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SeaVee's avatar
SeaVee
Explorer
Sep 14, 2019

Graphics Vinyl Stickers Decals

I am getting close to purchasing a toy hauler, that I may factory order. I think the graphics on a RV look good when new, but when they fade and peel they make the RV look dated.

If I order new, I am trying to decide if I want to have them deleted, even though I think they look good. If I decide to keep them, any suggestions for keeping them looking new?
  • Many people recommend 303 protectant for vinyl. You could also see if the factory offers the option of painted graphics instead of the vinyl.

    Link
  • Around here, it seems to be a "thing" for owners to strip the decals off their RVs. We have noticed a substantial number of them. Trouble is, it kinda makes them look like FEMA trailers... :)
  • Wish mine looked like a FEMA trailer. I’d even be happy if they were fading and cracking a little. Mine are peeling on the edges and it really looks ghetto. Most places don’t want to take the off or it’s a fortune. I don’t have the energy.
  • If stored in the sun, the vinyl graphics will deteriorate, although a few products will prolong the effects. Purchasing with painted graphics, or done later at a paint design shop, after purchase is better option. Of course the best option is a storage shed, when not in use, and even the vinyl will last a long time.

    Jerry
  • Our decals started to peel a couple of years ago but it is not noticeable unless one looks close. I replaced the decal in the front. But we always cover our RV with a Sunshield tarp which may have minimized the sun effect; or maybe not.
    I like the 303 idea.
  • More UV exposure = quicker degradation of the decals.
    I agree, plain white boxes don't look quite "right".
    If buying new I'd consider the same thing.
    Likely, if it is going to be exposed to the sun for a good portion of the year consider ditching the stickers. If it's more of a weekend rig and stored under roof or cover, get the decals.
    Idk?? Tough call
  • Well I guess I got a FEMA trailer since I removed the yipe-stripes and now have ghost stipes. Ask me how much I care!
  • Since you have the outlines of the ghost stripes do like I did....I peeled, stripped, taped and then painted back in the stripes. Looks fresh. Since the stripes aren't too wide I was able to rattle can them with a nice, smooth finish. Anything is better than cracked, oxidized stripes. Also, I was able to change the color of some of the removed decals to match my toad. It's a lot of elbow grease, I even used paint remover at times...runs and stuff. But, It was a win, win considering how horrible they looked to begin with. It's been a little over a year, washed and weathered just fine. Of course it's over fiberglass, you'll still see the spiderwebs to some degree. Also, I did the front (metal) and it's held up fine. I used epoxy white on the metal then added my stripes on top, hasn't peeled or dulled in the 1.5 yrs. since. Had plenty of dirty, greasy mechanics hands on the hood and it washes off fine with gentle soap and water. Hasn't peeled anywhere. If I could, I'd pay for full body but it isn't in the cards....at least it looks decent up close.

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