Hey everyone!Let me start by saying HI! and introducing myself -- I'm Sarah, from Ontario,Canada.Last year I purchased a 2003 Sunnybrook 5th wheel, which I have permanently parked at a nearby campsite. Less than a month until camping season starts (so all of the snow I see outside better melt .. and soon. lol)This year I have decided to dedicate my time to doing some redecorating on the trailer. It's in great shape, however, the decor just doesn't sit well with me. It's your typical, geometric fabrics etc.I think my first project I want to tackle is the window valences. I have looked online at reupholstering them, and it all seems doable. But I was wondering if it's possible to just remove the top valance and side panels, and in its place hang a curtain rod with a simple valance and curtain?My trailer has a LOT of windows, which equals a LOT of valances - so if the simple curtain option would work, that would make my life a HECK of a lot easier lol.I do have a lot more questions -- but I'll leave it at that one for now to not overwhelm :)Thanks!Sarah

Quick update --- I hope this works --- here is a picture of my actual trailer so you can see some of the (many) valances. I want to remove the valances on the top and sides, and replace with a material valance and curtains.

That looks like a good project.If you use UV resistant thermal drape material it will cut down on your heating/cooling costs.

Probably held in place with screws with a #2 square drive head (versus a phillips or slot head). You can get this special head drive at just about any hardware store. Then you could use either a drill/driver or just a hand-held driver (think screwdriver) to remove the screws.Step one complete.

That's awesome! Thank you! I never would have guessed it would require a special screw head. I can be handy - but only when I'm pointed in the right direction ;) LoL

Sarah.....I had the EXACT upholstery and valances in our MH!!!! I hated them, too. We did take them off and replaced with curtains and rods. :) After that MH we had a 5th wheel....I hated the valances in that but opted to recover. VERY easy with an electric staple gun :) :)And welcome!

Welcome! And DIY Questions! | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

pkunk
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
If you know a woodworker-get him to make some of these

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.
wmoses
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
SAR Tracker wrote:
Probably held in place with screws with a #2 square drive head (versus a phillips or slot head). You can get this special head drive at just about any hardware store. Then you could use either a drill/driver or just a hand-held driver (think screwdriver) to remove the screws.

Step one complete.

Hehehe ... the "special head" is actually called a Robertson head and was invented in Canada, and are widely available there. Couldn't resist flying the ol'd Maple Leaf here. :)
SarahCyborg
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014
Wow! I love this forum! You guys have been so helpful and I am VERY appreciative! Our park opens on April 25th - and the valances are definitely going to be my first project. I will repost again with before and after pictures!

Thank you so much everyone!!! :)
cpaulsen
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2014
I took our side valances off. We have day/night shades and it was kinda hard sometimes to open them. Without the side pieces...everything works great.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
You should have seen the colors in the 98 SB we sold last summer - plum and mauve. It looked good in 98! We're on our 3rd SB cuz we know they are very solid and they used better components than most. Craig
Beverley_Ken
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
Further to my earlier post. Just got the flyer for Canadian Tire and screw drivers are on sale 75% OFF. 40pc set different styles and sizes $59.99 down to $14.99 and a 2pc both 7 bits in one 24.99 down to $6.19. excellent for that kitchen drawer.

Beverley and Ken
BarneyS
Nomad
Mar 27, 2014
The screws holding the valences on in a Sunnybrook trailer are easily reached by using a long shank Phillips head screwdriver.
Barney
profdant139
Explorer II
Mar 27, 2014
Sometimes, it is hard to get a "straight shot" at the screws holding the brackets -- the hardware store will have an offset or right-angle attachment that will make it easier. You might not need that tool, though -- see if you can reach the screws without it.
PMcColley
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
In our previous travel trailer we had the same issue. We pulled down the window trim which all came apart in 3 pieces and then wrapped them with the new fabric and stapled them in place from behind using the same method the manufacturer used. There was no need to remove the existing fabric or padding. Once they were recovered with reassembled them and had a whole new look that we liked and made it feel more personal then another stamped out trailer.
amandasgramma
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
SarahCyborg wrote:
AH! Thank you so much! It's good to know I'm not the only one who can't stand the material. I'm sure others love it, but for me, it's just not my style and seems a little outdated (even though it's only a 2003 lol)

So since you have done both methods (recovering vs. hanging curtains) - which option would you choose to do again? And which was your favourite end result?

Thank you so much!
I prefer the curtains....the valances seem to block the view!!!!!

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