Repairing RV Blinds
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- #rvblinds #camperblinds #restringblinds If you've had an RV for any length of time and have pleated blinds, you have probably had the strings break. When this happens, the blind will not stay raised and becomes useless if you want to open to allow light inside the RV. I've talked with other RV owners and they usually replace the blind, but repairing RV blinds isn't that difficult.
We've have our RV for almost 5 years and we've had about 20% of the blinds fail. Some broke after about a year and the one that broke today has lasted over 4 years. I've not found any rhyme or reason why the string breaks.
Repairing RV blinds is a straight forward process. Cost is about 30 minutes of time and pennies in nylon string. We purchased a large spool of nylon string for the first blind that broke and have used very little for each repair. The remaining items need are a screw driver, scissors, a kitchen knife and a lighter.
In the video, we take you through each step in detail. Before you toss your broken pleated blind in the trash, give this simple repair a try. This repair can save you $30 to $60 a window.
ilovervlife.co... Check out our RV Accessories where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those "nice to have" RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we've traveled across the country in our RV.
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I know this video is a few years old but you just saved me a trip to a service dept. I'm pretty handy but did not know how to tackle this job on my RV bathroom window. Thank You Sir.
Glad it helped! Appreciate you watching.
You are the best! Thank you so much for posting this it helped me greatly! Now I got a blind that works and my pup can sit by the window and look out all day long 💜
Great to hear this was helpful.
Here it is 2 1/2 years later and you are still helping people fix their blinds! Thanks so much! I just followed your video step by step and my blind now works perfectly again! 🥳🤩🙂
Yeah! Glad it helped!
Now it's 4 years, and he's still helping people fix their blinds.
It’s what we’re all about. How awesome!
ABSOLUTELY outstanding, Jerry... between one good cup of coffee and being left handed as well, your presentation was perfect... now, if I only had a Joni to help at the end!!... THANK YOU BOTH, so much!!
Thanks Ed. Glad I could share the reverse view 😉
Just thought to see if I could find a video to fix our trailer blinds and I found this one!!! Amazing!! Going to buy the right thread and get the job done!! Thank you!!!!
Glad we could help. A little debate about using the OEM thread. We used a small beige nylon cord of similar size we found in the hardware section of Walmart. Works great.
Saved me time and money watching this. Thank you.
Glad we could help Justin.
FANSTASTIC tutorial. Much appreciated. It’s my first time ever in an RV, and my first RV repair. Your clear explanation, including the required tools, and your patient/pleasant demeanor, not only made this seem achievable, but gives me no excuses for not attempting it, myself. i’ll report back and let you know how it went. And I look forward to exploring all of your other videos. Well done, sir. THANK YOU.
Thanks a bunch Mark. You can do it! Most of these repairs take minutes and cost pennies. Glad we could help.
At first I figured that I would replace the blind when it happens to me. Now, after watching you, I will repair it. Thank You!
Glad to help. Easy fix.
Thank you so very much, sir for that thorough, clear, fun and friendly tutorial. We’ve had 2 of these break and neither of us are handy at all. No other sites show exactly this blind and exactly this fix. Now we know we can do this!
Yeah Annie! Glad you found us and now those blinds can finely get fixed. 😉
Thank you so much for the video, I fixed my blind because of your wonderful video.
Glad we could help. Thanks for watching.
This was an amazingly easy video!!! 😃I appreciate you posting this as we also have a Heartland. Ours is a Toyhauler fifth wheel and one of our blinds needed to be repaired. I got the materials and got it all done. We live in our RV full time at present and we have learned a lot from all of your wonderful videos!!! ☺️🤗 Thanks so much and kindest regards to you and your family!! 😊Safe travels!!!🙏🏻😇
Thanks Georgieanna. Great to hear the blind video was helpful and you all are enjoying the channel. Safe travels.
You are so good at explaining it so everyone can understand!
Thanks a bunch Crystal.
Thank you for this information. We have a fairly new camper and had to take it to the dealer and replace the large window that was broke in a storm . When we got it back, the folding blind did not work any more, So now I can repair it instead of replacement, or an argument with the Salem dealer. Thank you for the great tutorial.
