How To Re-String a Pleated RV Day/Night Window Shade

[@RVgeeks]

That is the best DIY story I've heard in a long time. $70 for one blind! I can believe it, since labor is so expensive. Thank you so much for sharing that. It really makes posting these videos worthwhile. You just made my day. :)

[@nancyjohansen3269]

Take a bow, guys! Because of your video (and the diagram of the 4 string version) I was able to fumble my way through and restring the day/night shade. Thanks for a well done video and your quick email replies when I had a few questions. You rock!

[@RVgeeks]

Nancy Johansen That's awesome Nancy! So good to hear. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@rightlaners]

Thank you so much (again) for this how-to video. I have referred to it again and again as we continue to have our blind strings wear out. Because of your excellent instruction, this is a very easy DIY job. The hardest part for me is at 1:20, when you say "simply" unclip it - the re-stringing is a piece of cake compared to getting the blind off - especially when it's up behind a cupboard! I would add one thing I do when threading the cord back in (6:18) is to put a flame (lighter or match) to the end of the nylon cord for just a sec - it goes back through the holes much easier. THANK YOU for being our go-to channel when we need to repair something.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the comments, and the additional tip!

[@DesertDigger1]

Thank you for posting this,it was more helpful then you know.We just got done fixing three that were broken.Last time it cost $70 to fix one,this time it cost $.70 cents in string and a little patience.Again thank you!

[@RandomStuffGarage619]

Bought a used 2014 coachmen class C and the dealership replaced the cord on the window over the couch (part of "do bill"). 1 year later, it has snapped again as well as the rear bedroom window, and I'm going to DIY them both. This is the first video that came up in my search and now I know why! VERY well done! Thank you!!!

[@rixanneh18]

Six years later, it's still the best video ever made on youtube :)

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! :)

[@karolbooth7856]

Oh my goodness- You literally saved us. Our shade came loose and the string disappeared up the side. Your video help me to understand how they work and using a bread tie, was able to re-thread through the shade . I slid off the bottom and got ahold of it and I, Yes I fixed it !!!! So very proud of myself ! Thank you so much for your help. wonderful !! Karol Booth. Angola IN.

[@RVgeeks]

We're proud of you too, Karol! So great to hear we could help. 😊

[@DaveIreland80027]

Re-strung a 4-cord shade in an hour or so with the help of this video. Many thanks - I don't think we would have attempted it w/o it. Would suggest a long needle for threading the cord through the pleats - my wife had one tucked away and it helped a lot.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Dave! Great suggestion about the needle! Glad we could help you get this one done. 😊

[@guyfesta8535]

Although six years have passed since you posted this video, its information is still relevant. We had one shade in our bedroom in which a string had frayed and broken. Your video enabled me to fix the shade while on the road with little difficulty. The shade now stays in position. My wife says it works better now than when new 😃. I wasn't able to source the exact replacement thread locally, but was able to substitute a fine gauge masons line. Thanks again guys!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Great to hear. We’ve had a rash of these breaking lately. I’ve had to restring THREE of them in just the past week. Bad timing, but that should hold them for a few years. 😊

[@daddyheeves6045]

I followed this video and did a perfect restring on my camper van in one shot. This was amazing!! A mill thanks I wouldn’t have known where to begin!!

[@RVgeeks]

That is so awesome to hear! Thanks for letting us know we’ve been helpful.

[@CallmeRogerRoger]

Extraordinary video. We'll explained and well produced. I'm walking out to work on my blinds right now and am sooooo glad I found your video. THANKS!!

[@CactusJackSlade]

This is my 4th blind I've re-corded.... and I always refer to this video. Well done - thank you!

[@CactusJackSlade]

Oh, and it's really not that hard!... for a two string blind... a 4 string is definitely a bit of work.

[@rj4wd01]

Thanks for the video! I just restrung 2 two string day/night shades in my travel trailer. I bought my string and a long needle from a fabric shop. Your video made this soooo easy.

