Replacing shades with mini blinds

We replaced all of the shades that came in our Travel Supreme with mini blinds. We ordered the width we wanted from Sears and cut them to length. This way we didn't have to make any modifications to the window surrounds. We are pleased with the results and simplicity.Easy to clean as well!

We just changed our day/night shades to 2" composite Venetian blinds in the LR & kitchen. Because of the width of the new blinds we had to build new window surrounds and upholster them with a much nicer fabric. The new upholstery and blinds look great and have completely changed the look of the room. On ours the original day/night shades were mounted to the window surrounds and we removed them as a unit. After the surround re-manufacture we mounted the new Venetian blinds to the surround and remounted them the same way as the original manufacturer.

As far as securing the bottom, we chose not to as the middle will still move and bang against the window frame. We open them and stuff some foam in between the window and blind. If you don't want to take the time to do it your self be sure to pick someone who has done this before. It took us some time to figure out how to do this and learned as we went.

Chrisatthebeach wrote:
I replaced the day/night shades in the bedroom with aluminum Levelor mini-blinds. The width was correct, I had to shorten them. Installation was not difficult by following the directions.
The Levelor shades sold at Lowes are also very nice, we put them into our guest rooms at our house, had these been available when I put the blinds in the bedroom or the 5th wheel I would have used them instead. Very will made.

LOL! Shorting :E

We have a "Skylight" Small 3' X 1' or so, window above out big slide that would let in a lot of summer sun heat. Tossed about 80% of that blind once shorten to the correct length.

rhagfo wrote:
We have done this and it is a great improvement. You can deflect sunlight, and still see out. We were lucky enough to be able to use stock sizes.

agree....blinds let you deflect sunlight and air can still blow thru if u have window open. Shades would block air flow.

I replaced the day/night shades in the bedroom with aluminum Levelor mini-blinds. The width was correct, I had to shorten them. Installation was not difficult by following the directions.
The Levelor shades sold at Lowes are also very nice, we put them into our guest rooms at our house, had these been available when I put the blinds in the bedroom or the 5th wheel I would have used them instead. Very will made.

Thanks to you all who responded. Sounds like it might be a good move. One other question -- regarding installation. We probably will have them installed, not do it ourselves. Good idea to have someone who is familiar with RV's do it? I imagine they should be anchored at the bottom to keep them from banging around during transit. Is that something that can be done with household blinds?

We have done this and it is a great improvement. You can deflect sunlight, and still see out. We were lucky enough to be able to use stock sizes.

You should also look at MCD roller shades. Our Montana had them everywhere except the bedroom and we changed those out ourselves. My DW likes it dark to sleep and these block out all the light. They also have a day screen that lets light in but blocks the heat. They are quite pricey but to us where worth it.

We replaced ours a couple of years before we traded. It was a good move as for price, the only negative was hanging them. Not a whole lot of meat to do a good hang. We also made sure we cut Reflectix to each window so we could place it in the windows when the camper was not in use or on hot days. It saved the blinds and curtains from the vicious Texas sun. It also helps on colder winter days keeping cold out and more heat in. Anyway, my 2 cents is its more positive than negative.

We replaced our day/night shades with shades made by Levelor at Lowes....much better blinds.