Full Body Paint? Why?

Just wondering if the full body paint is worth the extra price compared to the lower body paint.  If it is, why? 

Hi Peggy,

I can only share my experience, why we choose full body paint, and why we still like it.

We owned an unpainted fiberglass rig for 24 years.  It was hard to keep it looking nice.  As the years went by, it looked worse and worse.  I would put so much hard labor into the thing to have it look mediocre.  The first 5 years we owned it, we parked it outside.  The last 19 years we owned it, we kept it in a garage.  I think some of the problem with unpainted fiberglass has to do with age, not just weathering.  We sold that rig in early 2007.

While it was for sale, we ordered our PC, I convinced my wife that because we will keep this one in a garage from the beginning, the paint work should be a good investment.  Not only to look nice, but to clean easy.  Our PC is 11 years old and the rig looks almost new, and it does clean easy.

In our case it was a really good investment.  But remember that we keep our PC in a garage when not traveling in it.  I hope others with full body paint and a long history of 100% outdoor ownership will report in with how their full body paint is holding up to the elements.

I have thought that if I wanted a plain white PC, it would be worth painting the whole thing the same white as the Ford van portion.  It should be a lot cheaper painting it one color, and not needing to paint the van portion.  I assume it would be very affordable.  The entire rig would be very easy to clean, and would age very well.  I also think going with a solid color would open up opportunities for other color choices, but you would likely need to include the Ford van portion to look right.

I think Ron is spot on. The only thing to add is that when buying used I found rigs that were full body paint were no higher than those that were not. So basically if your buying new buy it for you, don’t think about resale value, there isn’t any advantage. The advantage is in not having to buff and wax so often. IMO on that alone it’s a good investment for anyone ordering a new rig.

Cause I like it !!

Cause I like it !!

And there you go.....the best reason of all.    They sure do look rich and classy with FBP.

And I wish all rv makers would lose the decals. 

Peggy,

My brother-in-law has a 2011 PC with decals. He loves it still but would have gone for full paint. He keeps it under a cover, fairly shady driveway yet it still weathers. We opted for full paint and love it! I buffed a boat for too many years to do the same on a motor buggy. PC includes three jars of touch-up paint and they will always have the color codes if extensive repairs are needed.

Steve

The full body paint is beautiful.  When I have shopped the last few years, I noticed that fiberglass gets dingy and the decals crack and peel after a few years.

I guess it's all about the look you want.

We don't like the look of the busy looking full body paint. We don't even like the lower paint job.

I've owned Gel coat only motorhomes for 34 years. 11 yrs, 6 yrs and 8 yrs. PC uses a very good quality gelcoat.

None have faded or chalked and decals always looked good. But I apply a boat wax, 3M Marine Scotchgard Liquid Wax  1 lt ~$22, Quantity lasts 5 years applying twice a year.
No buffing required. Wash RV, apply like any car wax in sections, wipe off.

My PC is ALWAYS outdoors, 5 months in FL and 7 Months in Ohio.

Everyone always says how good it looks. The front piece above the front window, sometimes needs an extra application.

But it's a matter of personal taste, that's why cars come in 10 different colors.

Keelhauler/John....Between you and me, I like your decision concerning lower body paint.  Oops, I am on a public forum.    As I mentioned higher up here, I would have inquired about the cost to paint 100% of the house, the same white color as the Ford portion.  That would be the lowest cost full body paint job to benefit a long-lasting white finish and also ease of maintenance.

It's nice we have choices to decide what is best for us, our tastes, and our budgets.

Just wondering if the full body paint is worth the extra price compared to the lower body paint.  If it is, why? 

Just sold my 40' Diplomat LE with full body paint (deposit has been mailed to Phoenix USA for a 3100, yea).  I bought it new in 2001.  Full-timed in it for 10 years.  For 17 years, that motorhome has been outside.  Once a year I would wash and use "The Solution".  In my opinion, the paint was almost as nice and shiny as the day I bought it.  I never "babied" that motorhome...I used it like I stole it.  So, if one plans on keeping it for a while, I would always suggest FBP.  We all have these decisions when ordering a new motorhome, whether it is paint, or should I get this or get that.  If it is something one is on the fence about, and personnally affordable, do it.

Barry T.

I am curious, what do you paint experts think of clear coat versus FBP?  Is there a difference, if so what?  Thanks for the education.  2travel

I am curious, what do you paint experts think of clear coat versus FBP?  Is there a difference, if so what?  Thanks for the education.  2travel

FBP = Full Body Paint

I would imagine any paint being applied is a 2 stage system, as that is very economical.

""2-Stage Paint is how new cars are painted since the late 1980s. They have a base coat with the color applied before a layers of clear coat are added to protect the color and give you a long lasting finish for years of service.""

So FBP is most likely a clear coat over a colored base. I know my antique  2006 lower paint is, as the clear is coming off the rear fender flares.

Adding to volkemon...

The clear coat also gives life and depth to the paint.  Clear coat would not typically be applied over raw gelcoat because the imperfections in the gelcoat would get amplified.  You would likely be very unhappy with clear coat over raw gelcoat.

An affordable alternative would be to paint the house portion of the coach, the same white color the Ford van portion is already.  Then clear coat the whole thing and you will have a very nice pure white rig that will stand out in it's own right.  I would imagine doing so would come at a greatly reduced cost compared to normal FBP given the painter avoids the van portion and multiple colors & patterns.  You get an affordable, pure looking rig that is easy to clean, reflects the sun's heat, and resists fading the best.

My 2006 PC has the curling decals and I wish something could be done about them.  So I read the comments here about paint.  My rig is 26' and I wonder where I would inquire about having it painted, what sort of shop.  If I call and inquire, I can decide if I want to spend that amount to make it look nicer.