So I live in Chicago, and my two newer vehicles (2013 Subaru STi, and 2015 4Runner Trail Premium) have heated windshield wipers (the defrost lines on the glass under the wipers). These are amazing during the cold snowy winters. However, my 1990 Toyota pickup of course doesn't have heated wipers. I have tossed around the idea of wipers that have the heating element in the blades, as well as the wiper fluid heaters, but also found a company that makes the defrost lines that you add to the inside of the windshield.

I really like the idea of adding the heaters to the windshield, but it states on their website it may not work with light trucks. Does anybody have any experience with these?

https://www.frostfighter.com/clear-v...defrosters.htm


It states on the site:

"Available in several models, Clear View Front Wiper Defrosters fit vehicles from passenger cars all the way up to the largest plow truck."

But then at the bottom of the same page it says:

"Install in cars and light trucks is not recommended
Installing the Clear View Front Wiper Parking Area defrosters is limited to larger vehicles with flatter windshields and adequate room for installation. Many light trucks have steeply sloping windshields and minimum clearance between the glass and dash surfaces which can make installation challenging."

I emailed the company, but its been over a week with no response (great customer service, huh?).

 

I never heard of these things .

I can`t really see a advantage unless your blower motor does not work at all .

How hot would they get enough to catch the dash on fire or melt it??

They need to have a disclaimer to keep people from doing just this.

After reading through the web site and how they are installed I can see where it would be a real pain installing them in our trucks .

If I lived in a part of the country where it snowed more it is a pain when the wipers get built up with ice.

A few times a year I can put up with stopping and cleaning the wipers.

 

my wife's 2011 Subaru had these from the factory.

I would have loved something like this when I was living in Alaska and Upstate NY

I would just find one that is about the right size and go for it.

maybe this one:

Two Piece Front Windshields
Defroster height - 5 inches (12.7), 6 elements
Front wiper parking area defroster for two piece windshields.
This defroster has six heating elements with new high density
spacing for improved heating
performance. The defroster
measures five inches (12.7) in
height. Minimum length is 24
inches, maximum 40 inches. Tabs
are both on the same side. 12
Volts. NEW simple installation.
Included are two defrosters - one for each window - plus the
ThermaSync controls, switch, wire harness and installation
pack included for each window
Part Number - 1206-2440-LS-FWH-HD - $97.20

 

These seem super amazing, but I'd be a bit concerned with all of the warnings they have.