Magne Shade: The Ultimate RV Window Solution
Beat the heat and keep your view with this innovative magnetic shade system
The Problem: Too Much Sun and Heat
Our 2017 Open Range Roamer 347RES came with standard accordion draw-up shades on the windows. It didn’t take long while camping in the summer heat to discover they were inadequate. The rig would heat up in the midday sun—up went the silver bubble mat insulation, down came the shades, and there went our view.
I searched the web for solutions and found blackout shades and pull-down UV-blocking shades, but most were expensive and required complete removal of our current curtains and shades.
The Discovery
I follow Techno RV and read a post about their recent installation of a product called Magne Shade. This innovative solution caught my attention immediately.
What is Magne Shade?
The patented Magne Shade™ system uses small but very powerful Rare Earth magnets that are mounted on the outside of the window with high-temperature 3M peel-and-stick tape. The shades are designed to fit your coach glass tight and incorporate a simple and effective fabric adjustment system so your shades won’t stretch out of shape and sag over time, as snap-type systems can.
Magne Shade™ is simply the best custom RV shading system in the marketplace.
Why I Chose Magne Shade
Custom Fit
Designed to fit your specific windows perfectly with proper corner radius measurements.
Easy Installation
No removal of existing curtains or shades required. Magnets install quickly and securely.
Cost Effective
Less expensive than custom blackout shades or complete window replacements.
Keeps Your View
Blocks heat and UV rays while still allowing you to see outside—no more choosing between comfort and views!
The Ordering Process
Magne Shade features Class A windshield and side window installations on their site, but these work just as well on Fifth Wheel camper windows. I reached out to the company, and they walked me through the measuring process and helped identify the corner radius of our windows for proper fit.
Our rig has cantilever windows throughout. My rep, Greg, gave me specific instructions regarding the measurements for proper fit and trim. I took my measurements, placed my order, and four weeks later they arrived at my door.
Installation Tips
Although the owner of the company single-handedly installed a windshield shade on a Class A in the installation video, I would suggest you get a partner to help you out. The one holdback to the process is if you don’t have your rig indoors—you’ll need to wait for a 72-hour period of warm and dry weather to install the magnets.
Installing the magnets for two large and one small shade was done in short order. After the recommended 72-hour curing process for the adhesive, it was a snap to place the shades up. I did purchase the install bar to give me a bit more reach, and it worked like a charm from ground level.
Important Notes
- Wait for 72 hours of warm, dry weather for magnet installation
- Get a helper—makes installation much easier
- Consider purchasing the install bar for better reach
- Remove shades before traveling—highway speeds will blow them off
Real-World Results
Our first real test came in August 2018 while camping in Western NY with the rig facing south. The entire side with the large dining room window was facing west, and the afternoon sun was beating down on Natasha.
The shades worked perfectly—they cut the sun down, kept the interior cooler, and we could still see out the windows fine.
Storage Solution
The manufacturer recommends rolling the shades up when you store them. You won’t be traveling with these positioned on the rig—the magnets are strong, but rolling down the road at highway speeds will surely blow them off.
I store mine away under the rig rolled up on pool noodles. It has worked fine and the shades keep their shape perfectly.
My Recommendation
These have been a great solution for our needs. They’re less expensive than new interior blackout customs or sun shades, and they actually work better because you can still maintain your view while staying cool.
I highly recommend this product for any RV owner struggling with heat and sun issues.