Thanks a bunch Mike.
Thank you
This is the best I have seen and I fixed all my blinds.
Yeah! Glad the tip helped.
Thanks for the video! It helped a bunch. I had no idea how to start this project.
Glad to hear the video was helpful.
Fantastic repair Jerry! Great detail of the repairs needed for a successful I LOVE RV LIFE Thanks for your time and help teaching others! Blessings to you and your family Jerry.
Thanks much. Glad to help.
Thank you for making this video! I saved it in my "How To" playlist for "just in case". Well one of the blinds in our RV just broke, and I remembered your video!! It made it very easy to repair!! One thing I did differently: Instead of threading through each pleat, I collapsed all the pleats flat, threaded a large needle with a large eye, then with 1 push through, that side was all threaded at once! :) (Hope that makes sense).
So glad our video helped. And thanks for the tip.
@@iLoveRVlife :)
Been RV for several years, started with a pop up, then travel trailer for many years. Bought both used. Bought my 5th wheel new and it just fraid
a string on one of the blinds. Thanks for the video on how to restrung it.
Hi Thomas. Great to hear you found the video helpful. Jerry...
Thank you Jerry!!! Just repaired my first broken blind. Works perfect!!!
Yeah! Way to go Ed. Glad the video was helpful..
Jerry, Finally got around to repairing one of my blinds, your video was excellent though I had 4 string, not 2, so it took me 3 hours. I wanted to mention i was able to run string through the blind folds quickly by closing acordian and holding by tape and string went through real quick. Thanks again, couldn't have done this without your video guidance.
So glad we could help. The 4 string does takes a few extra steps. Good idea on the tape.
Just repaired one of the blinds in my camper. It went very smoothly. I practiced that thing pinching the hot twine a dozen times or so to be comfortable with it before I started.
Yeah Tanya. Glad it worked for you.
Excellent! My 5th wheel came with some broken blinds. I told the dealer not to replace them, knowing that would only drive my cost up. I figured I'd take them all down and put up curtains, but after using the ones that aren't broken, I really like them! If I did curtains, I'd have to buy double the curtain rods and sheers in order to get the same day/night functionality. After seeing how simple it is to repair, I'd really rather just buy a repair kit! You made this look really simple. Thanks for posting this!
Hi Lisa and thanks. The repair kits are a little pricey. If only the string is broken, about 10 cents worth of string is all you’ll need.
@@iLoveRVlife Oh yeah, I bet that is all I need. Is the thickness of the string super critical? It looks like kite string may do the trick.
Thanks for the quick reply!
It is. I wouldn’t use kite string. To thin. I went to Walmart and found a nylon string that was close to the same thickness. Inexpensive and very strong.
Thanks for this. I had the string on my blinds break this weekend, and my cat was also upset that he couldn't sit and look outside. Where we're camped now, that was the side where he can watch horses.
Glad we could share Travis. Hope you find the repair easy.
I just redone all my blinds after watching this video a few weeks ago. I used powerpro fishing line 50lb test, it seems to be working well.
Good tip. Thanks.
Good morning larry and Jane I didn't realize they were that easy to fix he did a fine job excellent thank you love your videos🐺🐱👍✌
Glad to help Robert.
Thanks for that demo. Saves me having to call out the window man again !
You bet Martin. Glad we could help.
I Love RV Life. I’m trying to repair a 3 corded version, but can’t work out the cord layout ?
Got a couple of blinds doind the same thing on our new to us 2018 Jayco. Need to see how I need to take my fixed valances off and then what looks like an easy fix. Thank you, sir.
Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Jerry and Joan for this video. I hope to repair my blinds this week, and I was not sure how these came apart and operated internally.
Glad to help. Jerry...
Very helpful, thanks Jerry! I will attempt to fix my first broken shade in the RV with the help of your video, but thank goodness I'll have an extra pair of hands to help me! :-)
Glad to help Laura. It’s really easy. I have one that’s on the verge. Seems the strings have a couple year life span. The string I mentioned the video looks to hold up better than the factory stuff.
