Replacement Shade Springs: Restore Smooth, Quiet RV Roller Shade Performance

If your RV’s roller shades no longer glide up and down the way they used to, the culprit is usually a worn-out spring. Swapping in a fresh spring is faster (and far cheaper) than replacing the entire shade, and the parts you need are right here in our Irvine replacement shade spring collection.

Why Do RV Shade Springs Fail?

• Age & metal fatigue – Constant winding and unwinding eventually weakens the coil.
• Temperature swings – Extreme heat or cold inside the coach stresses the metal.
• Improper tensioning – Over-tightening the spring accelerates wear, while under-tightening lets the shade slam.
• Dust & debris – Grit inside the roller housing chews up the spring coating.

Know the Signs It’s Time to Replace

Watch for these symptoms:

1. Shade refuses to retract or only rolls halfway.
2. You hear harsh snapping noises during operation.
3. The fabric droops or telescopes to one side.
4. You must “help” the shade up with your hand.

Find the Right Size Spring for Your Shade

Measure the outside diameter of the old spring or check your shade model:

• ¾-inch Irvine replacement spring for Valu-Line roller shades – compact, standard-speed operation.
• 1¼-inch Irvine slow-rise spring for Premium roller shades – larger coil for smoother, controlled lift.

Quick Installation Guide

1. Lower the shade fully and remove the shade roll from its brackets.
2. Slide the fabric off the old spring housing, noting fabric orientation.
3. Swap in the new replacement shade spring, aligning the flat end with the roller tube slot.
4. Reinstall the fabric, then wind the spring 8–14 turns until the shade retracts evenly.
5. Clip the roller back into the brackets and test operation. Fine-tune tension if needed.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Spring Life

• Operate shades gently—avoid yanking the pull tab.
• Clean roller housings annually with compressed air to remove dust.
• Inspect tension every season and adjust before long trips.
• During storage, lock shades halfway down to relieve spring pressure.

Ready to breathe new life into every window? Browse all sizes in our full Irvine shade spring lineup and ship your parts today.

Replacement Shade Springs FAQs

How do I know which diameter shade spring I need?

Measure the old spring’s metal coil or the roller tube opening. Valu-Line shades usually use a ¾-inch spring, while Premium slow-rise shades use a 1¼-inch spring.

Can I reuse my existing roller tube?

Yes. As long as the tube is not bent or cracked, simply swap in the new spring and reinstall the fabric.

How many turns should I wind the new spring?

Start with 8 turns for small shades and 10–14 turns for wider shades. Add or subtract turns until the shade retracts fully without slamming.

Do I need special tools to install a replacement shade spring?

No special tools are required—just a flat-blade screwdriver to release the brackets and a pair of gloves to grip the spring.

Will a new spring fix crooked or telescoping fabric?

Often it will. A worn spring can create uneven tension, causing the shade to skew. If the fabric is still crooked after replacement, inspect the roller tube for damage.