How To Upgrade Your Dated RV Blinds

You love your RV, but let’s face it—those old blinds are starting to show their age.

Upgrading your RV blinds is not just about aesthetics; it’s about improving privacy, light control, and insulation.

Whether you’re a veteran RV owner or new to the game, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Let’s dive in and give your home on wheels the fresh touch it deserves!

Why You Should Upgrade Your RV Blinds

There are plenty of reasons to consider upgrading your RV blinds:

Privacy: Let’s be honest—camping often means close quarters with neighbors. Upgraded blinds offer better coverage, ensuring that prying eyes and unwanted light stay out. This is especially important when you’re parked in crowded campgrounds.
Insulation: High-quality RV blinds can help regulate the temperature inside your camper. This means you stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making your camping experience more comfortable.
Style: New blinds come in a variety of colors, materials, and styles. This allows you to choose the perfect match for your RV’s decor, adding a personal touch that reflects your style.

What to Consider Before Upgrading Your RV Blinds

Before you start, there are a few key factors to consider:

Privacy & Insulation: Full coverage is a must for privacy and insulation. Make sure the blinds are opaque enough to block light and nosy neighbors. Also, consider the thermal rating of the blinds to ensure you’re getting the best insulation possible.

Durability: Durability is crucial, especially if your original blinds are flimsy or falling apart. Look for materials like polyester, vinyl, or multi-layer fabrics that are built to last. These materials will outlast many original blinds and window coverings.

Style: With so many options available, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function and durability. Choose from roller or pleated shades in a variety of colors to match your RV’s interior. You can have it all—style, privacy, insulation, and durability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your RV Blinds

Upgrading your RV blinds is a straightforward DIY project. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Measure for New RV Blinds

The key to a successful upgrade is purchasing blinds of the proper size and fit.

Measure just beyond the edges of the window and a little longer than the window from the mounting point.

This ensures the new blinds extend slightly beyond the window on all sides, providing complete privacy and light blockage. Don’t forget to consider any valances you intend to keep or install.

Always double-check your measurements before making a purchase, especially for custom blinds that you can’t return.

2. Remove Valances

Valances are typically held to the wall via L-shaped brackets screwed into the wall.

Use a screwdriver or a cordless drill with the corresponding drill bit to remove the screws from the brackets.

You might need an assistant for wider valances with multiple brackets. Bigger valances could have three, four, or more brackets.

3. Remove Old Blinds and Brackets

If the old blinds weren’t mounted inside the valance, you need to remove them from the wall.

The blinds usually attach to brackets, similar to the valance. First, unscrew the blinds from the brackets and set them aside.

Then, remove the brackets by unscrewing them from the wall.

4. Install New Brackets

You’re all set to begin the fun part—installing your new RV blinds! Measure your new blinds and mark where you want to mount the new brackets on the wall over your window.

Consider whether or not you intend to reinstall your valances or have new ones you will be installing.

However, you mount the brackets for the blinds allows room for the valances or other window treatments you intend to install.

Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the bracket screws for the first bracket. Be careful not to drill through the outer wall.

After mounting the first bracket, temporarily install the blinds and have an assistant hold them.

Ensure the blinds are level, and mark the mounting holes for the second bracket. Drill pilot holes and attach the second bracket.

5. Install RV Blinds

With the brackets in place, slide the blinds into the brackets. Most blinds have a clip or locking mechanism securing them in the brackets.

Be sure that the blinds are in place and fully secure, testing their functionality before you move on.

6. Add Valances Back, If Preferred

If you are updating to a more modern look with the new blinds in place, the project is over.

But if you reinstall the valances or add another new treatment, you can move on to that step.

If reinstalling the old valances, it’s a matter of reinstalling the old brackets. Then reattach the valances to those brackets, and that’s all.

The Best RV Blinds

There are many durable, stylish, and functional RV blinds available. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Custom Blackout Roller Shades

These custom blackout roller shades are an affordable yet stylish way to upgrade your blinds.

They are highly customizable in size and available in many color options. Made with sturdy vinyl, they provide complete blackout coverage and come with the ceiling and wall-mount hardware to meet your needs.

These shades even include an internal mechanism that keeps them from rapidly retracting.

Custom Day & Night Roller Shades

RecPro’s Day & Night Roller Shades offer the same quality and customization options as the Blackout Roller Shades but with an additional feature.

These shades are two shades in one mounting, providing a daytime shade that is somewhat transparent for privacy and sun blockage, and a nighttime shade that offers complete blackout coverage.

They are available in several colors to best match your interior.

Customizable Pleated Night RV Shades

These traditional-looking Pleated Night RV Shades are made of durable polyester fabric, offering privacy, light control, UV protection, and extra insulation.

They are highly customizable in size and available in many colors to meet your style needs.

Budget Option: Blackout Roller Window Shades

For a budget-friendly option, consider the Blackout Roller Window Shades from the Homebox Store on Amazon.

These shades are waterproof, thermal-insulated fabric that blocks 100% of light, protects you from UV rays, and provides complete privacy.

They come in black, white, and gray, and include all the appropriate mounting hardware.

Read more: The 6 Best RV Roller Shades

Upgrade Your RV Blinds for Fit, Function, and Fashion

Upgrading your RV blinds is a simple and effective way to improve the look, feel, and functionality of your camper.

Whether you’re seeking better light blockage, privacy, or a more updated style, there are many options available.

When selecting new RV blinds, consider factors like light blockage, privacy, durability, and style.

With some research and the correct tools, installing your new blinds is a DIY project that you can do quickly and easily.

So why wait? Upgrade your RV blinds today and enjoy a more comfortable, stylish, and functional camper experience!