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Andreasen · 01-04-2008, 10:32 AM

Hello,
We are looking for replacement "roll-up" type shades for our 1974 Airstream. Original ones are in place over the sink in the kitchen and over the sink in the rear bath.
Any suggestions? Thank you.

InsideOut · 01-04-2008, 10:39 AM

First off, welcome to the Forums!

Have you seen these? They are being used in the new Airstreams...pretty cool!

Shari

Jim Foster · 01-04-2008, 12:27 PM

This photos show the blinds that were installed on our Caravel just before we bought it in 2000. They will go all the way up, or can be polled down so that you can still see out and let light in, or pulled all the way down blocking the view and most all light. We have seen these on high end RVs. The one on the left is in the light position, the one on the right in the dark position. Don't know who makes them, but we sure do like them. They do the job and will slide up and can be hidden by trim or other curtain arrangements. The don't take up space out from the wall, and don't blow in the wind when windows are open.

We love them.

maccamper · 01-04-2008, 02:16 PM

Yes, welcome to the forum, Andreasen! The forum and the folks on it are incredible resources who generously share their experience and knowledge.

You are most lucky to have found an Airstream in such good condition and to know the previous owner.

Jim, thank you for posting the pictures of your blinds. Do you think your blinds may be similar to some offered on blinds.com? Shop for Blinds, Window Blinds, Shutters, Plantation Shutters, Window Shades

We're also looking at different options for window coverings for our 1974 Ambassador. I was on the blinds.com web site just this morning trying to decide whether something like the pleated or cellular blinds would work for us. It's hard to decide when you can't actually see and touch the product.

We did buy some stiff Sunbrella fabric to replace the fabric that was on the original shade in our rear bathroom window. We haven't rebuilt that shade yet to know how easy or challenging it will be. We also need to do something with the blind over the kitchen sink.

maccamper is compiling pictures of his work and will get them posted. Right now his focus is on getting as much finished as he can before we have to move our "Emma" out of a warehouse we've been able to use these last three months.

Again, welcome Andreasen and enjoy the ride!

Nancy (mrs. maccamper)

Andreasen · 01-09-2008, 09:27 PM

Very nice. I like the aluminum touch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

First off, welcome to the Forums!

Have you seen these? They are being used in the new Airstreams...pretty cool!

Shari

Silver Threads · 01-09-2008, 09:46 PM

Hi and Welcome to the forums. You can also buy blinds to cut to size at Joanns Fabrics. They are made where you can customize them by attaching fabic or just leave them white. They also will cut shades at Lowes or Home depot, just give them your measurements. Good Luck!

Andreasen · 01-10-2008, 07:19 AM

Thank you for all the great suggestions! This site is awesome! What a convenient way to pass on information to each other.

DPeakMD · 01-10-2008, 09:11 AM

Andreasen--Are you going to keep or replace the drapes? That's the first question I'd ask. If you're keeping them, I think the best solution is the roller shade from a local supplier. They're easy and cheap, simple and reliable. We've had trailers where the PO (prior owner) installed the miniblinds and you've got to deal with strings, twist rods and they catch on the window openers and flip segments backwards. The best way to install the roller blinds is 'backwards' with them unrolling toward the window side. (btw, you must spec that when ordering!) That keeps them nice and tight to block light, too. The drapes will catch the bottom enough to cure the problem of hanging straight down away from the window, or you can install a snap like the new CCD's have.

If you don't go with drapes, then any of the cool (more $$$) alternatives would be worth it, and you'd pay for the upgraded cost by skipping drapes. That's just a matter of personal preference. You've got a LOT of windows in that 29 footer! (((When can we see pics?!?)))

You've got those front curved windows to consider, too. The blinds that Shari mentioned might work in a sideways application for that.

Good luck!

Lumatic · 01-10-2008, 12:35 PM

They cut roller shades to size at Home Depot

Andreasen · 01-10-2008, 06:27 PM

I think we will go with the roller blinds from Home Depot. We only have the two windows to replace with roller shades, over the kitchen sink and rear bath. All the other windows already have replacement draperies from J. P. Ambruso, Inc. Thank you so much for the input.

X-tine · 05-27-2021, 10:56 AM

How do you mount the plain white, old school roller shades??

**richard5933** · 05-27-2021, 11:28 AM

Our 1994 Excella came with old-school white roller blinds in every window. The mounts were screwed to the interior walls under the valences. They do the job, but definitely look aged and tattered.

I looked at the Oceanair blinds and like them, but the budget doesn't allow for $120-$170/window for new.

Right now my plan is to stick with blinds similar to what the trailer had when we got it. Home Depot sells these in plain vinyl, or you can upgrade to the ones with a fabric feel to them. I'm probably going with the linen-look blinds in a black out material. The cost will be 1/4-1/3 what something like Oceanair would cost, and we'll be able to re-use the existing mounts.

Hope this helps somewhat.