2021 Ram Chipped Windshield

[clayusmcret]

I've had my 2021 Ram 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab since 2023 and I'm certain that I've never had a vehicle (car/truck/bike/camper) with a windshield as susceptible to getting chips as this one. I'm in the auto glass repair shop just about every other month getting another windshield ding repaired before it has a chance to crack further. I was in again today (luckily finding that the chip and quarter inch line we were seeing had already been repaired) when I met another Ram 1500 driver who said the same thing. When he bought his truck, between the dealer and home he got three chips and has had to repair chips numerous times before they spread.

At the rate it's going, I'll have paid off a windshield deductible trying to do chip repairs rather than paying the windshield deductible for replacing the whole windshield.

Are replacement windshields any better than the original? Or are they just as bad?

 

[GeauxinUp]

My 2015 Ram has 2 or 3 pretty decent chips that were legit hits from rocks. They’ve been there for years and have never run. Guess I got lucky.
Wife has a 24’ telluride that got one little pebble ding that has formed a complete rainbow of a run from that one spot. Replacement is over $1k

 

[crash68]

when I met another Ram 1500

Was this another DT body truck? or an older DS?
Can't really say there's been many threads complaining about windshields chipping and cracking but maybe this post will spur some posting.

 

[clayusmcret]

Was this another DT body truck? or an older DS?
Can't really say there's been many threads complaining about windshields chipping and cracking but maybe this post will spur some posting.

His was a very well kept 2017. I had to call back to the glass repair shop to ask and was surprised at the year.

 

[Wild one]

I've had my 2021 Ram 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab since 2023 and I'm certain that I've never had a vehicle (car/truck/bike/camper) with a windshield as susceptible to getting chips as this one. I'm in the auto glass repair shop just about every other month getting another windshield ding repaired before it has a chance to crack further. I was in again today (luckily finding that the chip and quarter inch line we were seeing had already been repaired) when I met another Ram 1500 driver who said the same thing. When he bought his truck, between the dealer and home he got three chips and has had to repair chips numerous times before they spread.

At the rate it's going, I'll have paid off a windshield deductible trying to do chip repairs rather than paying the windshield deductible for replacing the whole windshield.

Are replacement windshields any better than the original? Or are they just as bad?

Maybe don't follow so close,usually tailgating is the biggest issue in regards to stone chips or sandblasted/pitted windshields

 

[MADDOG]

I didn't have that problem with my Ram trucks but my Jeep Gladiator just seems susceptible to such dings.

I added glass coverage to my insurance and don't pay for repair or replacement on that rig anymore.

 

[clayusmcret]

Maybe don't follow so close,usually tailgating is the biggest issue in regards to stone chips or sandblasted/pitted windshields

I really don't follow close. Most of the time I'm nearly 100yds back and it's bouncing rocks that do the damage. Or, damage from vehicles going the opposite direction on 2 lane roads.

 

[Wild one]

I really don't follow close. Most of the time I'm nearly 100yds back and it's bouncing rocks that do the damage. Or, damage from vehicles going the opposite direction on 2 lane roads.

My 14 still has it's original windshield,and i live where they basically use gravel on the highways 6 months out of the year,gotta love Alberta,lol. My 300 does seem to be a bit more prone to rock chips though

 

[Marshall]

My 2014 is also on original glass, thou it has 2 or 3 small chips that were fixed.
going into the sun , it is getting sand blasted but still quite useable.

In 2005 I bought a new truck when I was in Edmonton visiting daughter on base.
Alberta road got me as I hit the hiway with rock from a horse trailer.
It was a fist size wack, But I have always carried glass insurance.
I had 23 miles on it , a bit pissed.
Wild one, you don't have a horse trailer do you?

 

[GTyankee]

Until recently, i ran a business, where i had to follow 10 wheel & larger trucks up close.

One of my things that were rules, was to try to not let any vehicles between my truck & the truck that i was following.

My current truck was only struck once with a rock that caused a crack.
That truck has bad pitting on the windshield right now, it came from following trucks closely.
I will need to replace the windshield before a cross country trip in mid July, night driving would be irritating

 

[clayusmcret]

Hmmm, maybe it's just mine. My insurance does cover replacement windshields but I've been hesitant to replace it if the next one was going to do the same. Thanks for your responses.

