We have the typical two-stage cellular blinds (fastened at the top and bottom with a lighter and darker set that are adjusted by simply lifting the blind rail). On our last trip, one of the blinds broke free from the fastening strings on the bottom rail. I haven't taken it apart yet (we're still on the road), but it looks like it is going to have to be restrung on one of the sides and, somehow, through the bottom. Has anyone dealt with this? Is it a reasonable task to take on, or am I better off going through the warranty? Just wondering if anyone has dealt with this. Thanks!

Lots of us have dealt with a failed blind. Go to fixmyblind.com and you will find parts and instructions. I took my blind apart and drew a sketch of how the string ran and repaired it myself. Not hard to do.

As dbbls said, it's not hard to do. If both ends of the broken cord are still visible, you can probably weld them together by melting the ends and connecting them together and rolling them between your thumb and finger. That will make it a lot easier to restring the blind. BE CAREFUL though, the ends will probably catch fire. On second thought its probably better not to try this unless you can take the blind down. Too much danger of setting the RV on fire.You will need a large flat area and lots of patience. And you probably will not want help from the kids. :R

I bought a kit from The Dirty Blind ManCame with all the parts and instructions.

If things are still under warranty why would you fix it? Some things are so easy to fix but you did pay for that warranty.

loulou57 wrote:If things are still under warranty why would you fix it? Some things are so easy to fix but you did pay for that warranty.You're right. If you can take it back to the local dealer and have it replaced/repaired without a lot of hassle, why not.

Broken blind - anyone dealt with this? | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

KA4EBU
Explorer
Aug 20, 2013
How many strings did it have or easier how many string holes. It can be fairly easy to extremely difficult.
Most are in a valance that can be taken down. The blinds are usually mounted in/to them.
tenbear
Explorer
Aug 20, 2013
I have now restrung 4 four string blinds. All the diagrams I have seen online have one spring in the middle top. Mine have 2 springs, one on each side on the top.

I have also used the system of "welding" (described in my previous post) the new string to the old and pulling the new string thru using the old string. Of course this only works if the old string is still intact. I hadn't looked at the videos until this post and that method looks pretty good too.

So, when you take the blind apart, be sure to make a diagram of your blind. It may not be the same as shown online.
Pipeman
Explorer
Aug 20, 2013
My wife & I restrung one in our 5er. Our dealer sold us the string and my wife had a long sewing needle to attach the string to and then we fed it through the blind. It was amazing that we didn't get into a fighting match :). I believe that there is a difference in stringing one that has two strings and one with 4 strings. Ours was a 2 string blind. It wasn't too difficult and we had a diagram from the computer to compare to.
morley
Explorer
Aug 20, 2013
taviking22 wrote:
Another reference is to go to youtube.com and search "restringing RV shades". You have plenty of how-to's to watch.

I have restrung 2 blinds using the method on these You Tube videos and it works perfect. Very simple task if you take your time and are patient.
obgraham
Explorer
Aug 19, 2013
When you decide to re-string, use a braided teflon coated 60 pound test fishing line. Works better and you can get enough for dozens of shades at any Cabelas or BassPro for about $10.
want-a-be
Explorer
Aug 19, 2013
We had this problem ended up installing curtains, best thing we ever did!
taviking22
Explorer
Aug 19, 2013
Another reference is to go to youtube.com and search "restringing RV shades". You have plenty of how-to's to watch.
tenbear
Explorer
Aug 19, 2013
loulou57 wrote:
If things are still under warranty why would you fix it? Some things are so easy to fix but you did pay for that warranty.

You're right.

If you can take it back to the local dealer and have it replaced/repaired without a lot of hassle, why not.
loulou57
Explorer
Aug 19, 2013
If things are still under warranty why would you fix it? Some things are so easy to fix but you did pay for that warranty.
bdpreece
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2013
I bought a kit from The Dirty Blind Man
Came with all the parts and instructions.