[@davidtaylor8244]

That was one of the best videos i have seen for explaining the process fully, clearly and precisely. many thanks

[@johnnaughton9729]

Completely agree with other comments...this is so well done! When I started searching to learn how to do this I didn't think I'd find one this detailed and helpful. Thanks for this 5 star video!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much John! It’s always great to hear we’ve been helpful. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.

[@hat4rack]

6 year old video and still quite relevant. Good info, well explained - thank you for going to the effort to film this. It should make blind work that I need to do much easier.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks! Great to hear. 😊

[@careya]

As usual, excellent tutorial. Thank you so much for all your videos. As a new RVer, I rely on videos like these.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Carey! Glad we could help. :)

[@rcastorena]

I seriously appreciate all of your videos. You are extremely thourough with your presentation and I have benefited greatly from discovering your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@debbievellucci7692]

You made this project so easy to understand and accomplish. Thank you so much. It was greatly appreciated. No more fear when the others break.

[@nicolassmith1278]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today?????????

[@snowytom]

What a great video -- super helpful. I just restrung the blinds on my 1992 Shadow Cruiser slide-on camper. Thank you!

[@steveharkins279]

Thanks guys, have 6 of these to rebuild on the Bounder 35E, answered every question. Little tip for the topper replacement on slides, pin topper in the full out position, pull slide one rotation of barrel (guess), then drill out rivets. Replace topper, re-install taunt, now when you put slide out you get one more rotation on the spring, bringing older toppers taught again.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks for that awesome tip, Steve!

[@tims2188]

Altho I adjusted the tension on other blinds in the home I've had, noting that one remaining blind had a cord totally shot meant taking the blind off the wall to inspect it. The wealth of KZbin offerings, including yours covering the replacement cord is priceless to many of us! The only comment I would make is that altho you state you can pick up the cord at a fabric store....what would assist someone is identifying what type of cord it actually is or what department to scrounge thru...but yes, I'll find it regardless. Kudo's! Nicely done video to include a diagram to boot!

[@WalterCombsLCSW]

Super helpful. I have been binge watching your videos from the first to this point. This one is very informative. I have a 4 sting blind that's loose and even the pleats are wrinkled. We don't use it much because it won't stay up. Now I might have a chance at DIY fix next week when we return home and I have my garage again. Haven't been there is 5 months so it will be good to have access to all my tools again.

[@RVgeeks]

+Walter Combs A loose blind usually only needs to have the strings tightened, without removing the blind. Hope that works for you, since it's usually super easy.

[@WalterCombsLCSW]

+RVgeeks thanks for the feed back. I took one wall anchor off the wall, retied the knot about an inch tighter and just like you said, super easy. Thank you very much for demystifying the RV for me and others. Mine is a 2007 Thor Tahoe 25DBS travel trailer.

[@phylisforsyth9173]

Very detailed yet simple description, including answers along the way to questions we might have. Great job, thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Phylis! :)

[@michaelhoddinott6721]

Thank you for this! I was trying to find out how to install my new blind and couldn’t understand the spools/anchors! You rock!

[@elbeezmovinonlindabfieth9125]

thank you! I did two of my four windows! The large one was tough....had to redo it but it's all good now! Tough by myself but thanks to this video I made it through! YaY!

[@RVgeeks]

Congratulations Linda! So great to hear! 😊👍

[@df58]

Thank you for the video! I restrung a 2 string blind today. The video was Avery helpful and made is very easy to complete. Now to tackle the 4 strong blind next weekend!

[@RVgeeks]

Excellent! The four-string ones require care in drawing your diagram since there's more to them, but they're not hard to do. Good luck!

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so happy to hear that you've found our channel helpful. You just made my day. :)

[@superdybonbon]

thank you for this! i was able to fix our bedroom window blind in about 30 minutes :)

[@markwolf8804]

This is the BEST "how-to" video I have ever seen!!! Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Mark! Coincidentally, we have another blind cord that's about to break (you can see it fraying), so we'll be doing this again soon. 😐

[@darlenewilusz]

Thank you for this video!! My blind had a string come loose from the bottom anchor. This video helped me fix it! Keep on making those videos!!