It is things like this why I watch your channel. I have two that need fixing. Now I know how.....thanks
Glad to help.
I agree, another excellent video! I have yet to have ours break, but I do know it's only a matter of time. I liked the video to find it faster when that time comes!
Thanks Joseph. Unfortunately with these types of blinds, with daily use, it's only a matter of time.
Absolutely love what you do and the way you explain things...
Thanks so much Charles. Glad we can help. Jerry...
Just fixed mine thanks for the video Jerry I enjoy your channel
Thanks a bunch. Glad to help.
Sorry, I should have added, very helpful tutorial. Good work.
Glad it helped
Thanks for the info and I too suffer from left handedness in a right hand world!
Glad this worked for you Donald. Time to start a left handed RV club.
Thank you so much! I'm gonna repair mine tomorrow, fingers cross it all goes well. Great video, excellent explanation.
I just subscribed to your channel. Greetings from Canada.
Welcome from Canada Maria. So glad the video was helpful.
Thank you just had one break in our jayco eagle. New to us. But lovin it
Glad we could help. Just the nature of the beast with these blinds, but the fix isn’t to difficult. Enjoy the Eagle.
Thank you Jerry, I have two blinds in our two year old RV that I need to do, thanks to your video I will use that type of string.
Craig,,
Thanks Craig. It will make them as gold as new...maybe a little better. Jerry....
Hi Joan. Nice to have a helping hand.
Always! Joan🙂
Thank you so very much for the excellent tutorial.
Always glad to share Sherry.
Good video, quite complete
Thanks Jeff.
This was awesome instructions
Thank you,
Good to here this was helpful. Thanks.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for watching.
Well done. !
Thanks
Thank you Jerry 👍🏻
Very welcome
Had had to do this last year. What made it easier to thread through the shade was to fold it up and put Velcro strap or rubber band around blind to keep it folded. It was very easy to thread through the whole blind it one quick motion.
Thanks for the tip Beth. It's a pretty easy fix. Jerry...
WOW THANKS GOT A BEDROOM BLIND THAT HAS ONE SIDE COME OFF AND I DONT WANT TO REMOVE PELMET WILL KEEP THE VECRO HANDY
Great tip, great demo.
Thanks much. Glad to help.
I use rubber bands also. While it is squeezed together you can fish the line through with a stout needle or a fish wire. Thanks for the video.
Thanks much for the kind comment Michael and thanks for the tip too. Jerry...
Awesome video! Thanks!
Glad you found the video helpful.
Great video thank you for making it 😀 just did mine and it was a breeze after watching this .
Super. Glad the video helped.
Great video!!
Thanks
Great video!! Fixed our first blind!! Thanks for the help. I subscribed to your channel for more tips and videos!!
Thanks a bunch. Glad we could help.
Great video it helped a lot, Thanks...
Glad we were able to help.
Great Job. Thanks sharing.
My pleasure Bob. Hope this helps.
Hope you both have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks for the great videos. 🦃
Thanks so much Gail. Joan and I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks for making this video!
Glad we could help.
Great video, thanks for your assistance. I was able to fix our 4 string United Shade with ease. I found the correct lift cord string on Amazon: Manufacturer, Mandala Crafts, and the diameter was 1.5. MM
Thanks for tip.
How did you do the 4 string? I can’t find instructions for that. Mine are not day night shades but have 4 strings.
Hi Jodi. It’s similar to the video. Once you take the top and bottom, you’ll see a loop in the strings.
Yes my shade over my couch is a 4 string as well as the back window (it falls when driving my class C, luckily I have a rear camera).
The one over my couch broke with so much force, it shot the lower string mount off the wall!
Wonderful!!
Thanks
Great video. Unfortunately I have about 5 of them that needs to be repaired.
Thanks. Doesn’t take long after the first one.
How do you wash the blinds? Is this a dumb question? Great instructional video. Thanks
Not a dumb.question at all. We don't wash. I'm not sure they would hold up well. We have a Shark vacuum. We put the dust brush on and give then a good scrub.
