How to Repair MCD Shade in Pleasure Way Ascent 

Thanks. We took our rig in and should be picking it up this week. I told the dealer what we had discovered. Regarding the velcro that was used in 2018, they now use magnets and those are being replaced right now. We had no problems the rest of our journey! Fridge update coming soon.

From She to Me here’s Grants response... Mark I watched the video and it was the fact that the blinds had lost their tension that caused issue. The Ascent is a year older model and MCD has since changed the end caps from plastic to metal in order to remedy them coming loose and then having blind loose tension. The method to attach the blind assembly itself has not changed and is the proper method. We are still finalizing the feature package for 2019 chassis with Mercedes Benz. To the best of my knowledge there is not an alarm system for the new Mercedes. Sent from my iPhone

@@mwsteffen Interesting response. I probably didn't explain it in the video well enough.. The door blind lost tension because the bracket wasn't pushed into the blind far enough. That caused it to fall out, losing tension. I stand by our observation that the method of attaching the blind into the valance (with a machine screw alone) is not secure enough. IMO, PW should produce videos on every aspect of the vehicle and how to make adjustments/repairs for the things they KNOW can cause an issue. When they leave a vacuum, then people like myself, who are seeking answers, will fill the void with information that may not be 100% accurate. Thanks for sharing his response.

From She to Me I agree with you. Your video was clear about the MCD problem. You may want to reach out to Grant personally. He’s very responsive to emails.

@@mwsteffen Others have mentioned how responsive he is. I think I'll hold off until we get to one of the PW meet-ups.

I love my "single lady trips", even if it is just to the beach. You'll have a blast.

+Kerry Shrode Thanks! It has mostly been this one shade although the others could use additional tension which I will do when we get home. I really enjoyed learning how to fix this. Much more satisfying than having someone do it for you.

@@FromShetoMe I love to see proactive work being done on RVs. you handle this very well and I love your go get it and fix it attitude. Just curious, since the PW is on my short list of vans to consider, are there any other things, other than what you have previously mentioned, that you would deem important to know about PW. I LOVE the memory foam rear sofa. I'm not a fan of a propane refrigerator. Their build quality is top notch in the industry and that is a huge factor to me, plus the great warranty. thank you for being an awesome poster, wrong word but it words LOL

@@kerryshrode I can't think of anything. You are correct, their build quality is great. We spoke to an RV technician at the NomadFest who has been in the business for 40 years. I asked him which Class B brands he rates highest and he said, without hesitation, Leisure and PW. And the company he currently works for doesn't sell either. That said, you will run into issues, like we have, no matter what brand. So just be sure you have a great dealer who will service you. Good luck with your search!

@@FromShetoMe Thank you SO much for your input. It is highly helpful and always fun to watch.

Kerry Shrode Feel free to email me if you have questions along your journey. energymaven@gmail.com

LOL. Thanks.

NomadFest surpassed my expectations and they have already decided to do another one next year and are selling tickets. We have locked in our spot.

Thanks. May I adopt you? Everyone needs an RV tech in the family. Even more so than a doctor. ;-))

We’re staying with the batteries for now. At least until things settle down in the markets.

I struggled with that shade for too many years before completely removing it and having a Rolef shade installed (it zips around the opening). Hope you don't have continuous problems with it.

We’ve since removed all but one of the shades and replaced with warm window shades.

@FromShetoMe That is not a bad idea, but I like the front day/night motorized shade. It's very convenient. Well, I look forward to seeing your newer videos. But in the meantime, happy travels to you both.

Very interesting! I tried to coax MCD into doing a better video. The first time we had that one "fixed" I asked the dealer if they would show me how to do it because I knew it would be a continuing issue. It's like everything on these rigs is some deep, dark, secret. And every technician I meet I ask if they would be willing to be interviewed on camera. No takers yet!

The bracket is fine but that shade never cooperates (1 out of 10 times it will stay down) so we use the warm window shade instead. I have completely removed the two MCD shades on the rear side windows. It allows me to partially tuck the warm window curtains into the valance.

