Water on the back glass

[Dave]

The back glass on my ARE fiberglass topper is nearly impossible to see out of in rainy weather. I tried Rain-X but that doesn't seem to help. The only thing I can think of that would help is a rear window wiper or some sort of "spoiler" that will direct air down the glass. Neither of which seem like feasible options. Any ideas?

 

[DaveInDenver]

The back glass on my ARE fiberglass topper is nearly impossible to see out of in rainy weather. I tried Rain-X but that doesn't seem to help. The only thing I can think of that would help is a rear window wiper or some sort of "spoiler" that will direct air down the glass. Neither of which seem like feasible options. Any ideas?

My first thought was a spoiler. I've seen them as add-ons for SUVs and stuff, so I'm not sure it wouldn't work. I like the wiper idea, I've toyed with trying to rig one up on the back door of my topper. Whenever I'm at the junk yard I eye the ones that are mounted through the glass (I think Tahoes, maybe?). I'm just not brave enough to try boring a hole in my glass back there.

 

[njtaco]

What about a wiper for a boat?

Mounts thru fiberglass - check!
Weather resistant - check!
Come in chrome or black - check!
12V, simple to wire - check!
Overpriced - check!

However- tend to be of low quality, and don't usually take automotive grade wiper blades...

OK- talked myself out of it.

 

[Dave]

The Bronco II I had in highschool had the spoiler for deflecting air down the glass. I really don't remember if it worked, but I think it would work reasonably well with the combination of some Rain-X.

I didn't think of a marine windshield wiper kit, that idea might have some traction!

 

[mountainpete]

Dave - if you figure out a good solution let me know!

I have pretty much given up and I carry a bottle of windex and paper towels on really bad days. Or stop at a gas station and clean off as often as I can.

 

[Clutch]

Just use your side mirrors.

I used to drive dump trucks when I worked construction, I guess I am used to not seeing out of the rear veiw.

Edit: You know what would be cool...have a video camera with roll offs, like the ones the use in auto racing...now that would be trick!

 

[robert]

I have the same problem with my ARE in the rain, but after driving an ambulance for so long I just use the side mirrors. Put a convex on the driver's side and call it good. Between the tinted glass on that and my truck windows, I can't half see out of at night anyways, especially on rainy nights.

 

[atavuss]

did ARE offer a factory wiper option? if so, you may want to contact them to see if you can purchase a wiper from them. poor visibility was the main reason I opted for a fiberglass cover instead of shell for my taco. I have had snugtop shells for the last three trucks I had and I just was plain tired of not being able to see out of them in poor weather.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Wiper from a 84-89 4Runner

It parks up on a nub that lifts it off the rear window. Should be able ti make i get high enough to clear the hinge.

Other then that use the outside mirrors.

 

[Dave]

ARE used to offer a rear wiper option but it is no longer available.

Side mirrors usually work but recently when driving through a real frog strangler on the interstate, even the side mirrors were useless. It would have been nice to have been able to clear the back glass.