Tracker 800SX Windshield Frost

[Rabland]

Any solution for ice buildup on interior of the windshield during cold weather? It gets to the point where I can’t even see out the windshield when it’s very cold outside, even when the vents are open.

[Travis]

Back when we had our brief polar snap here in Texas last year, my windshield on the mule got iced over so it was hard to see out of of, i kept a washcloth and a container of rubbing alcohol  to help melt the ice... of course it was on 12 degrees or so when i did that, so it may be colder where you are at.

[Rabland]

Thanks, Travis. I was born and raised in Dallas where I only saw snow once. Now I live in NW Wisconsin where we already have about a foot of snow on the ground and a low tonight of -21. Our Tracker windshield ices over inside from our breath when we’re snow plowing for 8 hours and it’s hard to see, so I’ll try the alcohol wipe to see how it works. Maybe I’ll carry a bottle of Jim Beam to see how that works! I’m sure after an hour I won’t care! Seriously, thanks for the tip, I’ll try it tomorrow.

[mfendley]

I think the current configuration has the fan on the right side of the engine blow across the cylinder head and exhaust to assist in cooling. After that I think the air goes via a tube directly downwards. Is there a way to duct this air to the windshield?

You can also look for a defroster for the old air-cooled VWs. Back in the 60s and 70s we used to add these little 12v units to help defrost the windshield. A word or caution, as this may be more of a load than the stock stator can support, so if you go this route, I would add a 12v battery under the driver's seat, and power the defroster from that, You can charge the battery while you are not driving the Tracker.

Here's a link to the type of defroster/fan unit I am referring to:

https://smile.amazon.com/QUUREN-Portable-Windshield-Defroster-Demister/dp/B09FDP55ZT/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2BL8P5W2SI68X&keywords=12v+defroster+for+car+windshield&qid=1641556750&sprefix=12v+defros%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-4

 

[Rabland]

Thanks. Funny you should talk about those old VWs. I had a ‘69 Beetle with the same windshield problem when I lived in the Chicago area. I had a window ice scraper in the passenger seat to clear off the interior ice. I’d forgotten about that!

I’ll check out a defroster! Thanks!

[Scott Meszaros]

2015 mule......i run a portable generator in the bed when plowing, with a small electric heater in the cab for warmth.....to keep the windshield from fogging,  i have a small 12 volt fan that directs air to the windshield.........that keeps fog at bay....for the exterior, i have no windshield wiper so i carry a squeegee to keep it clean....been using this method for several years, works like a charm......... 

[Obed]

I actually thinking about installing a heater. I've watched several videos on UTUBE on how to install them.