Decals, graphics

I firmly believe it's mostly the sun that does the damage.
My TT is a classic case. We don't get the sun here that they do in places like Az or S. Ca. So my 10 y/o graphics are in perfect condition with the exception of the front. While the back and sides are well protected, the front of my TT gets the afternoon sun every day. Those decals faded within a couple of years and started trying to peel after about 5 years. A couple of years ago I had the front re-painted because not only were the decals shot but the gel-coat was going away as well.
Oh and I wax it at least once or twice a years - decals included.
Here's what the look like after ten years:


So the longer you can keep the sun off it the better.

Sun.

303 Aerospace Protectant

IMHO factory decals should be sold at cost as they are free advertising for the manufacturer. Also one would think that would be one part of the RV with quality in mind. I mean many RV's are rolling bill boards for the manufacturer. But guess I am wrong again. It is possible to make quality decals and trailers but I must be wrong on that too.

There really seems to be no rhyme or reason on why some have decal problems and others with similar/same models have no problem. My decals all looked great for 6 yrs. then the front and rear started peeling. Sides still look great after 8 yrs. Exact same trailer in storage near mine still looks good all around at same age. Others have reported peeling/cracking after only 2-3 years. And all over the country and in all environmental conditions. Mine being in TX sun and heat.

But at least Keystone provided replacement decals for free for me to install or pay to have installed.

Sun. I keep mine covered. I also keep it clean and waxed regularly. After each trip monthly I wash then 303 Aerospace goes on the decals. it's 3 years old and decals look good as new.

Most of my decals are faded and peeling, I don't not want the expense and labor of replacing the factory decals, as others have said the manufacturer should pay me to have them replaced.

I'm thinking of stripping everything off and use the shadows from the old decals as a guide and paint new decals on minus the manufaturer and model name.

Anyone do this before? What type of spray paint would you use? I'm guessing some auto detailers pin striping tape would help?

Thanks

Ron W.

Best bet is to either paint new ones or hire a local graphic shop to custom cut new ones. With the later you can get copies of the digital files to replace the replacements in 5 years.

rjsurfer wrote:
Most of my decals are faded and peeling, I don't not want the expense and labor of replacing the factory decals, as others have said the manufacturer should pay me to have them replaced.

I'm thinking of stripping everything off and use the shadows from the old decals as a guide and paint new decals on minus the manufaturer and model name.

Anyone do this before? What type of spray paint would you use? I'm guessing some auto detailers pin striping tape would help?

Thanks

Ron W.

You would need automotive quality paint... spray paint will not cut it.

On our Sunline, I just removed them and cleaned off any residue with WD-40. The trailer had aluminum siding.