full body paint

[Solera Scott]

I just purchased a 2013 Solera with full body paint. I have heard that if you cover the rv it can void the paint warranty. Not to worried about that because I believe it's just a 12 month warranty but can get advice from other people that have full body paint do you cover your RV when storing it outside during the winter. I have always covered my class c but they never had the full body paint. Can the cover end up marking the paint where it rubs during windy conditions? Recommendations on a preferred cover to avoid this or go without? I don't want to remove it next spring to find rub marks all over the paint where it was touching the cover. The two choices I see are a tyvek/polypropylene ( Elements brand thinks its the same as adco) or a Ploy-oxford fabric (Elements premium) any advice out there?

[youroo]

The only Guarantee that any cover used outside will NOT rub or wear your RV does NOT Exist! Store inside or have a Marina Shrink Wrap it! Youroo!!

[Solera Scott]

agreed and I get that just didn't know if full body paint had more exposure to rubbing or if it even needed a cover.

[wingedone]

Couple of things. When I was hauling a new bike home from NC to MI many years ago, I was informed to never cover it when hauled. It will rub the paint right off. Seen it on other bikes.


The paint, if like mine, is automotive grade, clear coated. Just like your car. It will protect, but you need to treat it like your cars paint.


Finally, Dicor reps/engineers were at the Coachmen rally in 2014. They recommended NO covers for trailers. Their opinion was that if you just take care of the roof, no cover is needed. Also, they noted that many people incorrectly install covers, often too tight, damaging the edges and corners of the roof. In other words they can cause more problems than they solve.


A fixed solid roof is a better solution. Wish I had one. But I put mine in covered storage over the winter.

[Jerry Dixon]

I am just confused about the term "full body paint" which FR has as an option for new RV's. What are the alternatives? Partial body paint? Do they also paint just half of it if it is not full body? And which half? Or which part?

[wingedone]

An example of partial paint (albeit a different manufacturer).

Seismic Toy Haulers | Jayco, Inc.

Scroll down. It says 3/4 front exterior.

Usually cheaper than full body paint.

Don't really know any more. Never really looked into one.

[Jerry Dixon]

Originally Posted by wingedone

An example of partial paint (albeit a different manufacturer).

Seismic Toy Haulers | Jayco, Inc.

Scroll down. It says 3/4 front exterior.

Usually cheaper than full body paint.

Don't really know any more. Never really looked into one.

It looks fully painted to me and with graphics like crazy.

[wingedone]

They can be hard to see any difference in a picture.

Here is another example of each.

Decor Options - Lifestyle Luxury Recreational Vehicles, LLC.

Like I said, I don't believe I have seen up close any partial paints, so I am not sure what that entails versus a full body.

[GL1800Rider]

Full body paint also gives you 3M protection on the hood, cap and front facing parts of the coach. No decals to worry about peeling. I keep mine under a covered car port and would not even consider a cover even if it was out in the weather.

[Jerry Dixon]

I am buying a new FR Georgetown XL in a few months, and have pretty much decided to order it unpainted. The FR rep says the fiberglass is treated so that weather will effect it less than a painted coach. It will be an off-white vanilla color. I don't care for the swirly designs and like not worrying about the pinstriping and paint ever peeling. And I sure don't want it even partially painted black to attract the summer heat. Anyone have comments about this?

[grumpy0374]

I'm with you on plain paint, simpler the better. Our Lexi has the base paint scheme with the decal swirls. Thinking about removing the decals as some are starting to peel at the edges. Will end up with a two tone simple paint.
Grumpy

[wingedone]

Originally Posted by Jerry Dixon

I am buying a new FR Georgetown XL in a few months, and have pretty much decided to order it unpainted. The FR rep says the fiberglass is treated so that weather will effect it less than a painted coach. It will be an off-white vanilla color. I don't care for the swirly designs and like not worrying about the pinstriping and paint ever peeling. And I sure don't want it even partially painted black to attract the summer heat. Anyone have comments about this?

Sure, paint doesn't peel, unless you are doing it wrong. Plus look at the threads about recent gelcoats that have badly faded. The FR rep is full of it. Paint is expensive but better than plain gelcoat. I had plain gelcoat trailers, and I don't not miss the black streaks. We camp in the woods, in the north. If I was camping in the sun in the south, I would go with a light color or plain gelcoat.

Now if you just don't like it, your decision.

[MillerTime]

Full paint cost more because the back ground paint has to cover the entire unit. Whereas partial paint just uses the filon for the background. That saves gallons of paint so it also saves big $$.

Paint will provide much better protection to filon or "fiberglass" sided units. The resins in gelcoat do not have the UV protection that paint and clear coat have.
Chalking up of gelcoat or resin is actually the breaking down of the material from UV exposure and why quality waxes and inclosed storage is so benificial to boats and rvs.

Of course any paint job can fail and peel if the surface is prepped wrong or if there is an proper technique used, but you will have to trust that they have hired people that know how to do thier job. Just look at other models that share similar paint options and see how they are holding up. You can also call the manufacturer and ask who they use for paint and thier warranty for paint. Either option, full or partial, the paint well most undoubtedly look good way longer than most decals.
Good luck with your decision!!!