[@bigbenhuisman]

Thanks for the video, it made me brave enough to try it and all went well. I would have never known that the two halves (day/night) slide apart like that. I was going to find someone to do it for me, but you made it a diy project!

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome Ben! Our favorite type of DIY project is one where we'd pay someone a lot for their time, and we end up doing it ourselves for practically nothing. :)

[@theladymara14]

Once you figure it out. .....

[@jpaterson1790]

I appreciate this video. I need to restring several shades and this made me feel a bit calmer. It was easily understood. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

So glad we could help! Thanks for letting us know. :)

[@JTomoser]

Our "new to us" travel trailer had a broken string on the skylight shade. This instructional video was excellent! Thanks!

[@nicolassmith1278]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today???????????

[@RVgeeks]

Replacement Day/Night Shade Cord available on Amazon (100 yard roll, multiple colors available): amzn.to/2Bbi7Nz

[@am55vids]

This is a very well-made instructional video. Your narration is very professional as well. You sound like they "How it's Made" guy.

[@amikrenzel5788]

Thank you. I just fixed the first one that is broken and it now works. Have two more to do but that is for another day

[@country2thesoul277]

Wonderful and very helpful video! Thanks to you! I just finished fixing 4 of my blinds. Thank you for posting!!!

[@RVgeeks]

Excellent! Great to hear. Thanks for letting jus know. 😊

[@lorenastone6085]

My parents want to say thank you very much! 😀They went camping and the blinds' string came apart. More like dad became frustrated with the blind and it came apart.😂 With your video, they both went to buy the string and put the blind back to its normal state. Thanks for helping them out! Great video!😀👍

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome! Great to hear! 😄

[@donpage4275]

You , my hero, are special ; may the Lord grant you forever bliss.

[@kendramckinzie5795]

I am off to fix mine now that I got a refresher from your video, Thank you!

[@terrypierson8259]

This was very helpful in understanding how to restring the blind. Thank you for the detail, tips and video.

[@marcellapierre878]

I was scared to try fixing my four strings window shade. Thanks to you for your video. I just fixed it and works like a new one.

[@RVgeeks]

Excellent!!

[@Class_C_Explorers]

Thanks, tightened the cord, now our blind stays up. Appreciate your instructional RV videos.

[@RVgeeks]

+Mike and Willene Gladu Great to hear! 😊

[@TheCaptnorm]

Great job explaining, now I can do my 4 string day/night shade myself! Thanks!

[@timhei7584]

Thank you for your thorough video. Better than the one that United Shade made. I picked up a pleated shade first aid kit by United Shade at Camping World for $15. I should be able to do this, I've done much more difficult things on our motorhome.

[@joybrickman8552]

Thank you for this video. I think I can tackle rethreading two of my blinds after watching this.

[@DriveDiveDevour]

Thanks for posting! We just finished re-stringing our shade following your video. So, so helpful.

[@RVgeeks]

So glad we could be of help!

[@jankuester5310]

THANK YOU🙏🏼🌈 Your video and instructions were perfect in every way and saved my sanity!! So very grateful to you.

[@myavatar9590]

Thanks for posting this. Your instructions were good so, now I might be able to fix my day night shade myself. I wish you had shown how you removed and reattached the valance.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Lilac! Sorry we didn't include details on where to find the screws that hold the valence on, but they're all a little different.... but shouldn't be too hard to locate on each side.

[@HITGFRY]

Very helpful. Thanks for showing us how it's done. I just broke the string on mine so now I get to restring it and was fretting about it.

[@RVgeeks]

+HITGFRY So glad to hear this was helpful. :) Best of luck with the re-stringing.

