Rain-X RearView Wiper Blade Adapter - Gen2 Chevy Trax

Introduction

Like everyone else who owns (or knows someone who owns) a Gen 2 Chevy Trax or a Gen 2 Buick Envista, I quickly found out that there is no aftermarket support for these vehicles regarding the wiperblades. And the options that do "fit" are either some cheap/knockoff brand you find on Amazon or some aftermarket name-brand (like Bosch or Rain-X) that can attach, but isn't connected properly or securely. At this point, the connectors on these wipers being non-standard feels like a deliberate move by GM.

And the worst part about all of this? The propreitary wipers that GM offers are constantly out of stock, not to mention that they do not last long at all. In my infinite quest to give Trax/Envista owners more freedom to have better options, as well as to make my girlfriend's driving experience safer and better with Rain-X wiperblades, I have successfully designed a model that addresses all of these issues!

This model was designed specifically to attach the "Rain-X RearView R-11-2" (link) wiper blade to the Gen 2 Chevrolet Trax. I have also created a few models for the front wipers on the Gen 2 Chevy Trax, such as for the "Rain-X Latitude" wiper blades (link) and even the "Trico Force" wiper blades (link), which apparently also works on "Michelin Guardian+" wiper blades as well (not an official endorsement, as I haven't tried that myself).

About the Design

This model involved a lot of trial and error, and even included me having to replace the rear wiper arm itself on my girlfriend's Chevy Trax because I broke it... Anyways, this model was put together by using the adapters that come with the "Rain-X RearView R-11-2" as a reference for attaching the adapter to the blade, and then using measurements and pictures of the OEM rear wiper blade and the rear wiper arm to make sure the adapter connects into the wiper arm correctly.

The adapter tries to blend the contours of the Rain-X blade and Trax rear wiper arm together as best as it can, but it's not necessarily designed for aesthetics. When you go to attach the adapter, the clip at the front will be a very snug fit. This is entirely by design, as the clip is relatively thin and I wanted to ensure minimal play over time as the part is exposed to the elements.

At the time of writing this, I cannot fully verify the durability of the model as I have only just installed it onto my girlfriend's car. But, I don't have any concerns about the integrity of the design, and I really wanted to get this model out to owners of these vehicles before the summer. Because visibility during wet conditions is a very high priority for me.

Installation

Insert the adapter into the slot on the Rain-X wiper blade, ensuring the tab/nub on the flat end is set in place first, then push the adapter down on the sloped end until the tab snaps into place. If the tab does not snap into place on its own, grab a screwdriver or a small tool like tweezers, place the tool into the gap between the tab and the adapter body, and gently leverage the tab into place. It may help to press down on the adapter at the same time. You will know it is fully inserted when you are unable to pull the adapter out.

Then, remove the existing rear wiper blade on your vehicle if you haven't already. To remove it, lift the wiper arm up slightly and wrap your hand around the arm so you are grasping it while the wiper blade is touching/pressed into the back of your hand. Slide your hand and place your right thumb over the narrow part of the arm, and then with your left hand, firmly (but not forcibly) push the wiper blade down and slightly towards your right hand. The wiper blade should come off.

Finally, take the Rain-X wiper blade with the custom attachment and position it to attach, but not fully attached yet. Grasp the wiper blade with your fingers while you place both thumbs on the narrow part of the wiper arm. And with equal and firm force, press the wiper blade into place. It should fully snap into place. Then, let the wiper blade rest on the windshield. Now the wiper blade is installed!

Print Settings

I printed this piece using my Creality Ender 3 V2, with the following upgrades:
- Collapsible enclosure
- 24V/60W heater core
- All metal copper-titanium bi-metal heatbreak
- Capricorn Blue PTFE tube
- Nickel-plated copper alloy heater block
- Nickel-plated copper alloy nozzle

But, I have had success printing these items using the stock Ender 3 V2 parts (except for the Teflon PTFE tube) so it's possible you could do so as well!

