graphics vs full body paint

[roodman]

has anybody really figured the advantages of the full body paint option versus the gel coat w/ graphics. Is it worth the 10k???

[mwdilday]

Originally Posted by roodman

has anybody really figured the advantages of the full body paint option versus the gel coat w/ graphics. Is it worth the 10k???

When we purchased our Cedar Creek Champagne almost a year ago it was a $7,000 option. I looked up the value of used trailers similar to mine and it seemed to me like the used trailers were valued around $7,000 more with full body paint. Also, they are much easier to clean and maintain since all of the graphics are actually painted on instead of decals. Others who had posted online were very pleased with them too. We love our full body painted 5th wheel.

[Gsykora]

The full body painted rv's sure look good though...

[wahoonc]

I have owned both, currently I have full body paint and love it! It is just like taking care of a car paint job, wash and wax a couple of times a year. With the fiberglass gel coat the graphics are usually stick on and are hard to clean around and keep looking good as the years go by. So to me the full body paint jobs are well worth it, we also have a tendency to keep things for a long time which will make the cost more reasonable.

Aaron

[RudysWorld]

I have gel coat now and I think I would prefer full body paint. The reasons are what have already been stated. I also think the full body paint just looks so much better, especially if both types are slightly dirty, which is most of the time. As for the 10K I guess I will have to make that decision when I buy my next one. Good Luck!!

[Cover Dog]

If it’s within you budget I would opt for it.

[roadking1997]

I have had both, the full body paint is well worth it if stored outdoors for any length of time. Our 2015 FR3 was already fading on the roof cap above the windshield within a year.

[lucky55616]

We have full body paint and are very happy with it. We love the look and our camper neighbors do too as we are always getting compliments from fellow campers. After 4 years and taking care to wash and wax the paint is still very glossy and looks like new.

[dblr]

We prefer the full body paint but a person at a factory did comment that $10,000 pays for a whole lot of camping, I think it comes down to a personal preference.

[Photo Lab]

While I agree with the general consensus that full body paint is more desirable, my question has always been "Why charge extra for leaving something off? The mass of decals can't be cheap"

On the other hand, while modern urethane paints with base coat/clear coat systems do maintain their "new" look for a much longer time, is it really worth up to $10k to apply it? On the other hand, the graphics are applied directly over the gel coat, gaining what in the way of longevity?

Personally, I think most graphics treatments look gaudy and cheapen the looks of the products. Over my camping life, I've owned a 17' bumper pull, two bus conversions (a 35' and a 40' diesel pushers)and three fifth wheels, and now a class C. The buses of course gave me control over the paint job, and the DW and I went with simple designs, with the last one painted in shades of blue to mimic the factory demo, always over a white base.

[Iowa City Fix It]

We recently stayed at a state park in Arkansas where there was a Cedar Creek with full paint. Wow, it was quite stunning. Really cool!

[Dpelaez]

Full body paint is the best option and well worth the initial cost.

[jbrosecity]

Well I agree with the others... we had one gel coat Class A and the rest full body paint. When we went looking for the 2018 Sunseeker, there were a lot more around here for sale with just the gelcoat, especially on the Ford chassis, which I was insistent on.. the fbp is an $8000 option on the sunseeker. I felt like it would be an easier resale some day, eventually, since they are much less common. Certainly *I* think they look much better, easier to maintain, and make a Class C a standout from all the older Class C's on the road that are just white with a few graphics.

[Dennis King]

Was hard to decide at first but everyone said I would get my money back. From what I see and have heard it is well worth it! I am glad I did!

[camaraderie]

I'd be really happy with full body paint...but I'm happier with the 10k in my pocket. I understand those who want it...but I'm happy with what we got.

[klickitatjim]

If you peel your stickers (free) you end up with a custom, nearly one of a kind RV that is all paint. Once you do, you will realize how every other RV looks just like every other RV... except yours

[Dpelaez]

The problem with Gel is there is no depth to the color, oxidation is inevitable and decals are always just temporary.

[Wolverine 1945]

Do we really need one more person to vote for Full Paint !!!
Ok - Full Paint !!! LOL !!!

[changing it up a bit]

My comment on the full body paint is "buy a unit that it is standard'. I own a Cardinal Estate and it is the way the unit is configured from the factory. I know there are other manufactures also have rigs that have paint as a standard, not an option.

[roodman]

Wolverine....That SEALS the deal...a pun there.