[@catquilt1]

Thank You! Now I have enough courage to attempt restringing our blind!

[@junierichardson7157]

absolutely perfectly executed!!!!! I thin I can do this all by myself....Perfect instructions...thank you sir.....

[@chrisfolta8870]

Great video. It helped immensely while we changed out the strings in our 4-string 50" wide shade. Our diagram was a little different, but we followed your technique and it worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Chris! Great to hear. I had to do THREE of these recently. :-/

[@djfazher]

Mid 2020 and your video has been so helpful to me still! Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome! Great to hear. 😊

[@tysonhurst3]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! The replacement of my cord went just as you said and it was very easy.

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing Tyson. So glad we were able to help.

[@prettyparadoxicalwoman8285]

Aaaah yay it worked!!!! I had to fix 3 Windows!!! I love KZbin people!

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome!!! Thanks for letting us know. 😊

[@curlyp2]

Thank you. A great tutorial. Now I can fix my blind

[@garybrooke9232]

Thank you!!!!! Although are pleated shade construction was slightly different, just the order in which to do everything was VERY helpful! We got our blind back up and working just fine.

[@RVgeeks]

So glad we could help Gary! And thanks so much for letting us know. :)

[@CactusJackSlade]

One of the BEST DIY videos I have seen... I am new to RV stuff and this was PERFECT. Than You very much for your time and effort to post this video! (BTW any of those thumbs down must be MORONS incapable of the simplest task...)

[@RVgeeks]

+CactusJackSlade Thanks so much, Jack! So great to hear that we've been helpful. 😊

[@sl13hall]

I have that problem with age the cords are brittle and break easily. I hope I can do this, it does look simple following the few good tips. Thanks for the input.

[@RVgeeks]

+Steven Hall We've re-strung various blinds around our RV about a dozen times over the years. If you take your time and make sure to draw out that diagram first, it's not too bad!

[@tekman2000]

Fantastic, thank you so much for taking the time to make this video…. Excellent 😀

[@TimeTurnerTarotAndArtStudio]

Still Helpful! So glad I found this thank you. I have to fix a really long one. Thanks for doing this!

[@Borzke]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you. Now I can fix mine.

[@epautos]

Saved me hundreds of dollars. Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

Excellent! Thanks so much for letting us know. 😊

[@young1939]

Thanks for the video. After watching I think I will take mine to a pro.😁

[@marciehrhart]

Thank you!!!!!! I was sure this was a disaster that would require a pro $$ or a new blind. Thank you!!!

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome, Marci! Great to hear! ❤️

[@RVgeeks]

You could try it, but it might be difficult, since the frayed cord resists moving through the holes, as would a knot where the old cord attached to the new one.

[@TheGeoJG]

I have a four-string one. Between this video & another & the directions that came with the string, the shade is up. I've got 2 screws I don't know where they came from and it doesn't rise even & my hardware for the round string attachers is different and I can't figure it out. For now, it will have to do. I may take down the opposite one and write down where each piece comes from. Took me at least 3 hours. Thanks for the video.

[@RVgeeks]

Sorry you had trouble LuAnn. This is a kind of complicated task, requiring careful planning. The most important thing is thoughtfully drawing that diagram as you dismantle the shade. Watch the video a couple of times and take your time and you'll hopefully have a much better experience with the second one. Best of luck!

[@RVgeeks]

Those hold-downs came on the RV and we've never needed to replace them. I just checked Newmar's online parts catalog, and they do have them. It's part number 00587 - "CORD TENSIONERS D/N SHADE" and you can order them over the phone: [phone] (they're open on weekdays).

[@kathysylvester2346]

RVgee.ks

[@carolynwood7943]

He made it look so easy I might try the little on by my bed. Mine are ALL shot.

[@RVgeeks]

Take your time and be sure to carefully draw that diagram, and it's not so bad Carolyn!

