Full Body Paint or Gel Coat??

[TheWanderers]

Am looking at buying a model that has either, both are at same price. In the new Thor Hurricaine's, they get more for the full paint, but I see benefits to both. What are the pro's and con's of each??

[kjbkjb]

Like so many other things, it is a personal choice for the buyer. When I ordered my 2011 Class A full body paint was a $7,000 option and I didn’t have to think about whether I should order it or not. It is a definite must for me.

[Blaster_Man]

A good paint job will last much longer than the gel coat. Do a comparison...look at similar aged RVs, one full body paint vs one with gel coat.

[jerseyjim]

Due to my neglect (really....USING the motorhome) I let the bottom 1/3 which is that blue/grey color oxidise to the point where it could not be reclaimed. So paint it I did. No paint "code"...the color is baked into the gel-coat....the painter took about 2 hours to get a darn near perfect match. Everything got stripped down and new stainless hardwear....4 grand. Looks brand new.
Now...the upper 2/3rd...that is white in color, with the decals...just compound it and once a year wax and buff it with a wheel...looks brand new (without painting).
Yes..the decals, up close look a little "rough" but completely acceptable. Not changing them yet. Coach is a 12 year old gasser.
Oh...did I mention that pulling into one of them "10 year max" places, they never gave the coach a second glance. Or first one, if I recall.......

[Seneca_35GS]

I agree with the others go with the full body paint. I have a 6 year old Super "C" that has a combination of paint and gel coat. The gel coat is oxidizing at a faster rate that the body paint and the coach is beginning to look out dated. Cost to get the gel painted was $8,000 dollars

[restorodder]

Gel coat makes a five year old coach,look twenty years old. Graphics must be decals which crack, peel, and fade.

[BillMFl]

Well I can tell which one looks the best. Full body paint.

[hershey]

If nothing else: the resale value of a fullbody paint will beat the socks off of the gel coat.

[RayChez]

Go with full body paint. Gel coat once it starts to fade, it is hard to get the shine back out. Just like a boat if you have gel coat.

Full body paint is easy to maintain with a wax every so often.