We are all victims of first impressions. In the RV community, we are often judged by what we are driving or towing. New, old, long, short—even the number of air conditioners on top—prompts others to wonder who we are, and what we’re like. When we pull into an RV park, we are, so to speak, putting our best foot forward. A clean, sharp-looking RV will be a positive first impression.
Nothing dates an RV more than the condition and style of the exterior paint. A 2006 RV with oxidized and faded paint looks ten years older than it actually is. Consider this: if all RVs were white, it would be hard to tell a 2011 motor home from a 1999 or a 2009 24-foot trailer from a 1990 24-foot trailer.
More and more RV parks across the United States are starting to develop standards for admission into their parks; those standards are all based on the initial visual appearance of the RV—the first impression. A clean and recently painted 20-year-old motor home can have an as good or better first impression as a much newer motor home.
In the 1920s, the first trailer was spray-painted with nitrocellulose lacquer. In the 40s, enamels were the choice paints for enhancing the visual appeal of new RVs. The 80s saw the shift to acrylic enamels. In 1990, strict repainting laws went in effect in California. In 1992, we saw stringent air pollution laws regulating repainting in the Los Angeles district. In 1995, paint manufacturers began to offer lifetime warranties to customers when their best products are applied by certified shops. On average, a 2011 RV kept indoors (out of the sun) and waxed regularly can expect the paint to last about ten years before the clear coat has oxidized completely.
The condition of the paint on your RV can affect the resale value by as much as $10,000-$20,000. While insurance companies value your RV by age and mileage, the resale market is based on age and visual appearance. The single best thing you can do to protect the value of your RV is to consider updating your exterior paint. An added plus is those first impressions.
More importantly, enjoy the RV lifestyle, and be safe.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and visit www.FinalTouchRV.com.