[@edhlavaty6914]

Worked perfectly. They used Strings too short and stretched it too far. Blind is a little short but not all fd up. Nice video

[@chinoandsons]

thanks. helped me alot. didnt know about the diagonal lines and was pulling the wrong side when our wall anchor popped out

[@TMeineri]

Now u need a video showing how to take the balance off u sort of skimmed over it. Thanks for the video

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Tina. We didn't go into detail on that because every window covering will be installed differently. No two RV manufacturers do it the same way.

[@davethatcher6294]

Very helpful. Good detail. However, the tension clips that hold the end of my cords is different than what you showed, and I still need to know the proper way to adjust the tension with the clips I have.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Dave. There are probably a lot of different types of clips out there, but we're only familiar with the ones our manufacturer uses. What make & model of RV do you have?

[@davethatcher6294]

RVgeeks I have a 2002 Monaco Windsor. I could send you a photo of the tension knob, but I don't see where replying to this KZbin video allows me to attach a photo to my reply.

[@RVgeeks]

Dave Thatcher I'll send you a private message with my e-mail address. Hopefully we can help you figure it out once we see the photo.

[@walterhassard8257]

Excellent. And I was about to just order a new blind!

[@RVgeeks]

Don’t! 👍

[@patrickgarmyn8544]

This was a GREAT video, this is just what we needed. I am going to repair two blind in our camper this week. I really like the applause at the end nice touch. Do you have any videos on Suburban furnaces? our camper is a 2011 and we also have a problem with the furnace. Once again thank you for the information

[@RVgeeks]

Patrick Garmyn Glad we could help, Patrick! :) Here's our video about flushing and cleaning a Suburban water heater: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5uogaxoZtN8qLM. Be sure to watch the follow-up, with a warning to NOT use an aftermarket anode rod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpTbeXx8gLGJmMU

[@hp117788]

Great video, seems simple enough. I was wondering if anyone knew where to buy just the pleated material so I could use all my hardware and when I'm finished I would have new pleated blinds in my rv. Thanks, Homer

[@RVgeeks]

Ours are made by Specialty Window Coverings in Elkhart, Indiana. I'll bet they can supply parts like that. The phone number on the blinds is 574-262-5190.

[@Jay-cj1qe]

Awesome how to video....Have to do a shade as well and I was totally confused until I watched this..Just trying to find those anchors...UTL anywhere?..

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks! There are two types of anchors / retainer clips. One of these should work: amzn.to/47qDZ4a or amzn.to/3YoQPfq

[@kimboyles4722]

Thanks a bunch. This was a great help. Very nice video. Easy to understand.

[@shawnawegner5908]

good clear instructions. we also have a 4 string blind with no exterior strings at bottom they go up the side and back into the top rail. how do you measure and determine tension for those

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Shawna, and sorry for the delayed reply. The best way to measure the strings is to match the length of the old one and add an extra foot or two just to be sure. As far as the tension, that’s all done as the very last step, as you pull down on them and secure them in place, then check the tension and adjust a little bit as needed. Once you’re all finished getting attention correct, simply snip off the excess cord sticking out the bottom. Hope this helps!

[@jimsizemore6254]

Finally!! Watched one that made sense!

[@RVgeeks]

+Jim Sizemore Awesome Jim! Thanks. 😊

[@chakatania]

I do love diagramming instructions

[@theladymara14]

We did 3 window shades this spring. One was a 4 string. Easier than I thought.

[@rvdreamin836]

As usual you guys answer my questions if I have an issue. I have a shade that won't stay up and "wobbles" when trying to open it. I assume it must be the spring that holds the shade in the up position. Both strings are present and attached. vin

[@RVgeeks]

All you need to do for a loose blind is tighten the strings a bit. 😊

[@rvdreamin836]

thanks. I'll give it a try. vin

[@jennaclar4739]

Awesome, you made it very easy to follow and do myself!

[@RVgeeks]

Great to hear, Jenna! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@kimjhpl1524]

Awesome. I like the drawing idea.

