Most blind and shade calls we run are tracks bent or cracked from over-travel, fabric that has UV-faded after 6-8 years on a south-facing window, or owners upgrading from the basic factory pleated shades to MCD American Duo day/night for better light control and insulation. RV window treatments handle a lot more abuse than a residential window covering: UV exposure rivals a south-facing patio, every road bump shakes the track, and humidity swings stress every component.
Things that last 30 years in a kitchen wear out in 6-10 years on the road. We carry MCD shade kits, Carefree pleated shades in common sizes, Phantom screens, and Lippert track hardware on every truck so most calls finish in one visit.
Signs your RV blinds and shades need replacement
Four patterns cover almost every window-treatment call we run. If your rig is doing one of these, the diagnosis is usually quick:
1. Fabric is sun-faded or chalking
UV exposure has bleached the fabric and broken the fibers down. Fabric-only replacement is $85-$165 per window when hardware is sound. Full shade swap if hardware is also worn.
2. Track bent, cracked, or jammed
Over-travel, a kid pulling too hard, or a storage drop has bent the track. Track-only replacement is $85-$185 per window. Lippert and Sequoia hardware are most common.
3. Pleats won't hold position
Carefree pleated shades have lost cellular structure or the cord assembly has frayed. Full shade replacement is the right call - $145-$245 per window.
4. You want better light control
Upgrading from factory pleated to MCD American Duo day/night gives you sheer plus blackout in one shade. $165-$285 per window install.
What we install - mobile RV window treatment service
What's included in a mobile window-treatment call
Every call starts with a sample-book session at your rig - we bring MCD, Carefree, and Phantom samples plus hardware finish options so you choose in your coach's actual lighting. From there it's measure, hardware check, and a flat-rate quote in writing.
For shade install, the standard sequence is: remove existing shade and hardware, inspect the rough opening for delamination or wall damage, set new top and bottom tracks level (more important than most owners realize), route the fabric, cycle the shade through full extension and retraction at least three times to confirm clean operation. We finish with a labeled card showing the shade brand, fabric color, and track length installed for any future replacement.
RV window blind and shade pricing
Flat-rate, written quote at your site before any work starts. No hourly creep, no diagnostic surcharge, no after-the-fact "oh by the way."
| Service | Parts / Brand | On-Site Time | Flat-Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCD American Duo install (per window) | MCD American Duo day/night | 45-90 min | $165 - $285 |
| MCD Solar shade install (per window) | MCD Solar single-layer | 45-60 min | $145 - $245 |
| Carefree pleated replacement (per window) | Carefree pleated cellular | 30-60 min | $145 - $245 |
| Phantom retractable screen (window) | Phantom mesh + track | 60-90 min | $185 - $385 |
| Phantom retractable screen (door) | Phantom mesh + door track | 2-3 hours | $385 - $685 |
| MCD fabric-only swap | MCD fabric kit | 30-45 min | $85 - $165 |
| Track-only replacement | Lippert / Sequoia | 30-45 min | $85 - $185 |
| Hardware finish swap (per window) | Brushed nickel / matte black | 15-30 min | $45 - $95 |
| Full coach shade replacement (8-12 windows) | MCD or Carefree | 1 day | $1,250 - $2,450 |
| Pull strap / cord repair | OEM Lippert / Carefree cord | 15-30 min | $45 - $95 |
MCD vs Carefree - which is right for your rig?
MCD American Duo and Solar are the premium choice - day/night functionality in a single roller, smoother operation, and a better-looking install on most modern coaches. Carefree pleated shades are solid mid-tier with proven hardware, lower price point, and easier fabric-only repairs. We recommend MCD for new full-coach replacements where budget allows; Carefree for fabric refreshes on existing pleated installs and budget-conscious upgrades.
Brands and hardware we install
We carry stock for the window-treatment brands that perform reliably in RV use.
- MCD American Duo - roller-style day/night shade with sheer/solar plus blackout layers, 30+ fabric options
- MCD Solar - single-layer solar shade for windows where blackout isn't needed
- Carefree - pleated cellular shades, top-down or bottom-up, 15+ fabric colors
- Phantom - retractable screens for windows and entry doors
- Lippert - track hardware, mounting brackets, and pull-strap kits
- Sequoia - hardware finish options in brushed nickel, matte black, brushed bronze
Warranty - what's covered after we install your shades
A1 backs every shade install with a 90-day workmanship warranty - if a shade binds, fails to track, or hardware loosens because of how we installed it, we make it right at no charge. MCD shades typically carry a 1-year hardware warranty. Carefree pleated shades carry 2 years on tracks and 1 year on cord assemblies.
Phantom screens carry 1 year on hardware. We register the parts in your name with the manufacturer where applicable so the coverage transfers if you sell the rig.
Our warranty covers misalignment, loose fasteners, and any operational issue traceable to install error. It does not cover UV fade, impact damage, or pet damage.