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frechettec · 03-12-2015, 09:59 PM

We replaced our front and back pano window drapes on our '07 Safari 27'.
We chose to have custom drapes made to the trailer's measurement over "one size fits all, mass produced drapes". We are extremely pleased that we did go custom: very high quality face and backing fabric, fabricated by professional seamstresses, stitching is tight and accurate, pleats are full and distinctive, no sagging, top of drapes caress the bottom of the overhead cabinets and brings the Airstream to the level of a quality coach. Besides, these fine drapes were at least $300.00 less than the stock airstream drape panels.

We ordered our drapes from JPA Drapes of Northampton, PA

Four attached photos: first two are before (stock drapes) the last two show the new drapes.

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Mainiac

idroba · 03-12-2015, 10:26 PM

The new drapes, with the very nice pleats look like the ones that Airstream put in their trailers years ago. Somewhere along the way they decided to make just flat sheet drapes with no pleats, and ones that don't close well to boot.

One of my jobs this spring is to make a new set of drapes for the front of my FC 20'. The only issue that I see is that the tract to hold them is really short for the pleated drapes and they will wind up covering the windows a bit more than I would like.

This will be the third set of pleated pano window drapes I will have made. It took me some time to learn how to sew and make things line up, but the results have been very worthwhile.

Trinity0414 · 03-13-2015, 02:29 AM

What a difference! They're beautiful. I'm happy for you.

BoldAdventure · 03-13-2015, 09:12 AM

That looks superb! We'd love to have new drapes made. Might have to stop in Northampton on our way to Ohio this June.

Landshark · 03-13-2015, 10:44 AM

Your new drapes are what they should be and complement your A/S beautifully. I am really surprised at the cheap look of the old flat panels--not good, Airstream!

Vivian

KJRitchie · 03-13-2015, 11:32 AM

Makes your Safari look like a Classic.

Kelvin

Borderdog · 03-14-2015, 06:58 AM

We would like to do this with our 2007 25' Safari. What measurements did you give them for the drapes?

Nomad518 · 03-14-2015, 11:03 AM

I ordered drapes to replace our originals from JPA last August. I liked the idea of custom fit pleated drapes (our originals were pleated and I liked the look). JPA claimed to have extensive experience with Airstreams which also gave me confidence in working with them. It wasn't cheap, $1,300 for a full set of replacements. And, it wasn't quick...about two months...but I expected it would take time for a quality product. I provided exact measurements to the 1/8 inch for all drapes. Unfortunately, when my order arrived everything had to be returned because they didn't fit or align properly. I returned everything at the beginning of October. Despite my monthly check-ins on the order and promises to "get right on it" they didn't get going on it until about two weeks ago. Now, it's been 8 months and I still have nothing to show for my $1,300 order. I don't often post public complaints about businesses, but I feel it is necessary in this case due to the way my order has been handled by JPA. My next action with them will be to request a full refund.

ckottum · 03-14-2015, 01:23 PM

Much neater appearance than the original curtains, very nice. We have been looking at alternatives as well.

A friend showed us their trailer where Can-Am Airstream had extended the curtain tracks farther back on the pano window so the curtains can be drawn back to allow full view out the front panos. As it is, you loose about a foot of view on each side where the curtains rest when opened.

cheryl k

frechette · 03-14-2015, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borderdog

We would like to do this with our 2007 25' Safari. What measurements did you give them for the drapes?

