Before and after 2011 Coachmen Freelander paint job.

mlh wrote:
That is a nice paint job. I am very interested in something like this but not quite so fancy. Would you think that the price would be considerably cheaper to put a coat or two of plain white with a few coats of clear? At that point you could install graphics if desired. Like I said, I wouldn't want anything fancy. I just like the idea of easier upkeep.

I think you have the right idea in regards to painting your rig for easier upkeep and nicer over-all appearance. Even if using one color, plain white or other color. Our painted rig is so much easier to keep looking nice compared to our old gel coat fiberglass rig. From the beginning it was hard, and with every year came bigger compromises.

To lower the cost further, if your front Ford/Chevy cab is plain white without any graphics, as long as the paint is good, no bad stone chips or rust, I would not paint it. Just have the shop buff it out. Paint the house the same color which should save significant money for you. If the front cab has removable graphics, maybe they can be removed and buffed to look right. White painted vehicles generally won't have fading or reflection issues from removed graphics, unless the finish is significantly weathered.

Do it in steps and see how it goes. First buff the front cab and see if removed graphics have completely disappeared. If so, then paint the rest of the rig to match. Don't forget to paint the outside mirrors. Unpainted Velvac mirrors along with other unpainted plastic parts around the rig, all turn that creamy yellow color over time.

If you wanted to get a little fancy without a lot of extra cost, have a simple straight horizontal two-tone pattern, darker lower, white upper. But you'll be painting a portion of the front cab to make it look right.