[@brendaniederberger9157]

You make it look so easy!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Brenda! Hopefully with these instructions, you can, too! :)

[@RVgeeks]

I'd suggest lightly using a vacuum cleaner hose with a brush attachment on it. Of course the back side of the blinds can't be accessed for cleaning... unless you leave the window open and come at it from the outside. lol

[@Pack.Leader]

I can't find those "hold downs" that you are using in this video, anywhere. I do not want to buy the ones I am finding, that have two holes that you thread the string through. Those look like trouble. I see this is a very old video but I hope you can help me. I've already got two of these blinds I need to restring and I'm not going to let this keep happening. TIA. ETA: Also, I heard someone recently say that they tried 60# test fishing line as their string and they say the shades are smooth as butter. A year later, they are still working wonderfully. Would those hold downs you used possibly cut a fishing line?

[@PaulinaAllure]

Love this video ! Enjoyed watching it !

[@luisrobainas7447]

very valuable information you've provided.... thanks

[@arizonanumbersstation1727]

Another awesome video

[@itsmedavearoo]

Thanks for all of the helpful videos. I just bought a 2000 Dutch Star and have to restring my shades. What size shade cord did you use?

[@Lore-wv5mt]

WOW GOOD video guys..do you do commercials ??your voice sure fits one😎

[@RVgeeks]

+anthony 35 Thanks Anthony! I'm just waiting to get hired for some lucrative voiceover work! 😉

[@cycletwo1030]

Great video! My cord retainers are only round, plastic circles with a screw thru the middle. I can only "guess" at the correct length, cut and tie a knot and place around the circle. Any better idea?

[@RVgeeks]

+Cycle two If I have it right, I think you're talking about the one-piece circles (usually clear plastic), unlike our two-piece ones that clamp down on the cord, yes? Ours are so good because they allow adjustment of the cord by loosening the screw a little and making fine adjustments to the tension. Having to tie a knot on the single-piece type is a real pain, since once you tie it, you can't adjust if you got it a little too tight or loose. You could switch to the 2-piece ones pretty easily. Newmar sells them as "cord tensioners" for $1.98 each... kind of expensive. I also just found them here: www.blindrepaircord.com/rv_parts.html a little over half-way down the page, listed as "White RV Cord Retainers Small". They're still a little pricey there ($3 for a two-pack), but you might be able to find them cheaper if you Google a little bit. Still, if you're only having trouble with a few of your blinds either falling or being too taught to move easily, $3 per blind to make them easy to adjust the tension might be okay with you. Hope this helps.

[@markbest5127]

I actually found it easier to pull the locking mechanism out of place and riun the string through, then put it back in place. It easier to see exactly what you were doing. Just have to run the string through the port where the lock mechanism goes.

[@twilachambers5500]

Where did you get the hold down? Much better than those on our windows.

[@jk85692]

Thanks for the helpful video. I have frayed cord on my fifth wheel blinds. How can I tell which thickness the cord is prior to ordering from the link you provided? My blinds are the day/night type like the ones in your video. Thanks for your response.

[@RVgeeks]

Here's a link to the technique we learned for measuring cord thickness. You just wrap some of your existing cord around a pencil 10 times and measure the length of all ten coils! www.fixmyblinds.com/part-categories/cord-string-and-loops/lift-cord-string.html

[@StaciGreenberg]

do you have a video on how to repair night shades only? I have a 2014 Jayco Jayflight.....thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Staci! If you have the same type of pleated blind we do, but only the black-out / night portion, it's the same process, but even easier, since there's no middle divider bar to deal with. The stringing will be even easier.

[@spudspinnigan9677]

Very nicely done! I have a 4-cord blind to repair, so I appreciate the diagram you included. Better demonstration of removing the window covering would be helpful. I'm sure it varies greatly from model to model, but I note that you conveniently skipped the detail on that part ;-)

[@RVgeeks]

You're right on Spud. They can be very different, so we didn't show it. ;-)