10 replies to this topic

[JoeKan]

I'm needing to replace the shades in my camper and was wondering what do you all use? I'm thinking of going with roller Shades that was in there before and using blackout fabric.
Thank you
Joe

[wagoneer]

In the same boat I am needing window treatments the blinds were trashed. what do newer AK's come with? I may just use reflexit cut to fit. my sewing sucks and no wimen in my life.

[PackRat]

Check with stores that feature window shades, etc. to get the wooden rollers you already have recovered with a material you pick out as long as the still work. That's really old school. You can go with mini-blinds or other options but they MUST raise enough to clear the Pirelli seals with the top down.

 

You might check with RV shops also on who they suggest in your area.

 

I got lucky....the ones in my '76 Alaskan are in good condition after some cleaning/dusting.

[JoeKan]

The ones that came with mine were still in good shape but when I took them down and unrolled them on the sidewalk they wouldn't close up again (Roller shades). Home Depot has roller shades but they won't cut the length, only the width. So the side widows that are around 65" long only needs to go down 23", but since they won't cut the length, it's going to be 78"

I can go to somewhere like, blinds.com but they're about $60 per window! 

Wal-mart has curtains that I may use. They don't look "too bad."  I also plan on using total blackout curtains or blinds and also going to use reflectix for winter boondock camping. 

I was going to reupholster my dinette seats but they were wanting a small fortune for doing it so I cleaned them with vinegar and water and left them out in the sun for a couple of days. Surprisingly, they don't smell very musty. 

[PackRat]

Try this...

1) roll one of them up

2) mount it in the rolled up position

3) pull down and try to get it to STOP in a down position just above the inner section of the Alaskan

4) if it will stay in the DOWN position, then comes the final test....now pull down a bit on it and see if it winds itself up

 

Let us know if that works....

[PackRat]

PS.... if your cushions are as old as mine are (1976) the foam is basically shot and you will bottom out if you roll onto your side. Very uncomfortable. I bought memory foam to use in the CO bunk or the dinette bunk and it makes all the difference in the world. You can re-do the cushions your self with nothing more than some material you like that is Scotchguarded, a stapler and some foam of a good DENSITY. Too hard and it is not comfortable to sleep on or even sit on and too soft and you sink into it and bottom out anyway.

 

Be careful about the upper berth if you have a CO Alaskan, the mattress can't be too thick or you can't fold the side/front panels in safely.

[noteven]

I’m looking at end chain roller blinds maybe.
Or mini blinds.

[Vic Harder]

Why not just cut them to length yourself?

[JoeKan]

Vic, I thought about doing that but I'm afraid that if I do that and they don't roll up then I'm stuck with them. I thinking that since Home Depot doesn't cut the length, that is the reason. 

[PackRat]

Joe.....

 

what happened when you tried my hand re-rolling and installation suggestion?