MCD Shades - Florida

[Ralph A]

I'm planning on upgrading our 2005 Itasca Horizon with the MCD American Duo shades while we are here in Wildwood FL. We are anticipating buying the shades and having them installed by Alliance Coach in Wildwood.

I would be interested in any comments by those who have had the MCD shades retrofitted on their rig, most interested in hearing from folks who have dealt with Alliance Coach. Lazy Days is also an authorized dealer for MCD and I chose Alliance because they are only about three miles from my current location. Any comments about Lazy Days MCD installations would also be appreciated.

[Clay L]

We installed three MCD Duo shades in the front living area of our motor home and liked them so much we decided to install them in the rest of the coach including the windshield and cabin.
After talking with MCD about the windshield part, we decided to go to the factory and have them do the installation. The windshield was more involved than I wanted to handle.

They did a great job but it does require some skill and know how for the windshield installation.
MCD trains the approved dealer technicians at the factory for sure and maybe at the dealer site. I would hope that a trained tech could do a good job.

[MaverickBBD]

I am planning on heading to the factory for the installation of mine. It is out of the way for our travel plans but I have become a fan of factory work. Would be interested to hear how you make out and if anyone else has any comparisons.

[studmuffin1]

We stopped at the factory, in McInney, Tx., in the spring; and had the whole coach done. Power front, manual everywhere else. Left the blinds in the little kitchen and bathroom windows. But they put in the black fabric behind the blinds. Also had a inside cover , for the shower. The heat input ,from the windows, is dramatically reduced. Much better insulation, inside the coach. The factory did the whole job in 3 days. One day to measure, one day to make, one day to install; zip zop done.
The front windows are a major install, best left to a pro. The factory charged me 5 1/2 hours install time. And the shades are cheaper there. Also while putting one of the side shades, the installer did not like the way it rolled up, so he had them make a new one.
I would recommend the factory.

[toneumanns]

My 2011 came with them. We think that they are a great product.

[dstinch]

Installed in living room and bedroom. Love them!

[Ralph A]

Thanks for the input. We decided to have the MCD shades installed by Alliance Coach in Wildwood, FL throughout the entire coach including the cockpit. Windshield will be powered and the balance will be manual. The installation will be more complex than I expected because four of the valances need to be modified. The installation is expected to take three to four days and we will stay in their campground during the process.

[NLOVNIT]

We replaced the fabric pull curtains in our cockpit with a motorized Duo-shade for the windshield & maual Duo's for the pilot/co-pilot windows. We absolutely love the shades. I really like being able to look out with the privacy shades down vs the fabric pull curtains which blocked all views out the front. We're planning on replacing the pleated shades in the rest of the coach with Duo's as funds permit. They're pricey, but worth it IMO.

I agree with having the motorized windshield one installed professionally. You really need to know what you're doing, it's bulky & long & it's tight working up there. The manuals are much easier to install by a regular Joe-schmo handyman.


Lori-