Thank you.😊
Always glad to share.
Thank you for your video it helped me alot 😊
Glad it helped!
Jerry, you have the patience of Job. Good thing the cat decided not to help. Good job.
I was surprised Mink kitty wasn't in the mix with all the string flying about. It wasn't too bad, just a big sewing project :)
Hi Jerry - Just wanted to let you know that my husband and I follow you and love everything you produce. We live in the mountains of North Carolina and my husband is a travel nurse currently in Southwest Virginia. I have watched this video about 8 times now. We purchased a pre-owned Forest River Flagstaff, and have 3 blinds that are now in need of repair. Of course, I chose the most difficult one to start with! I think the previous owner may have glued the endcaps on... However, When I get it all put back together, it doesn't open or close. The top is especially tight and won't move. It was also very difficult to get the fabric on the middle bar. Any suggestions on this? Right now I'm planning to tackle another one and hoping that it will give me some insight into the first. Thanks for what you do, and the encouragement you give us!
Hi Nancy. Thanks so much. We too love North Carolina and plan to return later this year. Idea on the blind. There’s a cross left to right on the bottom rail that helps hold the blind in place. Check to see if the string is twisted. Stay safe.
very informative thank you... i wonder if kevlar cord would be a good fit for that .... if you could get it in the right color that is. i wonder if it would be super durable for that application.
That would be a good step up.
Jerry excellent video I love all your videos you're very detailed person my question is on the bigger blinds that have four strings do you have to do all four strings for those if you've had to repair one as of this video thank you so much Keep On Truckin
Hi Guillermo. Thanks much for the comment. I've also repaired the 4 string blinds. I replaced all the string. Sure, it takes a little longer, but I know all is new and stronger and I won't have to deal with it again. If it's warm out, just spread the larger blind on the picnic table. You have more space, plus you'll give your campground neighbors a little entertainment :) Jerry....
Nice job and video! You forgot to mention that it would be a good idea to wash the window and blinds before reinstalling. I’m just keeping it real.
Haha! Thanks Frank. So true.
I Love RV Life :)
How do you wash the blinds?
One of my screws won’t stay tight so the string can’t get tension. Suggestions?
Romano, that’s a good question. I’m not sure they would hold up. We go over ours with a soft bristle brush and vacuum.
Thank you for that tutorial. We have four vertical strings and I am completely confused on how to fix it. Someone else reStrung it for me but I can't seem to get any tension on it AND there is a loop where there shouldn't be that I can't seem to tighten. Help!
The large 4 string blinds are similar to the 2 strings with a cross at the top and down the sides. Hopefully, the springs weren’t removed at the top. You can add a little tension at the bottom by tightening the strings. Doesn’t take much.
@@iLoveRVlife so for the middle strings, do it just mimic what was done for the outside strings??
Kinda Jodi. It similar, but you see how they cross on the top. It takes twice as much string which can be a little cumbersome, but very doable.
@@iLoveRVlife oh hi! Thanks for the reply so I have two springs and four strings.
@@iLoveRVlife ignore my other comments. I have been searching up and down on how to do it for four strings. So I’ll give it a try with the two outside strings just as you demonstrated and then doing the middle two strings in the same fashion
Thank you for the vidéo......My main issue is adjusting my blind which are the larger ones: 4 strings. I have a hard time getting them even at both ends and....they pucker at the top (they are not pleated like the bottom). This only occurs on my 2 larger blinds....My patience is running out I need your HELP....hihihi. Lucie
Understand. Same for us. It’s a two hands operation, grabbing on each end and pulling. If uneven, just hold one side as the pull the other to level.
A tip that I found is that if you collapse the shade completely, you can quickly push the thread through all holes at once. Took me 2 seconds to get the string through. Now, I have an issue I need help with. I have a 4 row shade, not just the 2 row like yours. Half the string was gone. Does anyone know how you restring this shade. I am so frustrated, it's almost worth paying $200 for a whole new shade.
Good tip.
I know thats fun I have day and night shades that have a bar in the middle and its like having two in one took me 4 tries to get it right.