It is a shame that brand new items in a beautiful motor home fall apart so easily.

+Linda Treggett It is so satisfying isn’t it. My 4 brothers were always working on projects, even rebuilding engines on the dining room table. So I thought it was what everyone did.

Thanks. I really didn't think people would watch an old bitty like me. I think I just happened to stumble into a niche.

If it rattles against the glass, then try adhering some foam insulation strips that you use around doors. I had to do that on the shade that is on the sliding door.

@@FromShetoMe it’s the shade to the left of the couch. I taped it “up” to stop the rattling. If I added foam insulation strips, wouldn’t it keep the shade from rolling up or down properly?

@@tinarector I removed those shades and replaced with my own curtains so I don't know. On the door shade, I placed the foam strip insulation along the edge of the bar where it doesn't interfere. But you'll just have to experiment. The insulation comes with an adhesive backing that you peel off. It would be easy to remove if it doesn't work.

Interesting take from a Canook (sp?) - I'm originally from Buffalo, your southern neighbor ;- } We were at Hershey in September and checked out several B/B+ My husband and I were initially high on PW until we started watching Debbie's reviews of their Ascent. We're now actually leaning towards the Winnebago Travato (heated tanks) thanks to Neil (Ultramobility).

Freebird Hi 👋 its Canuck, eh. Lol. I have been looking for class b’s here consistently for that past year once I realized I was too old and challenged to tow behind my beloved vintage 13’ trailer Bertie 😢. I have not been impressed with offerings in our Canadian marketplace and price tags you see in the US will be at least 30% more $$ if not more 😱. Sellers of Used RT’s want you to roll up with cash and no questions - they will sell in hours esp if priced right. I was at Forest City RV here and saw a used Travato K. There were some interesting redeeming design and ergonomic aspects to it. Im in touch with many van builders on yt and Humble Roads sprinter might be the cats meow except $$$$$ and Mercedes. Lemme know what you end up with. I test products in Canada and think the RV industry needs a friendly smack upside the head 🙃

Yes, I love Humble Road; he is so talented and funny. I learned at the NomadFest that he hosted "Less Junk, More Journey" awhile back when they visited NYC. A "smack upside the head" is a good way to put it.

You have to peak behind the curtain on every brand. I do think Leisure and PW have very good build quality. I like the way Neil graphed it out on one of his earlier videos.

@@mishu3271 Thanks for insights mishu. I am also a sub of Humble Road. He's the best and the van build is AMAZING. So well thought out - though not quite sure on toilet/shower, but great concept. Can't wait to see the finished product ... and the lucky owner who buys it. Best of luck on your search and I'll let you know where we end up. Travato/K still pretty strong as we prefer the dodge/gas fwd chassis. Wish the towing capacity were better.

For sure it needs a design update.

I have called and talked to them and the tech is very friendly, but they know their parts, I don’t and their videos are a little lacking. Oh well, was trying to get it working again as I took it out and want it for Alaska next year so I have time

@@timsmith7625 I've removed ours more times than I care to remember. It still lacks tension but until I can get to the PW factory, we'll just live with it. Even the valance part was coming down so the dealer added an extra screw.

@@FromShetoMe I have left it out for the past year and half, so I may just leave it out and use my magnetic cover. Just would be nice for a quick pull down and not having to mess with the insulated blackout.

Yes, they need to add a bracket in the middle. It has fallen out since then. It also rattles against the glass when we drive so I added a foam insulation strip. Our experience is either an outlier or PW needs to examine the product/installation.

@@FromShetoMe How do you find a bracket? Ours is broken too, think of ideas to fix it.

Aruna Kalu not sure which part you mean. Send me a picture if you care to. energymaven@gmail.com

@@FromShetoMe No worries, I was talking about those 2 clips/brackets that hold the blinds. Mine got broken and the blind came down, will check a Home Depot.