Need help removing window shades

[jdarwin]

I have a 2019 3931FB. The window shade at the dining table and the shade next to the theater seat will not lock in position. I've looked at the cornice but am not sure how to remove them for repair. Does anyone know how to do this or have a couple of pictures of how to remove them? Thanks

[Mikendebbie]

I did this sketch for another post a few months ago...go look at yours and see if this makes sense.

Oh - and by the way - my big shade at the dining table had the same problem. It would not stay down. I used a big black clip and a bungee to hold it down for a long time. DW hated my fix! I called Irvine Shade and sent her some pics and she sent me some replacement parts a few months ago. I have put the "fix" on my list of projects to get to asap...yes sir...asap! But be forewarned...I found that when I removed the blind and the rail on the dining table window, it is a two person job handling the rail. It is not exactly a stiff-rigid piece of aluminum. I took it down before Irvine sent me the parts..so I had to put it back up...and it was a tough job for me solo - reaching across the table and such. I advise you will need a patient helper holding one end.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by jdarwin

I have a 2019 3931FB. The window shade at the dining table and the shade next to the theater seat will not lock in position. I've looked at the cornice but am not sure how to remove them for repair. Does anyone know how to do this or have a couple of pictures of how to remove them? Thanks

Just took two of mine down to replace broken brackets.

First, you have to remove the valance. On mine, there is a screw in the bottom of each corner holding it to the wall. Then remove the screws holding the valance to the bracket or to an overhead cabinet.

Once the valance is out of the way, push on the end of the bracket towards the wall. A spring loaded latch will release the back of the shade rail, tip the back down and the front will come off.

As stated, get some help with the long ones or you will probably break something.

On another note, as per Irving, Keystone does not install enough brackets; that is why mine are breaking. I have installed extra brackets on the long shades; one every 12". You should also check to make sure the brackets are installed securely (as securely as you can to really thin plywood); the factory does not do a good job. I also installed a ty-wrap around the shade and each bracket as insurance.

Here is a photo of some broken brackets, but you can see how they work.

[G & S Russell]

Nice drawing, Mike. I’ve wondered how those were held in there.
Thanks

[scottz]

Yeah, nice drawing. You can use a screw driver, but if you push on the end of the bracket, the rear latch will release. For me, it was worth it to remove the valance instead of fighting it.

[scottz]

In this photo, you can see the end of the bracket that you need to push to release the latch.

[G & S Russell]

What’s the purpose of the zip ties? To make sure it doesn’t release until you want it to or for support?

[scottz]

Originally Posted by G & S Russell

What’s the purpose of the zip ties? To make sure it doesn’t release until you want it to or for support?

Additional support. The brackets break at the rear; see photo above. On my last trip, all three brackets broke on my dining table shade. It fell down, almost destroyed the shade and some other stuff as we bounced down I-40. Same thing happened a year or so ago on the shade above my couch. Keystone does not use enough brackets.

I installed new and additional brackets then the ty-wraps as insurance. Not my idea, but a good one. See this thread.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=80502

[G & S Russell]

Who do you order the brackets from? Sounds like I need to stock a few of those in my damn it bucket.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by G & S Russell

Who do you order the brackets from? Sounds like I need to stock a few of those in my damn it bucket.

Irving Shade (574) 522-1446. Hopefully, putting enough brackets on will stop the breakage.

[G & S Russell]

Thanks, Scott!

[jdarwin]

Thanks for the help. I contacted Irvine and they are sending replacement parts.

[jeepjrn]

Wow, I’m surprised this problem continues and that I’m not alone. I just invested another $200+ on a new shade from Keystone for my 2019 3121RL. We love our Montana but the shades have been our biggest headache and source of so much frustration, time, and money. I think now that of the 8 shades we have only 2 have not been ether fixed or replaced. Luckily 5 of the 6 were fixed/replaced under warranty. And I’ve read in this forum that some have had luck getting replacement parts through Irvine. That certainly must be whom you talk too, I was told by Irvine after 2 calls to them that they do not sell parts directly to the consumer. Hence the reason I just spent over $200 for 1 (yes 1) replacement shade as no repair parts available per the dealer. I think Keystone should recall these inferior shades and replace them at their cost, or at least offer their at cost replacements. Sure is frustrating to spend over $60,000 for a camper and the biggest problem with the coach is low quality shades, however not cheap shades at $200+ each. Wonder how many others share my troubles and frustrations.

[masterdrago]

Originally Posted by jeepjrn

Wow, I’m surprised this problem continues and that I’m not alone. I just invested another $200+ on a new shade from Keystone for my 2019 3121RL. We love our Montana but the shades have been our biggest headache and source of so much frustration, time, and money. (snip).

The service manager at our dealer told me that shades are the biggest warranty repair they see hands down. In two+ years I've only had one shade give me issues - came apart where you grab it to lower or raise.

[jeepjrn]

Originally Posted by masterdrago

The service manager at our dealer told me that shades are the biggest warranty repair they see hands down. In two+ years I've only had one shade give me issues - came apart where you grab it to lower or raise.

Yes Masterdrago, most all of our shades have that issue with the bottom rail coming apart but that I continue to fix and can live with that. Our problems were shades breaking, not retracting properly, and falling off while traveling. My surprise was when we came out of warranty and the shades are $200 plus tax. Our nice wooden blinds in our home were close in cost and those included installation. I just very grateful that many were replaced under warranty and not out of my fixed income.

[jimc100]

Reading the post it sounds to me like the problem is not generally with the shades but with Keystone's cutting corners on the install, what a surprise.
Has anyone else been able to get more mounting brackets from the mfg.?

[scottz]

Originally Posted by jimc100

Has anyone else been able to get more mounting brackets from the mfg.?

Yes. See phone number above.

PS: They will want to know what style brackets you need. Go to the Irving Shade web site for details and helpful videos. For my unit (and I suspect most newer Montana's) it is #5.