 

[Marshall]

I think the hood shape has more to do with it
I use to use hood protectors/ deflectors and they helped quite a bit on county roads, as well as slowing down, but who does that now?
But I don’t care for the look anymore

I have auto wipers, so I don’t know if that makes any difference on the glass.

 

[turkeybird56]

I think the hood shape has more to do with it
I use to use hood protectors/ deflectors and they helped quite a bit on county roads, as well as slowing down, but who does that now?
But I don’t care for the look anymore

I have auto wipers, so I don’t know if that makes any difference on the glass.

What my 5th Gen 2019 looks like with AVS Aeroskin II (deflector):

 

[suicideking]

I'm certain that I've never had a vehicle (car/truck/bike/camper) with a windshield as susceptible to getting chips as this one.

Jeep Wrangler is the worst. The windshields are nearly flat so they get cracked all the time. I'm about to get my 3rd windshield replaced. The auto glass guy remembers me when I call him.

At least the Ram has a decent angle. That said, I've had my '23 for a year and already have a chip in the windshield.

 

[clayusmcret]

Jeep Wrangler is the worst. The windshields are nearly flat so they get cracked all the time. I'm about to get my 3rd windshield replaced. The auto glass guy remembers me when I call him.

At least the Ram has a decent angle. That said, I've had my '23 for a year and already have a chip in the windshield.

My windshield guy just smiles when he sees me coming.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I've had my 2021 Ram 1500 Bighorn Crew Cab since 2023 and I'm certain that I've never had a vehicle (car/truck/bike/camper) with a windshield as susceptible to getting chips as this one. I'm in the auto glass repair shop just about every other month getting another windshield ding repaired before it has a chance to crack further. I was in again today (luckily finding that the chip and quarter inch line we were seeing had already been repaired) when I met another Ram 1500 driver who said the same thing. When he bought his truck, between the dealer and home he got three chips and has had to repair chips numerous times before they spread.

At the rate it's going, I'll have paid off a windshield deductible trying to do chip repairs rather than paying the windshield deductible for replacing the whole windshield.

Are replacement windshields any better than the original? Or are they just as bad?

I'd be seriously looking at the following were I you in the situations you're in:

First, replace the windshield altogether to start with fresh glass (ensure you only get OEM replacement...like PPG or Pilkington...with or without the Ram Head Symbol).

Then in the same breath, have a premium windshield protection film installed (like X-Pel), and voila, all the protection for your windshield and a nice layer of UVA/UVB blockers, too.

One could also go one step further and have a premium interior windshield tint installed that's rated at 70% (also X-Pel). Virtually unnoticeable in terms of darker shade, and completely undetectable as it's a single piece used. The A-pillar covers get removed for installation

Keeps things cooler inside, cuts road glare, and provides greater protection for the interior bits from the higher levels of UVA/UVB blockers.

My $0.02

 

[GTyankee]

i bought the tallest Hood Shield on the market
It deflects Air & smaller rocks

 

[Justin33]

Maybe don't follow so close,usually tailgating is the biggest issue in regards to stone chips or sandblasted/pitted windshields

**** I got all of that….don’t tell me what to do.

 

[Justin33]

Have 15 with factory glass but it has been sandblasted to ****…Nusr got a good nickel sized ding luckily where the wipers rest….debating if I just replace it as in the sun she be looking pitted.

 

[Gary Fields]

Have a 2020 Ram currently with 5 chips. One is a half dollar sized hickey from Colorado that nobody would seal and has not spread in 3 years. Historically pick-up have more glass damage due to the more vertical windshield. I guess the Cyber-not-a-truck is immune. Having had many company cars over the years myself and other drivers of the same noticed that some years and models came with crappy windshields. The OEM replacements also were crappy. The OEM models often are not any better than aftermarket. Had aftermarket windshields that lasted the life of the car when OEM models had 3 replacement in a year. One thing to keep in mind is most insurance companies will not continue to replace windshields forever with low deductible. Generally if you have 3 glass claims within a 2 year period (different companies have different rules) they will raise your comprehensive deductible to $1000 per occurrence. This cuts out most glass claims. Those of us who live on gravel roads learn not to follow other vehicles.