The idea of “making do” with what you have seems to be the present trend in and around the RV community. But nobody said that you have to look like it. Makeovers of the old RV seem to be the direction RVers are taking.
The first consideration is usually the outside, or more specifically, the painted surfaces and the vinyl graphics. Painted surfaces usually age better over time than vinyl graphics. That’s one of the big reasons manufacturers started going to full-body paints on motor coaches in 2005.
A little rubbing compound and a good paint sealer will usually bring the clear coated surfaces back to a reasonable shine. But clear coats oxidize with time and a factory-applied clear coat is only good for 10 to 12 years. When clear coat starts to fail, it shows first as a haze in the paint, followed by peeling. The only corrective action is to reapply the clear coat.
Where the RV is stored and how much direct sunlight it receives will have an effect on the life of vinyl graphics, which usually begin to fade, crack, or peel after about seven or eight years.
Let’s assume that you have a 1999, 31 to 39 foot RV with three to four color graphics. Here are your options:
Do nothing and become the talk of the KOA.
Go with the full body paint for about $13,000 to $16,000, useful life 10 to 12 years.
Remove and replace the vinyl graphics and polish the RV. Cost $6,000 to $7,000, useful life three to four years before the clear coat starts to fail.
Remove the graphics, paint new ones and polish the RV. Cost $7,000 to $8,000, useful life three to four years before the clear coat starts to fail.
Repair and recolor/paint the existing graphics and clear coat the whole RV. Cost $7,000 to $8,000, useful life 10 to 12 years. This option gives you the same benefits of full body paint at about half the cost.
Everyone has to prioritize their own makeover needs, but while you’re motoring down the interstate, most people you pass won’t see your new countertops.
Enjoy the RV life!
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Ave., Valencia, CA 91355. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 or visit www.finaltouch-usa.com .