Jerry - thank you! We just had our first one break - so now I feel like we can fix it - question for you - all the shades in our rig have about a 5" string hanging from the screw area - is that because they were just too lazy to trim them? I hate how that looks and have been hesitant to trim them shorter, but I see you nipped that string pretty close after you screwed it in the wall! Thanks in advance for your answer :)
Hi Teresa. It’s just lack of quality in workmanship. We trimmed ours.
@@iLoveRVlife wow...you just made me one happy camper! I have hated those strings but was afraid to trim them! Thanks again :)
Thanks for the demo.. Any ideas of why some "bunch" towards the top when raising? They seem not to keep the fold.. Also, any opinion on whether to travel with them down or up?
Glad to help Roy. These blinds develop a memory. Some will "relearn" the pleat if you push all the way up for several days. The strings need to be tightened a little more to stay in place. Too tight and the blinds won't move up or down. Too loose and they don't have enough friction to stay in place.
@@iLoveRVlife much appreciated.
Just went and and slowly raised and folded them all the way to the top. Around half way is were the issue starts. May tighten the strings a little as I noticed too much play.
Any issue traveling with them down or is up preferred while moving?
No issues Roy. With the right tension on the strings they should stay in place.
@@iLoveRVlife Hey Jerry. After your suggestion of pushing the blinds up all the way the other day, I thought about doing all of them and then testing the two with the issue. Well, it was a success. All the way down and back up in perfect folds. Nice call Jerry. Really appreciate your time and help.
Great video...do you have one for repairing those broken lines in a multi stringed one...like the one next to the one you repaired?
I don’t but the process is similar. Suggest spreading the blind out to see the routes for the strings. The larger blinds have a few extra, but are just as easy to replace.
Ok thanks...have a clear RV road ahead
Great idea. How would waxed nylon strong work? Think it would last longer because the wax would last as a lubricant.
May be. Just thinking, you wouldn't want the very hot sunlight to cause the wax to weep from the string and stain the blinds. With the plain nylon string it's rather slick. Much better than the cloth string removed. I have one blind I repaired over 3 years ago. There's no visible wear on the string. Jerry...
@@iLoveRVlife Hadn't thought of it melting. I may test that, put it in the window of the rv sitting in the sun on a tissue to see if it melts and stains. 👍
My blinds have been irritating me for about 3 years now and I finally decided to fix them. I'll fix them, no need to remind me every three years like all the other chores 🤣🤣🤣
Gotcha. Glad you got them fixed.
I'm an idiot though. I took them down, disassembled them finding no broken strings. It turns out they were just not attached to the screws on the wall. 🙃
I am looking to get some light simply blinds just like yours, where would I look to find some
Hi Kent. They can be purchased from Amazon. Here’s a link. amzn.to/3YFzGwm
I have done this restring thing. You will need two people and a ton of patience. My suggestion today is to first build a fire. Take down all these shades. Toss them into the fire. Install new MCD shades. You will thank me later.
Have a great thanksgiving oha nd you can come fix one of my blinds. The string is gone , I guess I'll have to find directions online....see ya on the road
Thanks much and Happy Thanksgiving. It's not hard to repair. If I can do it, any one can. Jerry...
Would you be able to use metal wire instead of string?
That might not give the same results. The string gives a bit of friction to hold the blind in place.
@@iLoveRVlife alr I was thinking the same thing but wasn't sure thought I'd ask someone who has some experience fixing them
I have a hard time with the plastic blindness that at the ends.
They can be a little aggravating. Use a butter knife, ease in the space between the rail and end cap. Then gently wiggle side to side and the cap will loosen.
Hi Thanks mine has come off in the bedroom one side on my own so this might be a bit difficult for me; do i really have to take the pelmet down as i am in a COTTAGE FROM CEDAR CREEK AND THEN UNSCREW BLIND TO GET CORD REATTACHED TO THE SPRING AT THE TOP. WHAT IS YOUR TOOL YOU USED THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN OFFER ME
Not removing from the wall would make a difficult repair. Then remove the sides, use something thin. A butter knife works well.
