This Simple RV Mod Could Be A Game Changer
Most RVs come equipped with window shades. That said, most do not have an RV door shade when they roll out of the factory. This is unfortunate because many rigs would really benefit from such an addition, and it is a relatively quick and easy thing to add on.
Fortunately, an RV entry door shade is just as easy for RV owners to install themselves as it would be for the factory to do it. Seeing as it’s such a simple job, it’s one we highly recommend doing if it’s something you think you might benefit from.
Not sure what an RV door shade is or if you could make use of one? Wondering which one you should buy? This is the article for you!
What Is an RV Door Window Shade?
Wondering what an RV door window shade even is? Honestly, it’s exactly what you might think: a shade that covers the window on your RV door.
While it certainly is nice to have a window on the door in order to see the beautiful scenery around your campsite, let in a bit of light, or know who’s knocking, it also comes with some drawbacks. (We’ll get to those in a bit.) This is where an RV door shade comes into play. Such a shade gives you a chance to enjoy the benefits of an RV window door when you want to but allows you to skip the cons entirely.
Who Needs an RV Door Window Shade?
So who needs one of these RV door window shades? Well, those without a window on their RV door obviously don’t need such a thing. However, pretty much anyone with a door window could use a shade for said window. Seeing as the vast majority of RV doors do have windows, it’s safe to say that most RV campers would benefit from owning and using an RV window door shade.
Not sure if you’re among those that would appreciate what an RV door shade has to offer? If you fit into any of the following categories, a door shade is a perfect addition to your camping setup.
People Who Are Bothered by Light Coming In
The biggest issue with RV door windows? They let in a lot of light. If you’re parked under shade or able to have your awning out, this is less noticeable. However, if that light makes its way directly into your sleeping space or if you often find yourself camping in spots without shade, you’re likely to have an issue with the light pouring in and no way to block it out.
An RV door window shade can fix this issue!
Folks Who Desire More Privacy
Most RV door windows are frosted, meaning nobody from the outside can really see what is inside of the RV. Still, it is possible to see shadows and silhouettes through these frosted windows, something some campers just aren’t comfortable with. If this bothers you, you will find that an RV door shade solves the problem just fine.
Campers Who Have Trouble with RV Temperature Control
Spending time in an RV can become problematic when camping in extreme temperatures. Motorhomes and trailers are not very well insulated. When it is incredibly hot or cold, this becomes uncomfortably apparent, as the interior temperature becomes nearly impossible to control.
Believe it or not, covering the RV windows and skylights can make a big difference. The door window should be included in such a project, so don’t skip this critical window!
The Best RV Door Window Shades
Now that you know what an RV door window shade is, who might need one, and why, let’s talk about which RV door window shade kit you should buy. Obviously, you’ll have to pick the kit that is best for you and your RV. We’ve included our top picks below. and confident one of these excellent shades will fit the bill.
Kohree RV Door Window Shade
This is the most basic shade on our list. and features waterproof and anti-UV fabric, making it a durable option that will keep the sun out very effectively. It does require that you screw 4 small screws into the window frame. These hold snaps in place and the snaps hold the shade up, making it easy to put up or take down whenever you please.
AP Products Slim Shade
This is our favorite RV entry door pull-down shade. The shade is actually integrated into the window and frame, meaning you will have to replace the entire window in order to install this one. That said, the end result is nice to look at and very functional.
BougeRV Foldable RV Sun Shade
Finally, there is this foldable option. It’s installed using sticky-back hook-and-loop fasteners, meaning no tools are needed. The shade is thick, offering good insulation. And it can be folded up, folded down, or removed completely, allowing you to decide how much light enters your home on wheels.
DIY RV Door Window Shade
Prefer a DIY method of covering your RV door window? The DIY window shades, showcased in the clip below, were made by sewing fabric to Reflectix, trimming with bias tape, and adding magnets to hold the shade in place. Many RV doors are not magnetic. In this case, you can use heavy-duty sticky-back hook-and-loop strips to hold the shade instead.
An RV door window shade is a must-have accessory for anyone who camps in an RV with a window in the door. Why not order one (or make your own) so you can experience for yourself the difference a simple shade can make?
Tell us about your RV door window shade. Was it pre-installed, purchased separately, or a DIY project?
It seems that all these shades require opening the door/screen combination, closing the screen door, pulling down the shade, opening the screen door, then closing the door combination. Then reverse procedure to open shade. It would be nice if there was a better way. There was one product that had a handle that could be reached through the screen door handle and the shade slid sideways. But that failed as the mechanism got dust and got sticky and didn’t work very well. I guess if you want to not look out the window, then you can keep the shade shut all the time. Or go out (in some cases in the rain) and go through the procedure.
I didn’t see any links to the products are listed their door window shades
Hi Larry,
The photo descriptions contain the links, but I just updated the article so the headings are also links to the products. Thanks for being a Camper Smarts Reader.
I use the AP Products Slim Shade but I mount it upside down so it can be raised from the bottom. It provides privacy even when partially opened and is easier to see out without hunching over.
My entertainment system is just inside my door. Light coming in caused an awful glare.
I cut a piece of acrylic the size f the window, painted it the color of my door and attached it with 3M dual lock. Easily removable.
Having the shade be perennially “behind” the screen door is an unavoidable design problem. Since the door panels are frosted, there is never any reason to unblock them for the view, and here in the desert Southwest, all they do is let unwanted heat into the rig. If I need light, I have plenty other windows I can unshade. So I just blocked my door panels permanently with the inexpensive Camco Reflectix shields and I haven’t played with them since. I did discover that they would reflect the hot desert sun onto the bezel and actually melt it, so if you install these, check your bezel after a week or so. You may have to shield the affected parts by laying down a few layers of tinfoil.
We bought our rig used and it had a simple pull down roller shave installed above the door. Works fine.
You ignored the very best RV door shade of all. The Zarcor shade. Easy to install and you are able to open it while your door is fully closed!
I put one on my last TT and it was still working great when I sold it 3 years later. I immediately put one on my current TT and it’s doing fine after 16 months of use. I expect to get many years of use from it.
I made my own door window privacy shade. Easy. Above the door I hung a stick-on temporary hook. I found a cute flat pillow cover that was big enough to cover the window with a zipper opening at a thrift store. I threw away the pillow inside the cover. After washing the cover I inserted a thick piece of cardboard cut to fit and covered with aluminum foil for a bit of insulation. I hung my window shade on a hanger and hung it up. Done. We store our shade directly across from the door on the back of our bathroom door. We simply hang it up each evening or whenever we need to block the sun.
The velcro (hook and loop) fasteners do not work well. If the door is propped open with the shade on, a gust of wind will remove it and send it flying in no time.
I made my own.
Materials:
1) Piece of 1/2″ dowel
1) Old hand towel
1) Wire coat hanger
I cut the dowel to length, with about 2″ sticking out past each side of the towel. Then I stapled the towel to the dowel. Then I cut the ends off the wire coat hanger and did some strategic bending. The bent hanger mounts permanently over the window in the door. At night, I merely unroll the towel and then hang the dowel/towel combination on the coat hanger and it is good to go. In the morning, I take that down and roll the towel up and store it in the closet to the right of the door. Easy, peasey. Is it functional? Yes. Is it inexpensive? Yes. What more could you want?
I haven’t made mine yet, but my plan is to hang a tension rod on the inside of our motorhome above the door. I have a cute camping hand towel that I’ll hang on the rod.