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Topic: MCD shades (Read 682 times) previous topic - next topic

MCD shades

I have just about had it with the constant tinkering and  issues with original folded shades. Especially the windshield shades.
I am looking at MCD day night shade, manual operation.
I am trying to make the process as painless as possible.
Has anyone had MCD shades  installed throughout  their 98sh 40 ft U320?
Asking because MCD would already have the measurements which would make the order process much easier
If there is someone that can help that would be great!!!!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: MCD shades

Reply #1 –
There is enough difference coach to coach that they will need to measure your windows.  As with home window treatments, they take 4-6 measurements - top, middle, and bottom width, ditto on length.

MCD dash shades are required to be powered and interlocked to the ignition.  They don't sell a manual option

15 years ago, it was around $250 per window per shade and over $1500 for the front set.  Probably close to double these days, if I had to guess.  You do not want to "assume" those measurements.
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

Reply #2 –
My shades came with the coach and they are a different brand than MCD and came from Canada.
Having the windshield shade being powered is awesome as that I can easily adjust the shade when
driving.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: MCD shades

Reply #3 –
My electric chinesium shades are still running strong and we love them. One button click and the entire house closes up like a clam
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: MCD shades

Reply #4 –
Consider what many others have done with MCD side window shades:  Remove side valences. . .  Not needed to hide OEM shade strings, and more important, without side valences the interior looks much more sleek, simpler, and larger.  Then measure the max width INSIDE top valences to be sure that MCD cover side metal frames.  Everyone is surprised that at night with shades down and interior fully lighted, outsiders looking in will think all lights are off inside offering maximum privacy and security.  MCD need to be ordered with 'reverse' roll so that the opaque shade comes off roller closest to window frame.  Not necessary to motorize shades as manual control will be much more troublesome and easier to maintain, and less expensive.

Re: MCD shades

Reply #5 –
All of our shades are Slow Rise from Erving Shade and  door. Installed them in 2014 still looking and working great. All manual including windshield. If I were to ever replace my W/s shade it would be with 2 shorter shades rather than one long one.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: MCD shades

Reply #6 –
For the windshield, consider buying a night opaque roller shade from any shade store, like Lowes.  Chain control probably works best.  If making two shades, overlap in center for privacy control.  Use standard mounts that are screwed into the above windshield flat horizontal panel, usually where speakers are located.  Make left and right removable tapered side vinyl panels to close off the windshield curved ends, using cup hooks to hang them.  Another maybe better idea is to cut a large piece of vinyl fabric that can be hung with cup hooks that closes off the complete inside of the windshield.  Leave extra at bottom and push cover against the inside of the windshield, allowing full use of dash at night.  Not ease to get the pattern as the windshield has different widths at top and bottom if you want the pattern to close off the curved sides.

Re: MCD shades

Reply #7 –
I had Larry Ratliff in Nac install MCD shades on all my windows.  He purchased two manual shades at Lowes for the windshield, made the center piece for the windshield.  This way when the windshield shade is down, the Aqua Hot defroster ducks are blowing into the salon, not onto the windshield in the winter time.

Larry Ratliff. 9 three 6  558 8382
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

Reply #8 –
I have seen Rudy's windshield set-up. It is beautiful!

Re: MCD shades

Reply #9 –
I have MCD and Shade Pro. I hate the MCD's and love the Shade Pro's. Large price difference as well.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: MCD shades

Reply #10 –
My WindshieldIMG_0765.jpg Shades
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

Reply #11 –
Love the windshield shades Rudy.  How is the center strip attached and is it T-shaped to provide pockets for the shades to sit into?
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: MCD shades

Reply #12 –
Yes Sir, Larry Ratliff design
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

Reply #13 –
Here is what I did with rather detailed description.

Powered day night window shade installation
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.