Installing screw-in snaps for outside sun shades

[gloriebkj]

Can anyone tell me if they have installed those screw in snaps to the outside of their motorhome to snap on those outside sun shades? I know I have seen them on other RV's but when I asked the service department at local dealer they said no and suggest the magnetic shades. Don't see how that will help as the outside is fiberglass. Ours are held in place by velcro and it gets very dirty. Thanks for any help....Betty

[gloriebkj]

Can anyone tell me if they have installed those screw in snaps to the outside of their motorhome to snap on those outside sun shades? I know I have seen them on other RV's but when I asked the service department at local dealer they said no and suggest the magnetic shades. Don't see how that will help as the outside is fiberglass. Ours are held in place by velcro and it gets very dirty. Thanks for any help....Betty

[UFO Pilot]

I have the snaps on my coach and they work great. The installer pop riveted them instead of using screws. He said the pop rivets hold better and they don't come loose like screws.

[Blue Ribbon]

I would NOT use pop rivits that come with the snaps. they will corrode with time.

I would go to West Marine or the likes, and buy #6 3/8" Pan Head Sheet Metal Screws (stainless steel.)

You should fit the whole cover using blue masking tape. Fairly tight, though not drum tight, as they shrink a little. Once it is fitting exactly how you want it, then you can mark where each snap goes. I did one at a time, with no trouble. Be careful that where you want to put a male snap is not on top of something you can't drill.

Drill the correct pilot hole. If you don't know the size, start a little small. If the pilot hole is too small, you will be able to get the screw in, but it will shatter the gel coat.

Once I got the screw in, I took it out, and put a very thin layer of clear silicone glue/sealant on it. Adds just a little bit of insurance on water seapage, and makes it easy (becasue it is slippery) to get very tight.

[Jestme13]

I agree with blues method. I use construction adhesive (liquid nails) on the screws. This will insure they never come loose and it seals the snap to the fiberglass. I use a tooth pick or such to clean up what ever squeezes out from around the snap. Have used this method on 3 Motorhomes

[GaryKD]

I did all the windows on my coach. Bill gave good instructions and the kit should also have instructions. Using the adhesive, of your choice, like Steve mentioned works very well. My snaps have been on the coach 2+ years without any problems.

I purchased the shades from MCD.

[gloriebkj]

Thanks, all. I have ordered the snaps. I felt like it was doable, but the guy at the RV place seemed to think I had lost my mind. I was checking to see if he had the screw in snaps. Again thanks...........Betty

[cannon man]

after you drill the pilot holes use a bigger bit n spotface the holes. this will stop the gellcoat from breaking out. if you have a calliper check the root diameter of the screw n use that size for pilot holes. get the twist locks. they work best. dave

[Jestme13]

I usually reem the drilled hole with a larger phillips head screw driver, that takes care of the gel coat. I hope Id hate to see ya push a little to hard and go through with that second drill

[george henry]

Mine was installed with the #6 3/8 " pan head Sheet metal Screws (Stainless steel) . never had a problem and I leave it on when in storage or just in the driveway and always at the camp sites. I even had the entry door window made for the black sunscreen the outside snaps on the screens are all black.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Mine were installed with aluminum pop rivets 5 years ago. I've never had a problem with them. They are still as tight as when first installed.

This is also the factory recommendation to install window awning brackets, just heavier duty aluminum pop rivets.

[gloriebkj]

Thanks for the replies. I have ordered the snaps. Now hoping they will get here so we can put them on before heading for the big re enactment at Gettysburg. Have been told it will be very, very hot. If not will leave the velcro for just a little longer....Betty

[Oemtech]

I installed my shade this way... I used a dab of silicone sealer behind the snap. It seals and acts as a glue, but it is NOT impossible to remove if necessary. If I had it to do over I would get the "roll on" version of the shades. No snaps, no ladders etc.

[JC2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by oemtech:
I installed my shade this way... I used a dab of silicone sealer behind the snap. It seals and acts as a glue, but it is NOT impossible to remove if necessary. If I had it to do over I would get the "roll on" version of the shades. No snaps, no ladders etc.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why the roll on versus the snap kind?