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Topic: MCD Shades Manual or Powered? (Read 1167 times) previous topic - next topic

MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Several of Forum folks have highly recommended (verbally in person) going with the manual shades (except for the windshield).  This is what we plan on doing unless we hear persuasive arguments for going powered.
Audrey & Harvey Nelson
2000 U-320, 40' towing 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
nelsonah@ieee.org

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #1 –
Harvey,

You know our preference - manual.  But in case anyone is wondering....

At $230/window ($115 per shade roll) for switch-controlled motors (probably plus cost of the switches) and $330/window ($165 per shade roll) plus the cost of the remotes for remote-controlled motors, that's an awful lot of money (times 8 blinds per coach, roughly?)  Pretty much doubles (or more) the cost of the blinds.

American Duo Price Guide

The "advantage" touted for powered would be if you have the more expensive 16 channel remote and can push one button to open all or close all shades in the coach from the comfort of the recliner. 

"I'll take simple for $2000, Alex" ;)

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michelle –

You know our preference - manual.  But in case anyone is wondering....


Thanks Michelle,

You and Steve's input and Barry & Cindy's convinced us.  However, I couldn't help but wonder if there was anybody that would argue for the powered.

Also, the $2K is important and will help in our service and upgrades at Camp Foretravel.  Free camping at $1K per day times a week = ugh!  However, after 5 years and almost 60K miles, we love our coach and it's time to address some issues.
Audrey & Harvey Nelson
2000 U-320, 40' towing 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
nelsonah@ieee.org

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #3 –
My vote - manual (except on the front).  Too many things can go wrong with powered shades and they're really not that hard to pull down :)

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #4 –
Harvey,

Good News!  I just got off the phone with MCD.  They have your appointment for Monday as you mentioned.

If you have NOT pre-ordered your shades and will be ordering them Monday, you will get the 30% off special too.  The lady said everyone that comes in gets the special.

Seems the American Duo is a better choice over the Gold Series.  She said the American Duo has better heat rejection due to closer weave and has the adjustment wheels instead of adjustment via a screwdriver.  The wheels can be adjusted in place while the screwdriver method requires removing the shade.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Rudy –
If you have NOT pre-ordered your shades and will be ordering them Monday, you will get the 30% off special too.  The lady said everyone that comes in gets the special.
Seems the American Duo is a better choice over the Gold Series.
Thanks Rudy
Audrey & Harvey Nelson
2000 U-320, 40' towing 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
nelsonah@ieee.org

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #6 –
Just for useless info, I had the small electric blind installed over the entry door, as I travel mostly alone and some times the need to adjust that blind is overwhelming, so I find the electric option, wonderful. Do not see a need for anyother electric except to keep the electric windshield, a one piece blind, great sunvisor.
Dave M

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #7 –
For those interested - here is more info on the MCD offer:

I emailed MCD asking if I schedule an appointment at the factory to get new shades installed, would I be able to apply the "MCD 30% Trade-In Allowance Program" discount?

Here is the reply:

Thank you for your interest in our MCD Shade Systems. The "Trade In Promotion" is for a limited time only so I would think you would miss it if you waited for an appointment. It could end today- we really do not know how long our owner will let it run. It would be best to pre-order now the shades you want and pay for them with a production date later for install here. Let me know if you would like to make an appointment for install.  You could give us basic measurements (that we would not make) and our technicians' could measure for you when you get here.

Thank you,
 
Joy Allen

Customer Service
MCD Innovations
3303 N. McDonald
McKinney, TX 75071
800-804-1757

The selected media item is not currently available.

Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Mark Benko –
Thank you for your interest in our MCD Shade Systems. The "Trade In Promotion" is for a limited time only so I would think you would miss it if you waited for an appointment. It could end today- we really do not know how long our owner will let it run. It would be best to pre-order now the shades you want and pay for them with a production date later for install here. Let me know if you would like to make an appointment for install.  You could give us basic measurements (that we would not make) and our technicians' could measure for you when you get here.

Thank you,
 
Joy Allen

Customer Service
MCD Innovations
3303 N. McDonald
McKinney, TX 75071
800-804-1757



That makes it sound like they may be a little strapped for cash flow.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback
 

Re: MCD Shades Manual or Powered?

Reply #9 –
I just had to respond the comment that MCD is strapped for cash. The company is actually experiencing record sales this year. In fact, MCD is now the largest roller shade manufacturer for the RV industry. They just wanted to offer everyone the opportunity to get rid of their old pleated shades.  My question is, if an automotive dealer offered a promotion on new cars, would you automatically assume they were strapped for cash?