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Soyboy · 04-11-2010, 04:27 AM

I just purchased a '99 Safari. All of the side windows have privacy shades but the front and rear windows don't. Is this normal? If so why, it doesn't make any sense to me. In any event any recommendations on adding shades? I have roll ups on the other windows, perhaps stick with those? Or go with mini blinds, pleated etc.? Any mounting tips? Sources? Or just order from Next Day Blinds etc.

eggman · 04-11-2010, 05:46 AM

I have roll up vinyl shades in my 2005 ccd and had been thinking of upgrading to the aluminum mini blinds when a someone pointed out to me that when the blinds are closed, there is a large gap between the blind and the curved wall of the trailer... Not too good for privacy! So now I'm thinking of making new fabric roller shades but am wondering what rivets/fasteners are available to attach closed shade to wall.

Soyboy · 04-22-2010, 10:48 PM

I thought I would check again to see if anyone had info/suggestions about window blinds in a late '90s era AS. I was kind of thinking about the pleated day/night shades. Any installation tips would be welcome.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 04-22-2010, 11:09 PM

Hi, just for reference, my Safari came with off-white curtains on all windows except the kitchen window; The kitchen window has aluminum mini blinds.

Soyboy · 04-22-2010, 11:15 PM

Robert thanks. Mine has pleated curtains on every window. It also has roll up shades on every window except the large windows on the front and rears. I wanted to get tips etc. about installing shades on those windows (but not rollups) as I would like to keep the light out.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 04-23-2010, 12:23 AM

Hi, my wife made matching [double] curtains from the material for the bed skirt. It is the same color as the bed-spread. Being a dark brown it blocks vertually all of the light. [when cloesed]

Soyboy · 05-10-2010, 11:03 PM

Thanks. I would would really like to have some sort of shade though. Something behind the curtains. The main issue is how to mount a shade or blind. There doesn't seem to be much room

wheel interested · 05-11-2010, 01:59 AM

Our day/nighters in the front and in the rear are mounted on the wall under the overhead cabinet and stick out about 1 1/2" - 2" with the header and lower grab bar. The wraparound curtain rod that holds the pleated drapes is attached to the bottom of the cabinet and follows the curved window contour until it comes to the center and then the track is bent away from the window to allow an extra inch or so for clearance for the day/nighter pleated shade. I like the day nighters under the curtains. It is very versatile and I like the look of the light filtered through the day portion even with the drapes pulled. I find those horizontal pleats very pleasing in the sun's glow. Pleated shades are less maintenence than cleaning blinds and don't clank around and they are useful to use alone to filter light and add a touch of privacy with the drapes open and full view when open and blackout privacy with the heavier night portion pulled down. They attach traditionally with the header snapping into the brackets and attaching the string on each side with a bobbin like holder with a screw through the middle into the wall until taunt enough to allow the shade to remain where drawn.

When we had the Safari we cut that Reflectix foil bubblewrap to window dimensions and the tight fit held it there with the curtains closed. But I like Bob's custom curtains much better than that!

Soyboy · 05-11-2010, 06:46 AM

Wheel, thanks. Would it be at all possible for you to shoot a photo or two and post them when you get a chance? I know on mine I have an inch or less clearance between the curtain rail and the window and it seems like it would be tight getting the shade mounted. If it did work I think I would have to go with the mini version. BTW, I agree about the pleated shades, mounting them under the curtains and the filtered light.

pattimarty · 05-12-2010, 11:07 PM

Sorry to take you a bit off track (no pun on curtain rods intended) but i read somewhere that it is recommended that the fabrics used on curtains in an RV be treated to be fire retardant. Is that really necessary? Have any of you heard anything about this? I cannot find anything searching airforums. Again sorry to take you off the topic a bit but thought you might know. Thanks.

wheel interested · 05-13-2010, 05:17 PM

Basically you are going to install the shade on two snap on brackets spaced at the top of the window frame and secure the bottom of the shade with the string on each side. Once that is done you move the curtain rod an extra 1/2 inch away from the front of the shade for clearance. The bottom rail for the curtain is slightly further in towards the interior at the center window than at the side pano windows where the rail more closely follows the curve of the window with less clearance. The curtain rail brackets are a deeper size at the center window. However the curtains all hang closer to the wall at the bottom than the top. The rear window may have no bottom adjustment for the shade(?) You can see the bend in the curtain rail over the shade at the front center window. The rails are easily bent or may come from the factory or dealer in that contour(?) Hope these pictures help. Feel free to pm me for details.

Soyboy · 05-13-2010, 06:02 PM

Carol: Thanks a lot, this is a big help!

RichHog · 05-22-2010, 10:22 AM

Got new roller shades from Blinds.com, fairly cheap and fast service and they fit on the original holders in my Tradewind. I guess the original trailers had blinds on all the windows. Love the way they can block out the light/sound in a overlighted camp site-- You know the ones where there is an outside street light blasting through your bed window.