When in transit should shades be up or down and what is the rationale?

jules2go · September 2020

This has been a question on my mind and on one of the FB forums there's a current thread and it seems everyone is split on this. Either keep the all open (shade down, screen up) so there is nothing blocking the window supposedly puts less strain on the strings which can get stressed when rocking and rolling down the road, OR all closed ... for some other reason. On various checklists I've seen for prepping to leave for travel it's advised to do one or the other, eg, the one on this website says "raise shades and screens to up" -- so my shade would then be "closed", blocking visual access in or out, and my screen would be up as well. It's confusing and I always like to know rationales. What do you guys think?

Sharon_is_SAM · September 2020

You should travel with both the shade and screen stowed/retracted. See discussion linked.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10072/warning-label-on-windows-not-to-have-window-shade-covering-windows-while-the-sun-is-shining-do-you#latest

Marceline · September 2020

I think that at least some of the confusion is due to the fact that T@B shades have been installed in two different ways over the years - some open up and some open down. Travel with the shades and screens open. If you want to protect the interior from prying eyes or sunshine you can cover the windows with curtains on tension rods or window covers made from Reflectix.

TNOutback · September 2020

Here are the instructions from Plastoform after emailing them to better understand that cryptic sticker on the windows:

Denny16 · September 2020

The instructions that came with our late 2018 TaB400, said to have the Windows latched shut and shades and blinds retracted/open when towing. Also had the direct sun warning on the blind use. That said, on a TaB400, leaving the shades in the stowed/retracted mode, allows you to see trout he front window and out the back window to see traffic behind the trailer.

cheers

VictoriaP · September 2020

Always open when in transit. Rationale, as the dealer explained to me, is twofold: it keeps heat from building up between the shade and plastic window, and it keeps the tension on the shades correct. Having them closed while in motion can allow the tensioning strings to pop out of position, or worse yet, cause them to snap.

jules2go · September 2020

Thank you everyone. Very helpful as always!

ontheroad · September 2020

Keep the windows free from any covering...your trailer will give it's own tours!...also nice to look in and see if anything has shifted before opening the door...