How to Adjust the Spring Tension on Your RV Roller Shade
Over time, your RV roller shades may start to retract too slowly or snap back too fast. Luckily, adjusting the internal spring tension is a simple fix you can do yourself. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to safely adjust the shade tension and restore smooth operation.
🔧 What You’ll Need:
- Phillips screwdriver (or drill with bit)
- Your roller shade removed from the mounting brackets
- A clean, flat work surface
📺 Quick Video Guide
Prefer to watch? Here’s the official tutorial video from Irvine Shade & Door:
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Remove the shade from the window.
Gently unclip or unscrew the roller shade from its mounting hardware and lay it flat on a table. -
Identify the spring-loaded end.
One end of the shade has a spring mechanism (usually with a small tab or flat metal arm). -
Unroll the fabric completely.
Pull the fabric down so the shade is fully extended and there’s no spring tension inside the roller. -
Manually wind the spring.
While keeping the shade unrolled, turn the spring-loaded end of the roller counter-clockwise to increase tension. Each full turn adds more tension. Typically, 10–20 rotations work best. -
Test and rewind.
After winding, slowly guide the fabric back onto the roller to test the new tension. If it recoils too fast or too slowly, repeat steps 3–5 and adjust accordingly. -
Reinstall the shade.
Once you’re happy with the tension, remount the shade to the window bracket using your original screws or clips.
🛍️ Replacement Springs Available
If your spring is broken or worn out, replace it with an OEM part:
- 3/4" Spring – For Valu-Line Roller Shades
- 1" Spring – For Valu-Line Roller Shades
- Slow-Rise Spring – For Premium RV Shades
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my shade uses a 3/4", 1", or Slow-Rise spring?
A: Check the diameter of the roller tube. Most Valu-Line shades use 3/4" or 1" springs. Premium models with smooth, soft recoil often use the Slow-Rise version. When in doubt, match your part visually or email us a photo.
A: Check the diameter of the roller tube. Most Valu-Line shades use 3/4" or 1" springs. Premium models with smooth, soft recoil often use the Slow-Rise version. When in doubt, match your part visually or email us a photo.
Q: How many times should I wind the spring?
A: Start with 12–15 full turns. If the shade retracts too weakly or too quickly, adjust in increments of 2–3 turns until you find the sweet spot.
A: Start with 12–15 full turns. If the shade retracts too weakly or too quickly, adjust in increments of 2–3 turns until you find the sweet spot.
Q: My shade won’t retract at all after adjusting. What should I do?
A: The spring may have come loose or lost internal tension. Remove the shade again, fully unwind the spring, and try re-winding it. If it still doesn’t hold, the spring may need to be replaced.
A: The spring may have come loose or lost internal tension. Remove the shade again, fully unwind the spring, and try re-winding it. If it still doesn’t hold, the spring may need to be replaced.
Q: Can I reuse the old spring if it still has tension?
A: You can, but older springs tend to weaken or warp over time. For smoother operation and reliability, replacing the spring is recommended, especially on frequently used shades.
A: You can, but older springs tend to weaken or warp over time. For smoother operation and reliability, replacing the spring is recommended, especially on frequently used shades.
Q: Are these springs compatible with all brands?
A: No. These are OEM Irvine Shade & Door springs and are specifically designed for their Valu-Line and Premium roller shades. Compatibility with other brands is not guaranteed.
A: No. These are OEM Irvine Shade & Door springs and are specifically designed for their Valu-Line and Premium roller shades. Compatibility with other brands is not guaranteed.
📦 Need a New Shade?
If adjusting or replacing the spring doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need a whole new shade. We offer custom and OEM roller shades built to order—perfect fit, every time.
Blog content based on official tutorial by Irvine Shade & Door. Video embedded under fair use for educational purposes.