2019 Pleated Blinds

[Bumble]

Good morning, everyone! So, I have a bit of a silly question; we just gor our 2019 2800BH, and we can't figure out how to operate the pleated-style blinds. I think that I remember looking at other rigs before we bought this one, and the blinds simply pulled down/pushes up by hand. However, the ones we have are bound by a thread on each side at the bottom to a clear plastic thimble-looking thing that is screwed into the wall. We've had a good laugh about this but would like to know how to use them without damaging anything! Thanks!

 

[trailrydr]

Good morning, everyone! So, I have a bit of a silly question; we just gor our 2019 2800BH, and we can't figure out how to operate the pleated-style blinds. I think that I remember looking at other rigs before we bought this one, and the blinds simply pulled down/pushes up by hand. However, the ones we have are bound by a thread on each side at the bottom to a clear plastic thimble-looking thing that is screwed into the wall. We've had a good laugh about this but would like to know how to use them without damaging anything! Thanks!

You got it! Pull down as close to the middle using one hand, or, pull down on each side equally using two hands. Same with putting it up.

We have these type of OEM blinds in our '19 295RL and they are marginal at best for sun/UV blocking and/or radiant heat removal. Also, the "accordion or pleated" style blinds are terrible IMO in that they dont ever fold/unfold properly without bulging in/out of position without requiring manual adjusting after use.

Would recommend replacing the valence curtains (attached to the header) with some 95% blackout/thermal reduction type curtains that cover the entire window. We have done this, and BTW left in the accordion style shades, and have increased our AC performance significantly (can now keep at 73 f degrees in 100+ f temps) along with the added privacy of a thicker full window curtain.

 

[Bumble]

Thanks, trailrydr! What do I do about how they are attached to the wall at the bottoms? Did GD really put screws in the walls to secure them for delivery?
Maybe something to try; on some of the smaller airplanes I used to work on, the blinds would lose their "foldability", so we would get a can of spray starch and give them a light spritzing, careful not to saturate, then carefully put them up as they were supposed to be. Once they dried, they would be as good as new.

 

[trailrydr]

Thank you, trailrydr! What do I with how they are attached at the bottoms (the crux of the issue). Did GD really put screws in the walls to secure the blinds for delivery? I haven't figured out how to post pictures yet or I would.

The clear plastic spindles are used to attach the guide strings for the blinds and need to be left attached to the walls if using those style of blinds.

Believe it or not, these style of blinds do hold up well, but just dont offer much fuction (privacy or heat reduction) and can be temperamental in their use.

But, with a little mod on the decorative valence can provide for a reasonable UV/heat/privacy solution. PM me and I can ahare some more insight on this if interested.

 

[trailrydr]

Thanks, trailrydr! What do I do about how they are attached to the wall at the bottoms? Did GD really put screws in the walls to secure them for delivery?
Maybe something to try; on some of the smaller airplanes I used to work on, the blinds would lose their "foldability", so we would get a can of spray starch and give them a light spritzing, careful not to saturate, then carefully put them up as they were supposed to be. Once they dried, they would be as good as new.

Havent thought of that.... hmmm interesting? May have something there! Thanks for the tip.

 

[Bumble]

Aha! We were just being too gentle! Thank you! Boy, do we feel silly!

 

[trailrydr]

Aha! We were just being too gentle! Thank you! Boy, do we feel silly!

NP....these blinds arent the most friendly to work with at times. But IMO, do offer better longengevity vs the spring loaded rollup style. To be frank, we have never had to replace any hardware (unlike those testimonials with springs) since we have purchased our RV new in 2019.