A magnetic windshield cover takes 3 minutes from box to installed, no tools, no straps, no helper. The whole process is just three things: place the inside-glass magnets, lift the cover into position, and let the magnets snap together through the glass.
If you've ever wrestled with a strap cover in a parking lot — looping a strap around a wiper arm with one hand while balancing a 6-foot cover with the other — this is the upgrade.
TL;DR
- Time: 3 minutes for first install, 30–60 seconds after that
- Tools needed: none
- Helpers needed: none
- Damage risk: zero — magnets don't touch paint, trim, or wiper arms
- Cold weather: works at any temperature; magnets don't lose hold in heat or cold
What's in the box
Every FIT Protection cover ships with:
- The cover — custom-cut for your year/make/model
- Inside-glass magnets (4–8 depending on cover size) — neodymium with rubberized backing
- Patented quick-release suction tool — for placing and removing magnets
- Photo install guide — a laminated card with the install steps
- Premium storage bag — rolls down compact
If you ordered the Patented Removable Magnets upgrade as a separate add-on, those replace the standard magnets and use the quick-release suction system for sub-30-second swaps between rigs.
Step 1: Mark the magnet positions (first install only)
For your first install on a particular rig, you'll establish where the inside-glass magnets sit so the cover lines up correctly. Once placed, you'll never have to do this again on that rig — magnets stay in.
- Open your rig and stand inside facing the windshield
- Hold up the cover from the outside (have a partner help if you have one, but it's doable solo)
- Through the glass, identify where the magnets sewn into the cover sit
- Mark those positions with a piece of painter's tape on the inside of the glass
For most Class A motorhomes there are 6–8 magnet positions; for UTVs, typically 4. The cover ships with the magnets pre-positioned in their sewn pockets.
Step 2: Place the inside-glass magnets
This is where the patented quick-release suction tool earns its keep.
- Press the suction tool against an inside-glass magnet (the magnetic backing sticks naturally to the tool)
- Lift the magnet, position it exactly over your tape mark on the inside glass
- Release the suction — the magnet stays in place against the glass via its rubberized contact patch
- Repeat for each position
The rubberized backing creates enough friction against the glass that the magnet won't slide, even at extreme cabin temperatures. No adhesive is needed.
Step 3: Lift the cover into position
- Hold the cover by its top edge with both hands
- Stand 1–2 feet in front of the windshield
- Lift the cover up so the top edge crests the windshield top edge
- Lower the cover smoothly onto the windshield
You'll feel the magnets engage one by one as the cover descends — there's a satisfying click as each pair connects through the glass. Don't fight the snap; let the magnets self-align.
Step 4: Adjust if needed
If the cover is off by an inch, the magnets will resist final engagement on one side. Don't pull on the cover — instead, lift it off entirely and re-lower with a 1-inch shift in the right direction. The magnets snap on the second try.
Step 5: Verify perimeter coverage
Walk around the rig and check that: - All corners are fully covered (no glass visible at edges) - The bottom edge sits flush against the dash trim or hood - The side edges wrap onto the A-pillar trim (Class A motorhomes only)
If you see a gap larger than ½ inch at any edge, the cover may have been lowered slightly off. Lift and re-lower once. If the gap persists, the magnets may need to be re-positioned (uncommon but happens on first install if marks were placed slightly off).
Removal — 30 seconds
To remove:
- Grasp the bottom edge of the cover with both hands
- Pull straight outward (away from the glass) — the magnets release with a soft pop as they disengage
- Lift the cover up and over the top of the windshield
- Fold it into thirds and slide it into the storage bag
Total: 30 seconds for an experienced user. The first removal feels weird because you're used to fighting straps; with magnets, you just pull.
Where the inside-glass magnets stay
The inside-glass magnets stay in place permanently between uses. Don't remove them after each cover install — they're calibrated to your specific magnet pattern.
When you eventually sell the rig, you can pop the magnets off in 30 seconds with the quick-release tool (no residue, no marks) and move them to your next rig if the windshield dimensions match.
Cold-weather installation
Magnets work the same at any temperature. The two things to watch for in cold weather:
- Frost or condensation on the glass — wipe dry before installing, otherwise water gets trapped between the cover and glass
- Stiff cover fabric — UV-block vinyl gets stiffer below 25°F. Lay the cover in a heated cabin for 5 minutes before installing to make it pliable
Hot-weather installation
Magnets also work the same in extreme heat. Two things to note:
- Glass temperature can exceed 180°F in direct sun — wear sunglasses, the reflection is intense
- Cover temperature is much cooler because of the reflective inner layer — comfortable to handle even on hot days
Storage between uses
Don't store the cover wet. After rain or condensation, hang it for 15 minutes before folding. The storage bag breathes but isn't waterproof if folded immediately while wet.
For long-term storage (winter): - Clean with mild soap and water if needed - Air-dry completely - Roll (don't fold) to prevent crease lines - Store in the bag in a climate-controlled area if possible
Common first-time install issues
"The cover doesn't reach a corner" — magnets may have been placed 1–2 inches off. Lift the cover, re-position the magnet on the affected side, and re-install.
"One magnet keeps coming off the inside glass" — clean the glass at that spot with isopropyl alcohol; sometimes window cleaner residue prevents the rubberized backing from gripping.
"The cover sags slightly at the bottom" — usually means the bottom-edge magnets are 1 inch high. Lower them slightly toward the dash trim.
"I can see a faint shadow / outline of the magnets through the glass" — that's normal and only visible at certain sun angles. The magnets are dark grey and roughly 1.5" diameter; from outside they're nearly invisible.
Why this is faster than every other cover style
| Method | Install time | Tools | Damage risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strap-on with hooks | 8–15 min | Sometimes ladder | Paint/trim damage |
| Suction cup | 5–10 min | None | Glass pressure marks |
| Bungee with grommets | 10–20 min | None | Bungee chip risk |
| FIT Magnetic | 3 min first / 30 sec after | None | None |
That time difference matters in a thunderstorm. It also matters at sunrise when you want to get a 90-minute drive in before the heat. Strap covers stay on for a reason: nobody wants to fight them at 5am.
See FIT covers by model → Patented Removable Magnets upgrade →
FAQ
Do I need help to install a magnetic windshield cover by myself? No. The cover is light enough (4–8 lbs depending on size) and the magnets self-align, so a single person can install it from outside the rig in 3 minutes. The first install on a new rig benefits from a helper to mark magnet positions, but that's it.
Can I install a magnetic cover in the rain or snow? Yes, but the cover and glass need to be dry first to prevent water trapping. Wipe both surfaces with a microfiber towel; the cover takes 30–60 seconds to install once dry.
How do I know where to position the inside-glass magnets the first time? Hold the cover up against the outside of the windshield and through the glass, identify where the magnets sewn into the cover line up. Mark those positions with painter's tape on the inside, then place the matching inside-glass magnets there.
Can I remove and reinstall the cover daily without wearing anything out? Yes. The patented removable magnet system is designed for daily on/off cycles. We have customers who've installed and removed daily for 5+ years with no degradation in hold strength or fabric wear.
What if I lose one of the inside-glass magnets? Replacement magnets are available as the Patented Removable Magnets upgrade ($39 for a full set). The quick-release suction tool also lets you reposition magnets at any time.
Will the magnets fall off the inside glass when I'm driving? No. The rubberized backing creates a friction grip strong enough to hold even at highway speeds with windshield vibration. We've had customers drive cross-country with magnets in place and zero displacement.
