RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track Review

Let’s Dive into RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track

The RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track offers a seemingly simple solution to a common RV problem: replacing damaged or outdated curtain tracks. Offered by RV Designer, this kit promises an easy installation and a fresh look for your RV windows. Does it live up to the promise?

My old travel trailer’s original curtain tracks were a disaster after years of sun exposure and general wear and tear; brittle plastic had crumbled, and the curtains were constantly falling down. I needed a reliable replacement that wouldn’t require extensive modifications or professional installation. After hours of browsing, the RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track seemed like the most promising option.

Upon unboxing, the kit seemed basic but functional; the 45″ wall track felt sturdy enough, and the included glide tape seemed adequate. Compared to some universal track systems that require cutting and complex mounting, this kit appeared straightforward. I ultimately chose this kit due to its targeted design for RVs and its promise of easy installation, and its low price point.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the materials seemed adequate, and the instructions were clear. However, I was slightly concerned about the durability of the glide tape in high-heat conditions within the RV. Only time and testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track in the galley of my travel trailer, an area that sees both heavy use and direct sunlight. The installation was relatively easy; I simply removed the old track, pre-drilled pilot holes, and screwed the new track into place. The glide tape was then sewn onto the curtains and snapped into the track.

The curtains slid smoothly initially, providing a much-needed upgrade from the previous setup. After a weekend camping trip in relatively mild weather, the system performed as expected. I was happy to finally have functional curtains again.

However, after a week-long trip through the desert, issues started to emerge; the glide tape began to soften and lose its grip in the extreme heat, causing the curtains to stick. This made opening and closing the curtains a struggle. It was not designed for this use-case.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the track itself has held up well, showing no signs of bending or breaking. The glide tape, however, remains the weak link in this system. The repeated exposure to heat and sunlight caused the tape to deteriorate further, requiring frequent adjustments and even replacement in some areas.

Despite the track’s durability, the constant maintenance required on the glide tape is frustrating. Cleaning the track is easy enough, requiring just a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. Compared to my previous experience of constantly dealing with broken plastic tracks, the RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track is a step up, but the glide tape issue remains a significant drawback.

Breaking Down the Features of RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track

Specifications

• 45″ Wall Mount Track: The track is made from a lightweight but sturdy plastic, designed for easy wall mounting inside RVs. The length is suitable for smaller windows or can be combined for larger spans.
• End Caps: The kit includes end caps to provide a clean, finished look to the track ends. These prevent the curtain glides from sliding off.
• 72″ Glide Tape: A strip of sew-on tape designed to attach to your curtains and snap into the track. This replaces traditional curtain hooks or loops.
• Mount Style: Wall mount. The track is to be mounted on an interior wall.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the ease of installation, the smoothness of curtain operation, and the overall durability of the system. The wall mount design makes it easier to install compared to ceiling-mounted tracks in some RV configurations. The glide tape should allow for smooth operation, but is a clear point of weakness in practice.

Performance & Functionality

The RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track performs its core function of holding curtains reasonably well, but is held back by the glide tape. When the glide tape is functioning optimally, the curtains slide smoothly and quietly. However, the heat sensitivity of the tape significantly impacts its long-term performance and reliability.

The main strength of this kit is its simplicity and ease of installation. The primary weakness is the poor performance of the glide tape in high-heat environments, and its longevity overall. While the track itself meets expectations for basic functionality, the glide tape falls short.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and unobtrusive, blending in with most RV interiors; it gets the job done but does not exude quality. The lightweight plastic construction makes it easy to handle during installation. While the kit isn’t uncomfortable to use, the sticking glide tape can make opening and closing the curtains an annoying task.

The kit is relatively user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve; it is intuitive. Sewing the glide tape onto the curtains can be time-consuming.

Durability & Maintenance

The track itself is reasonably durable and should last for several years with proper care. The glide tape, however, has a limited lifespan, especially in hot climates. Maintenance is simple, involving occasional cleaning of the track. Replacing the glide tape may be necessary every year or two, depending on usage and environmental conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes with the track, end caps, and glide tape, offering limited customization options beyond paint or replacement of the tape. The track is compatible with standard curtain fabrics and designs, allowing for some degree of aesthetic customization. Third-party replacement glide tape may be used, but it needs to be compatible in size and construction with the track.

Pros and Cons of RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track

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Who Should Buy RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track?

The RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track is perfect for RV owners on a tight budget who need a simple and quick fix for damaged curtain tracks. It’s also suitable for those who primarily camp in cooler climates where the glide tape is less likely to fail. It will work well for those who are not very demanding of their RV curtain system.

Those who camp frequently in hot climates or demand high reliability should skip this product. Anyone looking for a long-term, maintenance-free solution should invest in a higher-quality track system with more durable glides or a different type of curtain mounting.

A must-have modification would be to source a higher-quality, heat-resistant glide tape from a third-party supplier; this could significantly improve the longevity and performance of the system.

Conclusion on RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track

The RV Designer A502 Curtain Kit Wall Mount Track offers a budget-friendly and easy-to-install solution for replacing damaged RV curtain tracks; however, the problematic glide tape significantly impacts its long-term performance. It will solve a real problem in the short term.

The price is justified for those seeking a temporary fix or who camp in cooler climates. It gets the job done to solve a common RVing issue.

I would cautiously recommend it to those on a budget, with the strong caveat that they should be prepared to replace the glide tape periodically or find a better aftermarket solution; otherwise, it’s probably best to spend a bit more upfront for a more robust system. The track is functional, but the tape holds it back from being a truly reliable solution.