasteners. Avoid anything that requires you to drill into your RV or alter it in any way. The shade should be an addition to your RV, not an alteration.


Here are a few more resources to help you protect your RV from UV damage:

Do you have any questions about finding or installing an RV windshield cover? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Comment (4)
  • Cyrus Juliet says:

    Thank you for providing this information. I am looking for good RV Windshield Covers for my RV. This post will help me a lot.

  • Roe Gary says:

    Great information! We used ADCO 2407 White Class C Ford Windshield Cover on our Ford 2018 E-450 motorhome. It fits very well and we had no problem putting it on. Fits over the corner on each door so it cannot be stolen. There is Velcro to keep the cover snug around each side mirror. Very good quality and priced very reasonably.

  • Pastor Jerry says:

    We have a 2004 Four Winds Chateau Class C. Our dawg always wants to be looking out the windows, and I couldn’t keep her out of the cabin when we parked. However, when I bought a wrap-around windshield cover, this eliminated THREE problems for us, Number 1, dawg didn’t want to be jumping over our child gate to go in the cabin looking out of the windows anymore, and number 2, privacy is better, and number 3, the a/c and heater work much better now, AND keeping the sun off the dashboard and seats is a definite plus. I would HIGHLY recommend you invest in one. You will be very happy with it.

  • Wade Thiel says:

    Appreciate you sharing your experience! I totally agree. Well worth the money.

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