Replacement Shade Springs: Bring Your RV Roller Shades Back to Life
Is your RV roller shade refusing to glide up and down smoothly? Chances are the spring has lost its tension. Swapping in a new replacement shade spring is faster—and far cheaper—than buying an entirely new shade. Browse our complete collection of Irvine Shade replacement springs to find the exact size and tension you need.
Why Shade Springs Wear Out
Every time you raise or lower a roller shade, the internal spring coils tighten and release. After hundreds of cycles, the metal fatigues, tension drops, and the shade begins to sag or refuse to stay put. Direct sunlight and road vibration speed up this process in an RV, which is why having a few spare RV replacement shade springs on hand is smart maintenance.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roller Shade Spring
- The shade won’t retract fully or stops halfway.
- It snaps up too quickly, indicating uneven tension.
- You hear grinding or clicking when operating the shade.
- The fabric edges start to fray from dragging against the window frame.
Choosing the Right Replacement Shade Spring
Shade springs come in different diameters, lengths, and tension ratings. Measure the old spring (or check your owner’s manual) before ordering. The two most common Irvine options are:
0.75-inch Replacement Spring for Valu-Line RV Roller Shades – Ideal for lightweight or narrow shades found in galleys and bunks.
1.25-inch Slow-Rise Replacement Spring for Premium Shades – Provides smoother, controlled retraction for heavier fabrics and larger windows.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Shade Spring
- Lower the shade fully and remove the shade tube from its brackets.
- Gently slide the fabric off the tube, noting the orientation.
- Use pliers to remove the old spring from the tube end cap.
- Insert the new replacement shade spring, aligning the notch with the cap slot.
- Pre-tension the spring by winding it 6-8 turns (check manufacturer specs).
- Slide the fabric back on, re-install the tube, and test for smooth operation.
Pro Tip: Mark the tube with tape before removal so the fabric rolls back in the exact position, preventing skewed winding.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Spring Life
- Operate shades gently; avoid yanking the pull tab.
- Lubricate the end caps annually with dry silicone spray.
- Secure shades during travel to minimize road vibration.
- Keep interior humidity controlled to prevent rust on metal springs.
Ready to Order?
Keeping a couple of replacement shade springs in your tool kit means you can tackle a failure on the road in minutes, not days. Check the size, pick the tension, and enjoy smooth-gliding shades again.
Shop all Irvine shade replacement springs here
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Shade Springs
How do I know which diameter spring my roller shade uses?
Remove one end cap and measure the outer diameter of the existing spring. The most common RV sizes are 0.75” and 1.25”, matching the two Irvine replacements we offer.
Can I upgrade to a slow-rise spring if my shade originally used a standard spring?
Yes, as long as the tube diameter and length match, you can switch to a slow-rise model for smoother retraction.
Do I need special tools to change a shade spring?
No specialty tools are required—just a flathead screwdriver, pliers, and a marker for alignment.
How many turns should I pre-load on the new spring?
Most RV roller shades need 6–8 turns for proper tension, but always refer to the shade manufacturer’s instructions.
What if my shade still won’t retract after installing a new spring?
Double-check that the fabric is centered on the tube and that the end caps are seated correctly. If the problem persists, the tube itself may be bent or the fabric may be binding.
For more help, or to find the perfect RV replacement shade spring, explore our complete Irvine spring collection.
