In my two decades as an RV technician, I’ve learned that controlling light and temperature is one of the biggest challenges for RV owners. The large windows that provide beautiful views can also let in a lot of heat and light, making it difficult to sleep in or keep your RV cool.
I once had a customer who was a light sleeper and was constantly being woken up by the early morning sun. We installed a set of quality blackout shades for her, and she told me it was a life-changing upgrade. She could finally sleep in and enjoy her mornings.
Window shades are more than just a cosmetic accessory; they’re a critical component of your RV’s climate control and privacy systems. The right shades can block out light, insulate against heat and cold, and provide a sense of security.
I’ve installed and repaired every type of RV window shade imaginable, from simple roller shades to sophisticated motorized systems. This guide is the product of that experience, designed to help you find the perfect window treatment for your RV.
For a quick overview, here are my top recommendations. These shades have been chosen for their light-blocking capabilities, insulation properties, and overall quality.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these products. I’ve selected them based on their performance in real-world camping scenarios and the positive feedback I’ve received from customers.
Best for: Blocking light and heat from ceiling vents and skylights.
Ceiling vents and skylights are great for letting in natural light, but they can also be a major source of heat and light when you’re trying to sleep. The Camco Lights Out shade is a simple and effective solution to this problem.
It’s a retractable shade that mounts to the ceiling and can be pulled out to cover the vent or skylight. The shade is made from a thick, opaque material that does an excellent job of blocking light and heat. I’ve installed many of these for customers who were struggling to keep their RVs cool in the summer. The difference in temperature is noticeable immediately. The Lights Out shade is also very easy to install. It comes with all the necessary hardware, and you can have it mounted in just a few minutes.
The Lights Out shade is also very durable. The retractable mechanism is well-made and operates smoothly. The shade material is also resistant to fading and tearing. I’ve seen these shades last for years with no issues. For anyone who has a ceiling vent or skylight in their RV, the Camco Lights Out shade is a must-have accessory.
The reflective backing on the shade is another key feature. It reflects sunlight and heat, which helps to keep your RV cooler in the summer. This can make a big difference in your comfort level, and it can also reduce the load on your air conditioner. The shade is also very easy to clean. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. The compact design is also a plus. When the shade is retracted, it’s barely noticeable. It doesn’t take up any extra space, and it doesn’t interfere with the operation of your vent or skylight.
Buy Camco Lights Out Retractable RV Ceiling Vent & Skylight Shade
Best for: Creating shade and privacy under your awning.
Your RV’s awning is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but sometimes the sun can be a little too intense. The Carefree of Colorado SideBlocker is a simple and effective way to create more shade and privacy under your awning.
It’s a mesh screen that attaches to the side of your awning and extends to the ground. The mesh material blocks about 85% of the sun’s rays, creating a cool and comfortable space. It also provides a good amount of privacy without completely blocking your view. I’ve installed many of these for customers who love to spend time outside but are sensitive to the sun. The SideBlocker allows them to enjoy their awning even on the hottest of days.
The SideBlocker is also very easy to install and use. It comes with all the necessary hardware, and you can have it set up in just a few minutes. The shade can be easily rolled up and stored when not in use. It’s also very durable. The mesh material is resistant to tearing and fading, and the grommets are reinforced for added strength. For anyone who wants to make their awning more comfortable and private, the Carefree of Colorado SideBlocker is an excellent choice.
The SideBlocker is available in a variety of sizes to fit most awnings. It’s also available in different colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your RV. The mesh material is also very breathable, so it doesn’t trap heat like a solid fabric shade would. This allows for good airflow, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable.
Buy Carefree of Colorado SideBlocker Awning Sun Shade
Best for: Adding privacy and insulation to your RV’s entry door.
The entry door is another area where privacy and light control can be an issue. The Lippert Thin Shade is a fantastic solution for this. It’s a pleated shade that is designed to fit in the window of your RV’s entry door. The shade is made from a light-blocking material that provides excellent privacy and insulation.
