Day/night shades

[Larry C]

Hey y'all,
Can any one tell me where I can find the little plastic "spools" that the tension cords for day/night blinds are fastened to?
Several of them are broken, and being the cheapskate that I am, I'm note going to pay Camping World $1.50 each for them.....
We've got a 2000, 30' Excella. I really don't care if spools are original or not, so if there are some suggestions on alternatives that would also be appreciated.
Thanks,
Larry C

[lewster]

Larry,

You don't need them! When I re-string and tension day night shades after they have broken (mostly in big 5ers and MoHos) The plastic spool is usually cracked or missing.

You can attach the cord directly to the mounting screw, but I would wrap a little tace around it to prevent abrading the cord. That's about as cheap as you can get!

[Larry C]

Thanks Lew,
Sounds like that would work fine, I had an idea when I saw your reply....I have some nylon decorative washers, about 3/4 inch diameter --- if I use some stainless screws, that would fine it a bit more decorative appearance...I'll try it!
Larry

[wheel interested]

Well I like Lew's fix. I have a broken one, can't get easier than that. I just wanted to add that I had bought plastic sewing machine bobbins in the notion department in WalMart and they are comparable to the original spools and even have a hole for the cord (thread) near the edge.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Well I like Lew's fix. I have a broken one, can't get easier than that. I just wanted to add that I had bought plastic sewing machine bobbins in the notion department in WalMart and they are comparable to the original spools and even have a hole for the cord (thread) near the edge.

Carol,

I never use those 2 little holes on the edge of the plastic retainer as they are the #1 source of breakage on the day/night shades. I rather wrap the cord around the plastic spool in opposite directions and then tie it off when you have added the appropriate tension. Works like a charm and rarely breaks again!

[wheel interested]

Thanks Lew. I shall use your method and skip the holes.

[carlj]

This is a great site, for any thing to do with rv window treatments:

There are a couple of ways to clean the shades.

• <Shades in place, use a mild cleaner like woolite, room temp. water. Make foam and only put the foam on the shade, do not wet the fabric to the point of saturation. Let the foam set for 20 sec then vacuumed the fabric lightly. Left and right or up and down / never vacuume the fabric in circles.
• Close the shade to dry for several hours.

The full cleaning process that we use requires special chemicals that we do not currently private label. We should have them available soon.

RV Shade Fold Fix will be available in June. This is a special re-pleating spray. Totally odorless so you don’t have a chemical smell after use.

As far as chemicals you should never use. OXI Clean (it softens the fabric and is no longer pleatable).
Dish washing soap will stick in the fabric and attract dirt on the back side of the shade.
Upholstery cleaner will fade the fabric quickly (it is a semi opaque fabric, blackout fabrics will separate from backing.
Harsh detergents and degreaser will remove colors.

The shades will not really fall apart, but they will rust if not dried correctly. Saturation should be avoided.