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I receive many questions from RVers that are investigating whether they can repair the Day-Night blinds in their RV. We sell the United Blind First Aid Kit for blinds, however many want to know what is involved before they buy the kit.

Since I have had the opportunity to repair a number of my own coach’s blinds, I have learned a few things that may make it easier for you to carry out the re-stringing of the blinds in your RV.

The following is a summary of the steps to follow to make the repair:

Remove the lambrequin (shade frame) from the RV. Usually it is attached by 2 or 3 Phillips head (star-shaped) screws at the top into the cabinets above. The screws may be submerged under the cloth covering the framing wood. Some may have wall brackets high up on the sides. I recommend using a purpose made screwdriver, not a removable-bit style since there is not much clearance for the larger base of the latter screwdriver. Occasionally, a long reach screwdriver is required to allow the screwdriver handle to clear the decorative lambrequin trim.

Remove the two screws from the side brackets and remove the lambrequin.

Lay it face down on a table or surface large enough to allow it to lay flat. Remove the screws in the top section to allow the blind to be removed from the lambrequin. Also remove the side string retainers and ensure you keep the two sections of the retainer together.

Remove each of the plastic covers from the top, middle and lower metal sections on each side and set aside. It is a good idea to sort in order to ease reassembly.

Remove the old string, (retaining the spring in the top section) and if it is still serviceable use it as a guide to choose the length of new string. Always allow for some excess string. The new string is attached to either side of a spring in the top section, then fed down through the holes in the 'night' section on each side. Keep the spring centered in the top metal section.

The easiest way to do this is to bunch up the section lining up the holes and use a sewing needle with a hole large enough to accept the line in it and thin enough to fit through the holes in the blind. You may need to feed it through in portions at a time. When both sides are restrung, take the left side and cross it in the metal divider and feed the string down through the right set of holes in the 'day' portion.

Do the same for the right side crossing it in the metal divider and feeding it through the left set of holes in the 'day' portion. Draw the right cord over in the lower metal portion and feed it through the hole in the left side end cover. Do the same with the left cord drawing it across to the right side and through the right side end over.

These lines will be attached to the side retention clamps at the bottom of each side of the lambrequin after the blind is reinstalled in it.  Reinstall each of the plastic end covers in the metal sections. Ensuring that they are installed so that the end cover fits properly in line with the metal sections.

Lay the lambrequin back down on the surface used to remove the blind and reinstall the blind using the original screws in it. Reinstall the side retainers, drawing each side string down through the retainer sections. Do not cut the string! Tighten the retainer enough to hold the string taut and move the blind up and down in the lambrequin a couple of times to equalize the tension on each string. It should move up and down smoothly with enough tension to hold the blind in position when the lambrequin is vertical. Final adjustments will be made once the lambrequin is reinstalled.

Reinstall the lambrequin using the original screws, into the existing holes, both at the top and sides. If it is too awkward ask an assistant to hold the unit, while the screws are being reinstalled.

Once installed move it up and down section by section. If it moves with one side rising up higher than the other when tension is evenly applied then add tension on the "drooping" side string, by pulling that side string down through the side mounted attachment point. Move the blind up and down a few times to equalize the tension side for side. Once the blind is able to be moved up, stay in position and adjusted with not a lot of effort the task is complete. Tie a knot in each side string below the side attachment point. I recommend leaving about 6" (15 cm) of excess string below the knot for a few weeks of use just in case the tension needs to be adjusted and more line is required. Once the tension is deemed good, cut off the excess below the knot.         

Hopefully this provides the information you were seeking to tackle the restringing of the blind.