I am working with 17’ Toy Hauler pull behind. When I was shopping for the camper, I was shown amazing toy haulers with pull down, roller screens built it, so you could keep the back completely open. My little version only came with a magnetic screen that practically flapped in the wind. Where I am headed, the mosquitos are so big they could unzip the screen themselves.
I inquired about the dealer installing a screen for me, and they said no…and then somehow came up with a $1K price tag.
After some research, I found a company that not only custom makes screens for Toy Haulers, they are $400 and easy to install. Knowing it would add so much value to my new little home, I had to go for it. It wasn’t as easy as they make it seem on their website, but it is certainly doable!
Here’s what I used:
Custom Retractable Screen made by Stoett Screens
Stoett Retractable Sportscreen
Great customer service, will quickly respond to any questions you may have!
They custom size the screen and rails for your RV. It comes with everything you need screen, rails, screws, and instructions. They even have an installation video.
Lead time for the screen was 2 weeks.
Tools Needed:
- Hacksaw
- Drill
- Really good drill bits
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Nylon shims
Make sure all your measurements are correct, and cut the rails with the hacksaw. Space out the drill holes, 2 inches from the top, and then about every 8 inches after that. Once the two rails are all set, put one in place, and use the screws provided to attach the rail to the wall. Insert the screen roll on top, and angle in the second rail into place. The rails will hold the screen up top and you screw the second rail to the wall. Screw in the top screen into place on the rail, and voila! You have an installed roller screen!
Troubleshooting tips:
One issue was being a smaller trailer, there are were things installed on the wall that made it a close call. We had to troubleshoot the rail over a raised metal bracket in the wall, so we used nylon shims to ensure the rail was flush and didn’t move. Screwed a hole in the nylon and attached it to the back of the rail while mounting on the wall. It worked!
Test of time
It has been a few weeks and I few things I noticed:
- The screen has reduced the interior floor plan by 5 inches, something I didn’t think about when trying to fit large items inside.
- The screws that came with the screen ended up getting striped, we had to go one size bigger and paint the screw heads. Seems very snug now!
- The screen is so seamless, it’s easy to forget it’s there, walking into it is a real issue – try to be careful!
Working on getting a video up about the process, until then check out the Stoett installation video linked up above.