One of my electric drape drives has failed, and on investigation it appears that some of the plastic gears inside have disintegrated. After talking to the maker, the Right Track, Inc., it appears that the 12-1/4" long roller will cost about $600 if I use them, and they aren't really interested.....

I can replace the motor, but it is the gearbox which is gone......has anybody replaced theirs?  I am thinking of going to a drapery store to see if they can sell me a 12v roller.  

Try dirtyblindman.com he has parts for almost any system.

Steve

dirtyblindman only does manual blinds.....can't find a source, any ideas?

Can the gear box be taken apart and the gears replaced? A machine shop?

they'd. Be about 3/16 inch diameter.....can't see a machine shop working out. I'll have to try Alibaba.

Had mine go south on me around 3+ years ago on my 2000 Patriot. Found the manufacturer, AM-Source in Wauconda, IL. Spoke with Sue Malek at 847-526-1515 or sue@am-source.com and $300 rings a bell. It was however 3 or 4 years ago!! Good luck.

FYI. just found my e-mail to her dated 1/16/09 Hope they're still there!!

Keep saying I should clean up old e-mails, but then I don't  

This might be an option.

http://www.mcdinnovations.com/.....d=231&Itemid=150




I see the video wont work. Sorry

Just for the record, AM-source appear to have closed up, and The Right Track are on the wrong track, and unable to help. MCD may be able to help, I'll let you'all know.

Just a thought Beaver Coach Sales and Alliance  or one of the  RV remodeling companies may have some imput or parts that may work. Electric blinds are common and you may find them able to help. I would not rule out any where that does custom work even the chain stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

I am thinking of getting rid of the curtains and going with custom pulldown shades. I would imagine there is a day/nite shade material  that will be perfect for this. Anyone else done this and where did you purchase?

We refitted our entire 5th Wheel with day/night shades from Camping World.  They come in a wide selection of colors and fabrics and we were very pleased with the results

Thank you John and Linda. I will definitely check them out.
I have seen upgrade from front drape to shade pictures from other owners. They look a lot tidier not to mention the added benefit of being able to pull the shade down to block sun while driving. Just was not sure of the privacy at night factor.
Barb

Barb,

The new thing seems to be the shades from MCDInnovations. They use a fabric similar to the screen fabric people have on their outside sunscrens, only thinner.  Normally they come in two layers, typically a caramel beige for the sunscreen and black for the privacy layer. You can get them in either powered or manual.

If you decide to go with a replacement consider selling the old ones here, even if only for spare parts........

Quoted from JimDyer

Barb,

The new thing seems to be the shades from MCDInnovations. They use a fabric similar to the screen fabric people have on their outside sunscrens, only thinner.  Normally they come in two layers, typically a caramel beige for the sunscreen and black for the privacy layer. You can get them in either powered or manual.

I've noticed a number of people using these instead of buying sun shades for outside the window.  This may seem like a good idea but, from a physics perspective, it is totally wrong.  If sunlight goes through the windshield and then is absorbed by the shade material it becomes infrared radiation (heat) which cannot go back through the glass.  Therefore, the heat energy will build up in the space between the shade and the glass creating a large heat load on the interior of the MH.  It is far better to block the sunlight outside, before it goes through the glass.  That way it avoids bringing the heat energy inside.