Installing RV window treatments is a convenient and hassle-free process. And it takes just a few minutes, literally!
Read this quick step-by-step DIY installation guide for RV blinds and shades for a perfect fit. With some extra care, you can give your installation a professional feel.
Pre-installation Do’s
- Accurately measure your RV window frame size with a steel measuring tape.
- Account for inside mounts and outside mounts while taking measurements.
- Measure the depth of the window frame for an inside mount RV blind or shade.
- Double check the number of screws, mounting brackets, and other hardware equipment.
Tools You’ll Need
- Screwdriver
- Drill (hand or electric)
- A steel measuring tape
- A level tool
- Pen/pencil and a piece of paper
Choose Outside or Inside Mount RV Window Treatments
You can install your RV window treatments – mini blinds, roller shades, solar shades, motorized blinds, motorized shades, etc. – inside or outside the window frame.
Outside Mount RV Blinds and Shades Installation Instructions
Step 1: Align Mounting Brackets
- Use a level tool to align mounting brackets at each end of the headrail or opposite corner above the window casing.
- Use a pen or pencil to mark the position of each mounting bracket.
- Mark the position of a support bracket (if needed) in the center.
Step 2: Drill Pilot and Full-sized Holes
- Mark the location of holes for bracket mounting with the help of a pen.
- Use a hand or electric drill to make pilot holes.
- If the pilot holes are in the exact locations, drill full-sized holes.
Step 3: Fix Brackets with Screws
- Use screws and a screwdriver to fix the mounting brackets into place.
- Make sure all the brackets (end box and support brackets) are firm in their place.
Step 4: Slide Headrails into the Brackets
- Install your outside mount RV blinds or shades by snapping the headrail into the brackets.
- Close the end box brackets to secure the headrail in place.
Step 5: Test Operation of Your Outside Mount RV Window Treatments
- Raise, lower, rotate, or adjust the slats of your RV window treatments to test if each part is working perfectly.
- Pull down the lift cord (if there is one) to unlock it and slowly release it to let the RV shades or blinds get lowered to the desired level.
- Raise your window treatments by pulling the lift cord down.
- Lock the cord mechanism when the slats or fabric vanes are adjusted at the desired position.
- In the case of top down bottom up RV blinds and shades, use your hands to push or pull them from the top and bottom.
Step 6: Install Valance, If Needed
If needed, install valance to conceal the installation hardware. A valance will also add to the decorative appeal of your RV window blinds and shades.
- Fix a valance clip at each of the opposite ends of the headrail.
- Evenly attach the remaining clips to the front of your RV blind’s headrail.
- Properly snap together the two parts of a valance clip.
Inside Mount RV Blinds and Shades Installation Instructions
Installation procedures for inside and outside mount RV blinds and shades are almost similar. However, here are some additional tasks that you need to perform while fixing a window treatment to the inside of your travel trailer’s window frame.
- Check if your RV window frame meets the depth requirements of a particular type of blind or shade for an inside mount.
- Use the smallest of the three measurements (top, middle, and bottom) for the width of the window.
- If you are going to install top down bottom up shades, test their operation both at the top and bottom.
Further Assistance
For further assistance regarding RV blinds and shades installation instructions, you can use 24/7 Live Chat option to reach out to the Rvblinds.com Customer Care Department. We’ll be pleased to help you out in every possible way. Alternatively, you can hire the services of a professional installer.