Hi yep, I gave him a call and he called back (on a Saturday!) so all clear. Managed to get 2 of 5 installed, the ones that pull from top down are fine but the ones from bottom up with magnets in the top rail aren't proving as easy.
If you put an @ sign before the name it will alert the person you are directing the question at. @Rapt0rUK
@Rapt0rUK Could I ask how you are finding your swell shades a year on? I really like the look of them closed, and I like the fact that they don’t have huge enclosures that limit viewing out of them - especially the rear window like the Vanshades do. I like the fact that they are cheaper (or were) than vanshades and that it’s a guy running a business from home. I’m hesitant about the look when they are open, the blind that curls at the edge. Have you had any issues? Do you find the edges bunching up causes you any issues? Would you still recommend them? I need a solution for creating privacy in our van before we come to the T6F summer camp.. Thanks
Hi Dave, a year in and and have to say love the blinds. When they're down you barely notice them and get to enjoy an unobstructed view out the windows of wherever you're parked up. Initially we were a bit unsure about having the strings on show but they are so thin you barely notice them. We have caught them on the odd occasion with the cussions when making up the bed and heard a ping, winced thinking we've snapped one but they seem to be made of tough stuff so hasn't happened yet. Having them bunched up on the sides when down admittedly isn't ideal aesthetically but like I say you barely notice them. They're made of what feels like a paper material with foil back and I was worried where that bunches up it would get creases on the ends where they bend to match the curve of the window, and they do, but soon as you put them up the creases disappear so the material is pretty impressive stuff. If I was going through the decision process again, having lived with them a year, I'd certainly get them again and have no issue recommending to others. Versus where we were storing stick on covers that take up a load of room and a faff to stick on/take off every time, it's night and day. When we park the van up anywhere, even just a car park in the day, if we've got gear in the back we just shut the blinds in seconds and gives us a much better sense of security. I think the trade off of the visible strings is well worth it for the better visibility you get out the windows when they're down Vs the likes of Vanshades. We don't have a wardrobe setup (u shape seating) so when we're in a nice spot, we can lie in the back with a full panoramic view and watch the sunset, perfect!
Thank you, that’s really helpful. I think on balance I am even more inclined towards swell shades now. There are compromises in everything, but as you note those related to swell shades over vanshades, curtains or stick on covers leave the swell shades out in front. For my next trick I’ve to find the money and choose the colour. Something to compliment the orange accents theme of the van.
Fake tie back curtains would cover the sides and give a clean finish
The guy that runs it is really friendly, I couldn't decide between a few colours so he sent me samples of a about 5 I was trying to pick from. If you just drop him a line with the colours you have in mind he'll happily send you samples.
Thanks, I was in touch with them towards the end of last year. I got 5 or 6 samples through, 2 to compliment the orange theme and the others they thought might work well in contrast with the carpet lining.
