RV blinds can become obsolete, worn or damaged over time, affecting the appearance of your RV. Upgrading your camper blinds improves the aesthetics of your RV, improves functionality and provides better privacy and light control.
In this blog post we will discuss why you should upgrade your RV blinds. We provide a step-by-step guide to upgrading and recommending some of the best replacement blinds.
Whether you’re a seasoned RV owner or a newbie, this post is a must-read for anyone looking to add a fresh touch to their RV. Let’s dive in!
Why you should upgrade your RV blinds
There are several reasons why you should upgrade your camper blinds. One of the most important reasons is privacy. Upgraded blinds provide better coverage, block out unwanted light and provide more privacy.
Another reason is to improve insulation. Newer, high-quality blinds can help regulate the temperature inside your RV, making it more comfortable in both hot and cold weather.
Finally, upgrading your blinds can add a touch of style to your RV. New blinds come in a variety of colors, materials, and styles so you can choose the perfect addition to your RV decor. You can add a touch of your personality to it.
What to consider before upgrading your RV blinds
Upgrading your RV blinds can breathe new life into your RV and improve your overall camping experience.
However, before making a purchase, you need to consider a few key factors to make the right choice. Privacy, insulation, durability and style are important considerations.
Privacy & Isolation
Unless you’re out in the wilderness, you’ll likely be close to your neighbors when camping in your RV.
Installing blinds that completely cover the window will keep people from looking and the elements turning your facility into an ice box or oven.
RV blinds that completely cover the window are a must for privacy. However, don’t forget to consider how transparent they are. A stylish lighter color still needs to be opaque if you want total privacy.
With that in mind, full coverage helps insulate the interior of your RV from the outside temperature, whether that temperature is extremely hot or freezing cold. Also consider the thermal class of the blinds so that you achieve the maximum insulation effect.
durability
You might consider replacing your RV blinds because the original blinds are weak or falling apart. Unfortunately, this is all too common in RVs. For this reason, durability should be a primary factor when replacing flimsy or outdated RV blinds.
You can go for custom blinds, a budget-friendly option, or something in between. Replacement RV blinds are available in a variety of durable materials that will outlast many original blinds and window coverings.
Replacement blinds are usually made of polyester, vinyl, multi-layer fabrics, and other durable materials that should last for years.
style
With so many options for RV blind replacement, there is no reason to sacrifice style for function and durability. you can have it all
Some blinds come in different varieties, such as B. roller blinds or pleated blinds. You have an amazing color palette. They can have the style you want while providing privacy, insulation and durability.
How to update your outdated RV blinds
Yes, a professional installed the original blinds of your motorhome. However, you don’t have to be an expert to replace them yourself.
Following a few simple steps, primarily focused on size and fit, replacing camper blinds is an easy and fun do-it-yourself upgrade for your home on wheels.
Buy new RV blinds that are the right sizes
The key to a successful RV blinds upgrade is purchasing replacement parts that are the right size and fit. It’s relatively easy if you keep a few things in mind.
Your new RV blinds should completely cover the window. When measuring for your new blinds, measure just past the edges of the window and slightly longer than the window from the point of attachment. This ensures that the new blinds protrude slightly over the window on all sides for complete privacy and light blocking.
Don’t forget to consider any ruffles you may want to keep or add. Always check your measurements before making a purchase. This is especially important for custom blinds, which you cannot return.
Remove flounces
You usually hold valances to the wall via L-shaped brackets that you screw into the wall. You can easily remove these with a screwdriver or a cordless drill with the appropriate drill bit. RV screws often use a square bit.
Unscrew all the screws from the brackets that attach the valance to the wall. You might want a wider flounce assistant with more than a single bracket at each end. Larger flounces might have three, four, or more brackets.
Remove old blinds and brackets
If the old blinds were not mounted in the valance, you will need to remove them from the wall. The blinds are usually attached to brackets, similar to the valance.
First, unscrew the blinds from the brackets and set them aside. Then remove the brackets by unscrewing them from the wall.
Install new brackets
You’re ready to start the fun part; Install your new RV blinds!
Measure your new blinds and mark where you want to mount the new brackets on the wall above your window.
Consider whether you intend to reinstall your valances or install new ones. However, when you mount the brackets for the blinds, there is room for the valances or any other window treatment you choose to install.
Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the bracket screws for the first bracket. Be careful not to drill through the outside wall.
After installing the first bracket, temporarily install the blinds and have a helper hold them. Make sure the blinds are level and mark the mounting holes for the second bracket. Drill pilot holes and attach the second bracket.
Install RV blinds
With the brackets in place, slide the blinds into the brackets.
Most blinds have a clip or locking mechanism that secures them in the brackets. Make sure the blinds are in place and fully secure and test their functionality before proceeding.
Add ruffles at back if preferred
When you update to a more modern look with the new blinds, the project is complete. But if you are reinstalling the flounces or adding another new treatment, you can continue with this step.
If you reinstall the old valances, you will need to reinstall the old brackets. Then reattach the flounces to these brackets and that’s all.
Keep in mind: Want to upgrade your RV but don’t want to spend a lot of time on it? Then you must try one of these 20 Easy Upgrades!
The best RV blinds
There are many replacement RV blinds that are durable, provide privacy and insulation, and are stylish. With so many options, there is likely to be quality camper blinds for almost every budget.
We’ve narrowed down the options to what we think are among the best for different categories.
We’re confident that any of these would be an excellent upgrade, whether you want extensive customization or a budget-friendly practical option.
What we installed: Custom blackout blinds
These custom blackout blinds were an affordable yet stylish way to upgrade our blinds. They are highly customizable in size and come in many color options.
Their quality is also unbeatable. Made with durable vinyl, they offer full blackout coverage and come with ceiling and wall mounting accessories to meet your needs. These blinds even contain an internal mechanism that prevents them from retracting quickly.
Runner-up: Custom Day & Night Shades
RecPro, the same company that made our blackout blinds, made these day and night blinds. They are of the same quality with similar customization options, but cost more due to a special feature.
These shades are two shades in one holder. As the name suggests, there is a daytime shade that is somewhat transparent but still offers some privacy and stops the sun from glaring through the window.
Nighttime shade is a total blackout that gives you complete privacy and blocks ambient light. It is also available in multiple colors to best suit your interior.
Best Pleated Option: Adjustable Pleated Night RV Sunglasses
These more traditional looking RV night blinds are made from durable polyester fabric with privacy and light control, UV protection and added insulation.
They are very customizable in size. These fabric shades are available in many colors to suit your style needs.
Keep in mind: Now that you have new blinds, it’s time to get some RV curtains!
Budget option: blackout blinds for windows
While RecPro’s Pleated Night RV Shades are budget friendly, it’s hard to beat the price of these Blackout Roller Window Shades from the Homebox store on Amazon. They’re not as customizable with only black, white, and gray as color options, but they do come in multiple sizes.
These RV blinds are made of waterproof, heat-insulated fabric that blocks 100% of the light, protects you from UV rays and offers complete privacy. They also come with all the appropriate mounting hardware.
Upgrade your RV blinds for fit, function and fashion
Upgrading your RV blinds is a simple and effective way to improve the look, feel and functionality of your RV. Whether you’re looking for better light screening, privacy, or a more contemporary style, there are plenty of options.
When choosing new RV blinds, consider factors such as light blocking, privacy, durability, and style. With a little research and the right tools, installing your new blinds is a DIY project that can be completed quickly and easily.
So why wait? Upgrade your RV blinds today and enjoy a more comfortable, stylish and functional camper experience!