Hi everyone. I'm getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on a new Cyclone 4018 5th wheel but there's just one option I'm not sure of: Full body paint or not?Without full body paint the Cyclone plenty nice enough for me with its standard red graphics package (I guess they're decals?)And with full body paint it also looks great (ok I'll admit I think it looks a little better than the standard decals) but I don't think the difference in looks is worth the $7,800 price increase! :EMy question is, is it worth the $7,800 to get the full-body paint for any reasons other than the looks? Does the full-body paint help the RV last longer? I've heard rumors that it does. But I've also heard rumors that the darker color overall will make the RV hotter since the plain white with decals will reflect the sun. I'm going to be dry camping in the south mostly so being able to use the A/C as little as possible is important to me.I've never owned an RV before (toy hauler or otherwise) so any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

whats more important than full body paint is clear coating the rig.

Is that something I should think about having done after the fact (even if it's on top of the standard graphics/decals)? Or is that something that would be done at the dealer?

Full Body paint with two or more clear coats over the color will help the RV to look like new with minimum maintenance for years where plain gel coat will oxidize and the white will turn a chalky dull color. Look at the MH's that have full body paint that are several years old and if washed will still look like new. My MH is 10 years old and sits outside most of the time and looks like the day I got it. Many people think it is a brand new model.

Full body paint should look better than non full bodied paint over time. To me, I like the full bodied paint much better over the one with out it. 90% of RV's are white with decals. Decals fade, crack and peel away. Especially the longer it is kep out in the sun. Also depends on your location as well. I also think the appeal of it will make it an easier sell than one with out. Especially for the type you have. If you hade a small TT, then it would be a toss up. Because normally someone looking to buy small used TT are budget concious.

I like it, but not $7800.00 wprth of liking it. Use your savings for TV fuel money! Nice looking 5ver though.

Full body paint? It it worth it besides the looks?

42 Replies

2007_PSD_350
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
You may want to look into the HD edition it comes with grey sides and a painted front cap for only around $800. The color was just changed to a darker grey. I have a 3100 that is coming in next week in the HD with red graphics.

http://images.traderonline.com/img/3/dealer/753624/111263845_1thumb_770x574.jpg
RVUSA
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
So I just bought a 98 Monaco Windsor with paint. I will try and get a pic of it tomorrow. 15 years old and it still pops. I love clear coat that doesn't peel. LOL
Gjac
Explorer III
Nov 02, 2013
wny_pat wrote:
Paint is hotter, and heavier than Gelcoat. And paint scratches much more easly than Gelcoat, so stay away from campgrounds where there is lots of scrubs, bushes, and low limbs, cause they will scratch up your full body paint. But full body paint sure looks pretty, and then it gets scratched!
I would prefer an all white upper and earthtone lower(from baggage doors down)just like the old two toned cars to keep the MH cooler in the summer. However I don't see these being built anymore.
barth
Explorer
Oct 31, 2013
broark01 wrote:
Paint is way over rated and adds weight. Stick with the raw fiberglass and forget the paint and gelcoat.

WOW...
If you are that close to being overweight you have bigger problem than having to choose between paint or decals :)
timmac
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
wny_pat wrote:
Paint is hotter, and heavier than Gelcoat. And paint scratches much more easly than Gelcoat, so stay away from campgrounds where there is lots of scrubs, bushes, and low limbs, cause they will scratch up your full body paint. But full body paint sure looks pretty, and then it gets scratched!

Its a DuPont paint and clear coat, its tuff clear coat, had a few scratches on mine and it came off easy with clear coat scratch remover.

Besides gel coat can scratch to..
wny_pat1
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
Paint is hotter, and heavier than Gelcoat. And paint scratches much more easly than Gelcoat, so stay away from campgrounds where there is lots of scrubs, bushes, and low limbs, cause they will scratch up your full body paint. But full body paint sure looks pretty, and then it gets scratched!
Lantley
Nomad
Oct 22, 2013
timmac wrote:
Lantley wrote:
2012Coleman wrote:
I like it, but not $7800.00 worth of liking it. Use your savings for TV fuel money! Nice looking 5ver though.

I agree. Full body paint does look better. But I don't think you will get your $7,800.00 back at resale. Give me the stickers and $7800.00 any day. I don't think you're buying the rig to look at it!

You might not get the full $7800 back at resell but it will sell at a higher price and faster than one without, full body paints need less waxing, cleans up better and looks new even after 5 years.

That's worth $7800 right there..

I understand your point but full body paint alone won't sell the rig. The overall condition will be the deciding factor.
All things being equal, I'm not sure the full body unit will sell for much more than a standard unit 10 years later.
It will only sell faster if it is in better overall condition vs. a basic paint job unit.
frankdamp
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
The problem, as I see it, is that full body "paint" is often decals for the swoopy bits, applied on top of an all white body paint job. In my experience, the decals don't hold up.

Admittedly our rig is 11 years old, but the decals are in poor shape. Bands of discoloration (gray turning to a mustard-like yellow) have occurred in several places. We're second owners and the folks we bought it from were particularly fastidious. If they couldn't stop the color change, I don't think anyone else would have either.

My input is, if it's REALLY a paint job and not just some yahoo sticking decals on the base color, it might be worth the cost. A big white box isn't very appealing.
timmac
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
Lantley wrote:
2012Coleman wrote:
I like it, but not $7800.00 worth of liking it. Use your savings for TV fuel money! Nice looking 5ver though.

I agree. Full body paint does look better. But I don't think you will get your $7,800.00 back at resale. Give me the stickers and $7800.00 any day. I don't think you're buying the rig to look at it!

You might not get the full $7800 back at resell but it will sell at a higher price and faster than one without, full body paints need less waxing, cleans up better and looks new even after 5 years.

That's worth $7800 right there..
pablo77
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013
I've had both and much prefer full paint. After 3-4 years you'll find yourself working hard to keep a shine on the gelcoat (been there, done that). The decals will eventually fade and the edges will loosen and curl. Full paint is just like on a car or truck. Still looks good after many years and easy to maintain. If you keep the rig more than 4-5 years you'll regret not having full paint. JMHO