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Frequently Asked Questions about MCD's American Duo Day/Night Shade System and American Solo Shade System:
How do they work?
The American Duo is a two-roller shade system; the Day shade utilizes the exclusive MCD ClearView® Solar Screen material for clear vision out, daytime privacy and heat control; the Night shade utilizes a 100% light blocking material. Each of the two shades comprising an American Duo system can be manual, powered (controlled by switch or remote), or one shade can be powered with one shade manual.
The American Solo System is a single-roller shade system with your CHOICE of either the MCD ClearView® OR one of our 100% light blocking fabrics. Each American Solo shade can also be manual or powered.
The MCD manual shade system utilizes MCD's proprietary GlideRise IV technology and the MCD externally adjustable AutoStop. This exclusive technology combination enables the user to “touch-and-release” the shade and it will slowly retract and gently stop at a predetermined height. Powered shades require a 12V DC power source and you can choose either switched or remote controlled operation. Switch motors are typically used for the windshield where existing power visor switches can be utilized. Remote controlled shades can be operated with either of our 2-channel or 14-channel controllers. Typical installations allow you to operate each shade individually, as well as allowing multiple shades, such as all night shades, to open and close with the touch of a single button.
How much space do the MCD American Duo or American Solo shades require?
The brackets and rollers for either a Duo or a Solo take up a space two inches wide and four and one-half inches high for a Duo or two and one-half inches high for a Solo. Most valances will accept the shades without any modification. Depending upon your particular valance design, there may be instances where the shade's bottom hem rail and a little of the shade material may show. However, the overall “look” is still very pleasing.
Can I install my American Duo/Solo shades myself?
Depending on your comfort level and ability, yes, you may be able perform your own installation of the American Duo or American Solo Shade System on your own. The windows in most living areas can easily be retrofitted by taking down the existing valance, removing the existing shade and hardware, next installing our mounting clips and shade, and finally reinstalling the valance. We strongly recommend that the cockpit area shades be installed by trained personnel either at the MCD facility in McKinney, TX or at one of the listed Authorized Installation Centers around the country. The measuring, installation and finish-out in the cockpit is far more involved than the living areas. Anyone considering installing their own cockpit shades should call and speak with one of our technicians to learn if it truly is something they will feel comfortable doing.
Where can I get my American Duo or American Solo shades installed?
The American Duo Day/Night Shade System or the American Solo System can be installed at MCD's facilities located in McKinney, Texas (a Dallas suburb), or by any of the locations listed on our Dealers page.
What do they cost?
Shades are priced according to size. You will find a price chart by clicking on Pricing Information which is located on both the American Duo and American Solo pages. The shades are custom built to the size ordered. Processed custom orders cannot be cancelled, returned, or refunded.
How do I measure and place my order?
To measure the living area windows, measure the width and height of the INSIDE of the valance. We need the clearance width and height to determine the correct size shade. It is best that we maximize the shade size in order to block the most heat and light. Click on Measuring which is located on both the American Duo and American Solo pages for more detailed instructions and to fill out an order form that can be emailed directly to MCD.
What colors are available?
There are a number of color / fabric / pattern swatches to view online along with a number of other choices not shown in the swatch section yet . Just click on Fabric Samples which is located on both the American Duo and American Solo pages. You can also call or email to request a complete assortment of swatch samples be sent to you. There are typically five neutral colored, patterned vinyl fabrics and 5-7 upgrade, polyester fabrics available to choose from. All fabrics are 100% light-blocking and easy to clean.
How long does it take to get them?
Once your order is placed and we have all necessary measurements, it typically takes two to three weeks to receive your shades. Customers visiting our facilities in McKinney, Texas, should first make an appointment. We will make certain that all materials are on hand when you arrive for your scheduled appointment. See below for more information, but if you have your American Duo/Solo shades installed at MCD's facilities, you can enjoy full hookup and stay in your coach while we install and finish out your retrofit in less than 5 business days.
If I order manually operated shades now, could I convert them to powered shades in the future?
Yes, but....the price to do so depends upon which generation of manual shade you have. Please contact MCD Customer Service for further explanation. If you order manual shades now and then decide to upgrade to power sometime in the future, the shades can be upgraded to utilize remote control motors and then be operated via remote controllers. All motors would need to be connected to a constant 12V DC power source in order to power the shades. Again, please contact us for more information as the ease and cost of conversion varies between different generations of manual shade models.
How do I clean my American Duo/Solo shades?
To clean the solar screen material (Day Shades), you can use a sponge or soft brush and water to remove dust and most stains. A mild, diluted cleaning solution can be used to remove tougher stains; rinse with water after cleaning. Use a towel behind the screen as you clean with a sponge or brush to reduce spatter. The vinyl or fabric materials (Night Shades) will clean up nicely with any mild, diluted cleaning solution using a sponge or paper towel. Wipe down with water after cleaning. The suede or woven upgrade materials have been Teflon treated and should clean with a damp sponge. For stubborn stains, a Woolite type upholstery cleaner may be used as directed.
How long will it take for MCD to retrofit my coach?
For Living Area retrofits, you should allow a total of three working days. If you include the cockpit area, four to five working days are standard. For optimal service at MCD's facilities in McKinney, Texas (a Dallas suburb), you must make your appointment in advance. Depending upon our workload, we will try to accomodate your arrival date request.
On the first day, measurements are taken, a firm quote is provided, and your order is placed into production. On the second day, your shades are produced and installation begins. Typical installations take 3-4 days to complete if your shades are all manual; power shades typically take an additional day. Most installations are certainly completed in less than 5 working days, but there may be extraordinary circumstances that may cause you to have to stay with us an extra day.
What forms of payment do you accept?
MCD can accept cash, personal or business checks, traveler's checks, and Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. (No American Express.)
What if I have more questions?
MCD has sales and technical support available to you during our regular business hours of M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time. You can also request additional information through our Support system located here on our website. Just click on Support in the left column on any page.
You can also download the American Duo/Solo Owner's Manual (registered users only). Please visit the American Duo Product page and look for the download link just before the introductory text.
Thank you!
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