For the print itself, I used Overture Black ASA filament because of the printability, UV resistance, temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and strength properties. At a minimum, you need to use PETG. I've used PETG on parts like this previously, but if you live in a hot environment I do not suggest it. Anything such as ABS, PC, Nylon, PEEK, or other variations would be the best to use. Remember, these wipers will go through very harsh conditions, and will need to be rigid enough to last several months without failing.

I used the following print settings, using UltiMaker Cura 5.12.0 as my slicer. Anything not addressed is either set to default or up to your preference:

• 0.4mm nozzle with 0.2mm layer height.

  • I also used Adaptive Layers, with 0.04mm layer variation and step size. This is highly recommended.

• Outer Wall Line Width = 0.3mm, everything else default.

  • This is meant to help with layer strength, I strongly recommend doing this as well.

• 1.6mm Wall thickness (4 walls)

• Minimum Wall Line Width = 0.24mm

  • Would recommend, since we set the outer wall line width to 0.3mm. Otherwise, leave as default.

• Z Seam Alignment = Shortest & Z Seam on Vertex = True

• 0.8mm Top/Bottom Thickness (or 4 Top/Bottom layers)

• Extra Skin Wall Count = 1

  • Helps with printing narrow surface layers and with layer adhesion.

• Enable Ironing = True & Ironing Inset = 0.2mm

  • Highly recommend this feature as the ironing will help prevent water/mosture from intruding the wiper and breaking it down. Also makes the part appear more solid and less like it was 3D printed.

• Infill Density = 30% & Infill Pattern = Cubic.

  • Recommended Minimum Infill is 20%, Max would be 80%. I wouldn't use any pattern other than Cubic, but it's ultimately up to you.

• Extra Infill Wall Count = 1

  • Strongly recommended. This helps eliminate small infill features on some layers, and helps strengthen the infill while also reducing infill pattern visibility.

• Support Enabled & Support Density = 9%

  • If you have a multi-material printer, you can ignore this section and use whatever settings you'd like if you have a better way to print your supports.

• Support Placement = Everywhere & Support Overhang Angle = 60°

• Support Pattern = Zig Zag and Connect Support Zig Zags = True

• Enabled Support Brim & Support Brim Width = 4mm (or 10 lines)

  • Very useful in ensuring your supports do not warp off the bed while printing.

• Enabled Support Interface & Support Interface Wall Line Count = 1

• Use Towers = True

  • Completely optional, but useful!

• Break Up Support in Chunks = True & Support Chunk Line Count = 10

  • Again, this is a preference but was useful!

• With Enclosure- Build Plate Adhesion Type = Skirt

• Without Enclosure- Build Plate Adhesion Type = Raft

  • Raft Extra Margin = 5.0mm (Can be increased, but 5mm is the minimum)

Again, I wanted to provide these settings as a reference so you could replicate my exact setup, but you can use whatever you may prefer!

Final Thoughts

It truly is a shame that GM has made the deliberate decision to burden their loyal customers with a lack of choice when it comes to wiper blades. By making the connector something unique or propreitary, they effectively corner the market for Trax and Envista owners for wiper blades. There wouldn't be much of an issue regarding wiper blades if GM wasn't constantly on back order for them, which summarizes the general experience most Trax/Envista owners have had.

Ultimately, my goal is to offer an alternative solution for these owners. I know not everyone owns or knows someone who owns a 3D printer, but this at least opens some more doors for people to have a choice.

If you or somebody you know wants/needs this adapter and they are not able to print it themselves, please PM me here so I can help sort out some details and try to send them this adapter!

Finally, if you found this print to be useful please submit your print on this model and share the link to this print around! The more people we can help, the better! And please check out my other Trax wiper blade models for the front wiper blades:

"Rain-X Latitude" wiper blade adapter (link)
"Trico Force" wiper blade adapter (link)

Also, if you would like the files I used for this model (I created it in FreeCAD, but can export as STEP file as well), I'd be more than happy to share them with you! Just send me a PM so I can get those files to you.