Replace blind in 29RKS?

[jpope44]

Within weeks of ownership our black pleated blind in our Jayco 29RKS broke. The pulley strings on either side separated. We used great caution when opening or closing so I’m not aware of the cause.

Does the valance above need to be removed to access the four screws for replacement?

Do we need a “star” screw driver ?
The shade is the long one facing the front of the RV.

My thanks, Jim Pope

West Seneca, NY.

[JFlightRisk]

When we had a string break on a small bedroom window I was able to remove the blind with the valance. There were small angle brackets attached to the wall, and those remained in place. I used a square bit (Robertson) screwdriver, and a little bit of contortion to get to them.

Is your shade the type you just push up and pull down, and the cords go through the pleats?

This is the company we bought the string replacement kit from.

https://www.recpro.com/rv-pleated-shade-repair-kit/

[wiscampsin]

It's pretty easy to restring them. 2 string are the easiest. You mention it's the long one in front window so it's probably a 4 string. Plenty of how to videos on U tube. A crochet hook works great to pull the replacement string through.

[crl]

We have a 2019 White Hawk and the grandkids broke a string on our black 4 string pleated shade by the table. I was going to buy a new one but DW said let’s try to fix, your gonna replace it anyway.

So, as mentioned, found several good YouTube videos. Found a good size roll of pleated shade string on Amazon. Used a square end torque screwdriver to remove 4 screws without taking down the valance. Took maybe 15 minutes to restring, and another 10 minutes or so to put it back up. Works great and was an easy fix. Also have plenty of spare sting left on the spool for the next one that breaks, and it will likely happen again.

Do it one time and you find it’s really pretty simple. Good luck.

[MichaelO]

This hasn’t happened to my 2017 29RKS yet. I’ll have to remember this thread so when it does happen I can fix it.

[RedHorse1]

We’ve had the plastic “buttons” that tension the strings break more often than the strings and I try to keep spares on hand.

[MichaelO]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

We’ve had the plastic “buttons” that tension the strings break more often than the strings and I try to keep spares on hand.

Where did you get the buttons?

[crl]

I got a repair kit from Amazon that had spare buttons, springs, grommets, and replacement string. Enough for several repairs. Just search rv pleated blind repair kits and it should come up. Can’t remember the cost, but it was relatively inexpensive.

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by MichaelO

Where did you get the buttons?

Here's one source:

http://https://www.recpro.com/rv-ple...de-repair-kit/

The same thing is also on Amazon, Walmart, and Camping World.

[Marcm157]

The most difficult part is finding the square head screws holding the valence on and then reaching them. The restringing part is very easy...

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by MichaelO

Where did you get the buttons?

https://www.amazon.com/Pleated-Shade...a-525872121995

I’ve bought this one a couple of times. It’s not cheap but has the parts you should need for the common failures. I’ve found the “buttons” to be better than the originals that we have. They’re a bit harder to install as I pry the front and rear parts apart and clamp the strings between them.
If you get a chance to examine them in an RV store it’ll make more sense.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by MichaelO

Where did you get the buttons?

https://www.amazon.com/RV-Designer-A...15FKFA1Q3NQF09

This looks like my original buttons. The center hole is for the screw. Look closely at the surrounding flange, you can see two holes that the strings go thru and tie around the center hub or just a stop knot on the back side. We’ve had several button failures where the plastic around the little holes breaks and the string pops free.
The buttons in the kit that I posted earlier are two piece and have jaws between the halves that hold the strings. Separating the halves is a bit of a pain but the end result seems more durable.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by MichaelO

Where did you get the buttons?

Ok, promise this is my last post on the topic.
Did a search and found this vid showing how to re-string a shade. Near the end you will see the two piece buttons I’ve been talking about.

https://unitedshade.com/how-to-videos/

I also noted these can be purchased from that web site for $0.25 each (I’m sure there’s a shipping charge tho).