DIY: Fix your caravan blinds

  DIY: caravanning projects to try yourself

Got some issues with your caravan blinds? It’s easy to fix when you know how!

Words by Derrick Davies

Tools and materials

• Superglue £2.99
• Screwdrivers

Recently the roller blind in my caravan jammed and would not retract. Fortunately, it can be relatively easy to repair using a little patience and basic hand tools.

You’ll need to remove the whole blind assembly from the window to repair the blind and to reach these you’ll need to remove the plastic corner clips. They just clip in place and simply pry off, but you need to be careful with these – especially on older caravans – as they do go brittle over time.

You’ll also need to work on the blind on a flat surface, so make sure your caravan’s dining table is large enough or recover it to your workshop. If you use the dining table in your house, try not to get caught by your other half and cover it with a cloth, just in case there is any glue spillage!

All that’s needed in terms of equipment is a selection of screwdrivers and some superglue to refit the blind’s plastic lug.

Put the blind back to the window, again being careful about dropping screws in awkward places (like I did!). For around 15 minutes’ work you can save the cost of a repair bill at your dealer, always a plus.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Start by carefully prising off the plastic frame corners with a flat-bladed screwdriver. Then undo the four cross head screws in each corner. Be careful to place a cloth over the oven vents if they’re underneath the blind, as dropped screws are hard to recover!

2. With all the screws removed, lay the blind assembly down on a flat surface, face down (the caravan dining table or a workbench is ideal).

3. Carefully prise the roller unit out of its socket and you will find a plastic lug in the end of the roller. This is what causes the blind to jam, as it works its way out over time. Secure it in place using a small drop of superglue and, when dry, carefully refit the unit.