Borderdog,
When you contact JPA, she sends you an email which includes instructions and a form for measurements. Clear, concise and easy.
Mainiac

frechette · 03-14-2015, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad518

I ordered drapes to replace our originals from JPA last August. I liked the idea of custom fit pleated drapes (our originals were pleated and I liked the look). JPA claimed to have extensive experience with Airstreams which also gave me confidence in working with them. It wasn't cheap, $1,300 for a full set of replacements. And, it wasn't quick...about two months...but I expected it would take time for a quality product. I provided exact measurements to the 1/8 inch for all drapes. Unfortunately, when my order arrived everything had to be returned because they didn't fit or align properly. I returned everything at the beginning of October. Despite my monthly check-ins on the order and promises to "get right on it" they didn't get going on it until about two weeks ago. Now, it's been 8 months and I still have nothing to show for my $1,300 order. I don't often post public complaints about businesses, but I feel it is necessary in this case due to the way my order has been handled by JPA. My next action with them will be to request a full refund.

Nomad,
I really feel bad about your negative experience. I don't know what went astray but our experience was totally opposite.

Mainiac

frechettec · 03-14-2015, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckottum

Much neater appearance than the original curtains, very nice. We have been looking at alternatives as well.

A friend showed us their trailer where Can-Am Airstream had extended the curtain tracks farther back on the pano window so the curtains can be drawn back to allow full view out the front panos. As it is, you loose about a foot of view on each side where the curtains rest when opened.

cheryl k

Cheryl,
Excellent point and a good solution to boot. I'm pondering about placing "U" shaped gizmos, one for the top and one for the bottom of the opened drapes--squeezing and holding the pleats tight--the pressure of drapes would hold the "U's" in place. This would afford much more of a view and help maintain the pleats. Thanks for the idea Cheryl, I'm going to the hardware store tomorrow for parts to fabricate these gizmos.

Maniac

Nomad518 · 03-28-2015, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad518

I ordered drapes to replace our originals from JPA last August. I liked the idea of custom fit pleated drapes (our originals were pleated and I liked the look). JPA claimed to have extensive experience with Airstreams which also gave me confidence in working with them. It wasn't cheap, $1,300 for a full set of replacements. And, it wasn't quick...about two months...but I expected it would take time for a quality product. I provided exact measurements to the 1/8 inch for all drapes. Unfortunately, when my order arrived everything had to be returned because they didn't fit or align properly. I returned everything at the beginning of October. Despite my monthly check-ins on the order and promises to "get right on it" they didn't get going on it until about two weeks ago. Now, it's been 8 months and I still have nothing to show for my $1,300 order. I don't often post public complaints about businesses, but I feel it is necessary in this case due to the way my order has been handled by JPA. My next action with them will be to request a full refund.

I received our new drapes from JPA yesterday and installed them this morning. All of the prior issues have been resolved and the new drapes are a big improvement over the originals. Although it took a while to complete the order, I wanted to provide this update to say how happy I am with the finished project.

frechettec · 03-29-2015, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad518

I received our new drapes from JPA yesterday and installed them this morning. All of the prior issues have been resolved and the new drapes are a big improvement over the originals. Although it took a while to complete the order, I wanted to provide this update to say how happy I am with the finished project.

So glad for you Nomad 518!
Very nice of you to notify us that you are satisfied with the new drapes and JPA and that your quest has a happy ending.

I recall JPA telling me that they were extremely busy with many orders when I had made my order. The important thing is that they "made good" and came through with a high quality product.

Travel-on with a more beautiful interior.

Maniac

Airtandem · 03-29-2015, 09:09 AM

We also considered new drapes; but instead went with a day/night blind. This is on the plano portion only. The existing drapes are now fuller on the curved portion.
With the blinds, we have clear vision with them up, pull the day part down and we have shears, and with the next portion, we have room darkening. This is the way it was in the "98" 30 ft Excella.

Nomad518 · 03-29-2015, 10:05 AM

Here's a photo with our new drapes from JPA. Looks great! Their materials and craftsmanship are top notch. It sounds like some family health issues may have also added to the production time for my order.

frechettec · 03-29-2015, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad518

Here's a photo with our new drapes from JPA. Looks great! Their materials and craftsmanship are top notch. It sounds like some family health issues may have also added to the production time for my order.

Nomad518,

Your JPA drapes look fantastic!

Mainiac