Could you tie the new string to the old string and pull it through?
Once the string weakens, it's best to replace. The new string is actually better quality and once replaced you don't have to worry about it breaking again. At least, the one I fixed 3 years ago hasn't broken again :)
I did my day night, never could get tenison, so we replaced with curtains.
Every time one breaks I say I'm going to replace them, then I breakdown and repair.
Yeah...I think I eventually want to replace with some sort of black out curtain anyway. Don’t like the way you can sort of see movement and shapes through these at night.
We bought some basic pull down shades for the bedroom that are black out. Nothing fancy, just an inexpensive Lowe’s shade.
A fellow left HANDER
You bet. I’ve got it bad 😏
VERY NICELY DONE AS USUAL. BUT LET US NOT FORGET, NONE OF THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT JOAN!.....(Proverbs 18:22 KJV: "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD"). LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, A PLEASURE TO WATCH WHILE WE LEARN SOMETHING EVERY TIME. THANKS FOR SHARING THEM! CHEERS.
Thanks so much Seymour. Always glad to share our tips and travels. And yes, sweet Joan is always there to support.
Do you do the same process if the shade has 4 strings. My living room shade broke, the really wide ones.
I just repaired my large living area blind. Same process, just the extra string.
@@iLoveRVlife mine have 2 Springs and 4 strings. Wondering how to map?
Similar to the two strings. The main part is how the strings loop in the bottom section.
That cord is not meant for rv shades. They do sell the correct cord why not use it?
Good question Lola. Not sure why the cord we described isn’t meant for RV shades. The factory cord is very weak. Over time as the factory cords failed we replaced with the nylon cord we mentioned in the video. We found the nylon cord lasted over years of continuous use.
@@iLoveRVlife The factory cord is not weak unless you purchased from a non reputable company. The cord you are using is not meant for the project at hand. I have seen this cord saw through fabric and metal head rails. There is a fine line between function and durability. On an RV shade it is OK since RV shades are cheap and easy to replace.
Ok thanks for input. Guess our positive results from the last 8 years of use aren’t warranted.
Instead of cutting the two threads...use them as a pull string! Use no more than 1/2" Scotch magic tape and roll it on with your fingertips after touching the ends of the the old and new string together...
Thanks for the tip.
OK The kitty makes the video!
Mink is a bit of a ham.
My female cat looks just like yours
They are sports.
There you go ... taking money out of the hands of the repair shop. Shame on you. LOL
Over the years I’ve never taken any RV back to the dealer or independent shop for repair. I know if I fix it it will be done right. I can’t help but wonder, however, how much the repair/replacement would cost someone if taken to the shop.
Oh, there's plenty to go around :) Repair costs, guessing here, but the blinds go for $30 to $60 depending on size then and hour of shop labor. Again guessing, maybe $175 or so for the repair. Then there's the scheduling and wait of sometimes weeks to get something fixed. When I repaired my first blind, it was nothing lost if I botched it up. Such a simple repair that I had to share. Jerry...
A. I think maybe there should be more of the simple repairs highlighted that people will encounter.
B. With the money you saved ... You now have a good excuse to take momma out for a steak dinner. :)
Does your wife know you are using her good cutlery to pry stuff? Man stuff for sure, but.......
Hahaha! Shhhhh….don’t tell her.
Dude, get someone to run the camera for you. Your hands get in the way so much that it's hard to see exactly what you're trying to do. Since you're doing so much close work, then shoot CLOSE UPS of what you're doing. The threading, the clipping of the spring at the top, the insert of the end cap.. all of that was totally lost due to the camera being set down in the same spot nearly for the entire video. The treading of the bottom caps when Joan was helping you was totally lost from the picture. I could not see what and how you were threading the caps. And forget the cat(s). They have nothing to do with your tutorial. You do have an easy manner and you covered all the bases, but PLEASE get a camera man.
Thanks for the comment.
1.5mm nylon cording. You're welcome when you try to find what this stuff is actually called.
Thanks
Thank you!
Thanks for watching.