Community Forums

B52Guy · 01-31-2015, 04:30 PM

Hi everyone,
I want to add a privacy curtain around the pull out sofa so that when my mother-in-law is with us and sleeps in the pull-out, she can do so with some privacy. I plan to purchase a curtain-like system similar to what you find in a hospital that is around each bed...a track that attaches to the ceiling and then a curtain that hangs down from it. (If you have ever been to a hospital you can remember how the nurses or doctors grab the curtain and swish it out of the way...this is what I plan to install. I plan to simply push it to one side and Velcro it closed when I don't have the bag....I mean when my mother-in-law is not traveling with us. When she is with us and we stop for the night, I will pull out the bed, and then simply pull the curtain out and around the bed. There will be about 10" of clearance from the top of the curtain up to the ceiling, so that air flow won't be impacted. I've found a system that is flexible and will allow me to bend it, as necessary into the shape I need to worm around the fixed obstacles in the ceiling.

My concern is what I might hit when I start installing the track and run screws up into the ceiling. It needs to attach fairly well...I want the track to stay up there permanently and be able to handle all the bounces and bumps when I travel. I have a 40' HR endeavor with a padded ceiling. Am I safe putting in screws about 3/4" long up into the ceiling? I'm assuming there is some sort of plywood up there...true? Something I should watch for?

aschuh53 · 01-31-2015, 04:51 PM

electrical and duck work run in the ceiling

Dutch Star Don · 01-31-2015, 05:27 PM

I'm guessing the bed is near the front of the coach. How about a spring shower rod with a curtain. Just stretch it between the walls. We do this with a clear shower curtain when driving during the summer to keep the cold air up front.

B52Guy · 01-31-2015, 05:32 PM

Thanks Dutch, but the "architect" has called for the hospital-style wrap around curtain. I am put on this earth to serve....

hdzcar · 01-31-2015, 05:52 PM

All I can say is good luck and that has nothing to do with the privacy curtain.

GaryKD · 01-31-2015, 06:49 PM

Hi B52Guy,
This all depends on how the coach manufacturer runs the wires. Maybe a call to the manufacturer would shed some light on this. An example is for Newmar. Wiring is run down the radiuses on the sides of the coach. Then directly over to any appliances. The location HVAC duct work is easy to determine.

If the only weight being supported is the tract and the curtain, the screws needed should be quite small. Gut feel says you are safe as long as you stay away from the lights and HVAC. Consider using self taping screws.

ga traveler · 01-31-2015, 07:26 PM

If you run a screw into the duct, It will not really be a big deal. Ducts have screws to hold them together, most of the time. Wiring is a BIG deal. If you have light fixtures in the area, disassemble the light and see which way the wires are routed to the light. If they run to the opposite side of the coach, from where you are installing the rail, You will be O.K.

SarahW · 01-31-2015, 08:10 PM

Get a folding room divider and don't worry about the ceiling. Amazon.com - 3 and 4 Panel Fabric In-lay Wooden Screen Room Divider Natural Finish - Privacy Room Divider

Or--string a temporary "clothes line" with a privacy curtain from the cabinet hardware. Anything that isn't a permanent installation will help maintain the integrity of your ceiling.

Hooligan · 01-31-2015, 09:40 PM

Check the ceiling construction. Many use a fabric covering on a thin sheet of luan plywood which is glued to block Styrofoam. None of that has much holding power for screws... weight of the curtain, and the track assembly bouncing down our shovel ready interstates.