It’s also very easy to operate. You simply raise and lower the shade with a small handle. I’ve installed many of these for customers who were tired of people being able to see into their RV through the door window. The Thin Shade provides complete privacy, and it also helps to keep the RV cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The Thin Shade is also very easy to install. It’s designed as a direct replacement for the factory-installed window frame, so the installation is straightforward. You simply remove the old frame, install the new one with the integrated shade, and you’re done. The shade is also very durable. The pleated material is resistant to fading and tearing, and the operating mechanism is well-made. For anyone who wants to add privacy and insulation to their RV’s entry door, the Lippert Thin Shade is an excellent choice.
The EcoCell material is what makes the Thin Shade so effective. It’s a honeycomb-style material that traps air, creating an insulating barrier. This helps to keep your RV cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The shade is also very easy to operate. The handle is located at the bottom of the shade, so you can easily raise and lower it with one hand. The shade also stays in place wherever you position it, so you can adjust it to let in just the right amount of light. For a high-quality, insulating shade for your entry door, the Lippert Thin Shade is a great choice.
Buy Lippert Thin Shade EcoCell Window Shade Kit
Best for: A simple and affordable way to block light from your RV’s door window.
If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly way to block light from your RV’s door window, the Camco Door Window Shade is a great option. It’s a simple fabric shade that attaches to the window with hook-and-loop fasteners. The shade is made from a thick, opaque material that does an excellent job of blocking light.
It’s also very easy to install. You simply attach the hook-and-loop strips to the window frame, and then attach the shade. The shade can be easily removed when you want to let light in. I’ve recommended this to many customers who want a quick and easy solution for their door window. It’s not as elegant as the Lippert Thin Shade, but it’s very effective and affordable.
The Camco Door Window Shade is also very durable. The fabric is resistant to fading and tearing, and the hook-and-loop fasteners are strong and reliable. It’s a simple, no-frills product that does its job well. For anyone who wants a quick, easy, and affordable way to block light from their RV’s door window, the Camco shade is a great choice.
Buy Camco Life is Better At The Campsite RV Door Window Light Blocking Shade
Best for: A simple and effective way to block light from your RV’s ceiling vents.
The AP Products Sliding Vent Shade is another great option for blocking light from your RV’s ceiling vents. It’s a simple plastic shade that slides into a track that you mount to the ceiling.
The shade is made from a durable, opaque material that does an excellent job of blocking light. It’s also very easy to install. You simply screw the track to the ceiling, and then slide the shade in. The shade can be easily opened and closed as needed. I’ve installed many of these for customers who want a simple and effective way to block light from their vents. It’s a great alternative to the Camco Lights Out shade, and it’s a bit more affordable.
The AP Products Sliding Vent Shade is also very durable. The plastic material is resistant to cracking and fading, and the track is well-made. It’s a simple, reliable product that will last for years. For anyone who wants a simple and affordable way to block light from their RV’s ceiling vents, the AP Products shade is an excellent choice.
The sliding design is very convenient. You can easily open and close the shade with one hand. The shade also stays in place wherever you position it, so you can adjust it to let in just the right amount of light. The installation is also very easy. You simply screw the track to the ceiling, and then slide the shade in. It’s a five-minute job that anyone can do. For a simple, effective, and affordable way to block light from your ceiling vents, the AP Products shade is a great choice.
Buy AP Products Sliding RV Vent Shade
Most of these shades are very easy to install and require minimal maintenance.
For the shades that require mounting, I recommend cleaning the surface with isopropyl alcohol before installation to ensure a good bond.
For the fabric shades, you can spot clean them with a mild detergent and water. And for the retractable and sliding shades, you may want to periodically lubricate the moving parts with a silicone spray to keep them operating smoothly.
Controlling light and temperature is essential for a comfortable RVing experience. The right window shades can make a big difference in your ability to sleep well, stay cool, and enjoy your privacy.
The products in this guide are all excellent choices that have proven their performance and reliability in the real world.
By choosing the right shades for your needs, you can make your RV a more comfortable and enjoyable place to be.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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