Community Forums

bpickens · 09-12-2014, 02:03 PM

Anyone have experience installing these shades themselves. I'm talking about the side windows not the cockpit windows. MCD Innovations tells me the install is not terribly complicated if there is sufficient room between the window and the valence. They also recommend the shade mechanism be installed without removing the valence...says this makes the job more difficult. Interested in hearing some stories.

Thanks to all...

macnut · 09-12-2014, 04:16 PM

I had the solo version included in my RV, but wanted to upgrade to the duo version. I called the factory and they sent a duo bracket and the solar shade. All I had to do was move the existing night shade I the new bracket. It was fairly easy but of course it probably took me 3 times longer than necessary to do it. I let the inner spring uncool and had to fix that...not a big deal. I took the existing bracket off the wall and replaced the blinds without having to remove the valence. It was a tight space to work in, but manageable. Best of luck to you with your project!!
Al

**JohnRR** · 09-12-2014, 04:24 PM

If your the slightest bit mechanically inclined you should not have a problem.

macnut · 09-12-2014, 04:29 PM

I barely qualified, then! :-)

2013 Itasca Sunstar 26HE, 2014 Honda CRV with Roadmaster tow package, RVing on weekends and vacation since June 2012

1mainiac · 09-12-2014, 04:37 PM

depends on the valence on most I remove the valence and install the shade on the valance then reinstall. Much easier install with it laying flat on a table rather then trying to twist yourself to get it in place with the valance on. On the ones I have to do with the valance in place I take a piece of plywood and make a plate the fits inside the valance attach the shade to the ply wood get it adjusted and then screw the entire assembly inside the valance.

**JohnRR** · 09-12-2014, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macnut

I barely qualified, then! :-)

2013 Itasca Sunstar 26HE, 2014 Honda CRV with Roadmaster tow package, RVing on weekends and vacation since June 2012

Then it might be a frustrating project that would just take longer to accomplish.

You could always just get one first that you think would be the easiest to do and try it to see how it goes.

TechWriter · 09-12-2014, 04:56 PM

I installed manual MCD shades throughout my RV, but would probably not do it again. Why?

(1) MCDs are expensive.

(2) Installation can be problematic -- if your valence isn't wide enough (like mine), you will have to modify the valence. I ended up adding wood backers, but others have just started from scratch and built new valences.

(3) They occasionally malfunction and need re-adjustment. Most times not a problem, but sometimes a PITA.

(4) They're noisy -- the shades can flap around in their frame when you're driving. I stuff sponges between the shade and the frame.

From what I know now, I think I would have restrung my old shades.

LEMO · 09-12-2014, 06:04 PM

This last winter, while in Florida I had two old style shades break. Contacted a repair person who for $40 per shade would remove, repair and replace. Well it took both of us to get the shades out and reinstalled. Valances had to be removed.

At the Tampa RV show, talked to MCD and made a appointment to have mine made and installed at their plant in McKinney TX. Their two installers had the whole coach installed in one hour, for a labor cost of $180. Well spent in my book, based on my former shade project. Happy with them you bet, would never go back to the old day night shades again.

Tireman1 · 09-12-2014, 07:08 PM

Look at AutoMotion shades. I here they are more dependable and hold there limits. MCD shades can loose their memory.

bobmac · 09-12-2014, 07:15 PM

Take the valences off and install the shade brackets while on a table to get them properly centered. A power screwdriver is a real asset and you wont have to fight gravity getting the brackets mounted. The shades then just clip in once the valences are reinstalled. Will likely take 30-60 minutes for the first one - getting the valence down is tricky until you figure out how they were mounted by the manufacturer. Once you learn the trick, it's about 10+ minutes per shade.

Jonnyboy 316 · 09-12-2014, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechWriter

I installed manual MCD shades throughout my RV, but would probably not do it again. Why?

(1) MCDs are expensive.

(2) Installation can be problematic -- if your valence isn't wide enough (like mine), you will have to modify the valence. I ended up adding wood backers, but others have just started from scratch and built new valences.

(3) They occasionally malfunction and need re-adjustment. Most times not a problem, but sometimes a PITA.

(4) They're noisy -- the shades can flap around in their frame when you're driving. I stuff sponges between the shade and the frame.

From what I know now, I think I would have restrung my old shades.

I am so glad you said what you said. Our original day/night shades are still in great shape and work flawlessly. Still looks great and never make noises. We were thinking we were missing something with everyone else going to MCD's.
Thanks for your honest opinion.
Jonnyboy

Dutch Star Don · 09-12-2014, 08:44 PM

"bpickens".......I installed mine on my 2005 Diplomat which should be pretty close to what you have. Monaco typically made the valances deep, giving you plenty of working space. It was a VERY easy job to install the new ones. I removed the old pleated shades and screwed on the new brackets. The MCD's then just snap in. Once you get one in, it'll only take about 5-10 minutes each for the rest of them.

I also installed the front shade......now that was difficult.

gemini5362 · 09-12-2014, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechWriter

I installed manual MCD shades throughout my RV, but would probably not do it again. Why?

(1) MCDs are expensive.

(2) Installation can be problematic -- if your valence isn't wide enough (like mine), you will have to modify the valence. I ended up adding wood backers, but others have just started from scratch and built new valences.

(3) They occasionally malfunction and need re-adjustment. Most times not a problem, but sometimes a PITA.

(4) They're noisy -- the shades can flap around in their frame when you're driving. I stuff sponges between the shade and the frame.

From what I know now, I think I would have restrung my old shades.

We have not done it yet but are kind of thinking about installing levellor double cell shades. We were worried about them flopping around in the frames and being noisy. One of the options we noticed was the electric power shades. When you open them up they fit tight against the top and would not bounce at all.

twogypsies · 09-12-2014, 09:43 PM

I would think any kind of shade pulled down while traveling is going to get some wear from movement. We typically leave ours up unless it's a very hot day then we just pull down the side that the sun is coming through. We have the day/nights and when they're pulled down there is no noise when traveling.