potential newbie with paint questions

[srydve]

I've been looking for my first diesel pusher and Newmar is one of the manufacturers I've identified as suitable. I'm currently considering a 2004 KSDP with full body paint. I've read the paint problem threads about "spider cracks" and checking, but am still confused about the extent of the problem. Some suggest it will eventually happen to every coach, others suggest it is related to darkness of color or time in the sun. I will get an inspection before I fianalize on the sale, but I don't want to buy if the problem is likely to occur in future years. It would be nice to know what percentage of coaches have been affected. How concerned should I be? All thoughts are appreciated. Thanks, Dave

[Batman_777]

I just saw a Holiday Rambler, Navigator the other day with spider cracks all over. There is obviously some kind of paint/finish defect since it wasn't very old. The dealership wanted $299k for it. I think it was a 2004/2005 tag... Maybe it was the same unit.

My concern is: Over time, the spider cracks may get worse, deepen and moisture may get in. Not good

Do additional searches here on iRV2..(I see you already have done some checking) There are other threads with the same discussion. A new full paint can cost $20k.

["007"]

Here is a link to Newmar and other MFG's paint problems on old threads.
Welcome to the Newmar forum.

[ktm500mx]

most of the time the "spider cracks" are caused by uv from the sun, that said some are more serious and caused by delamination between the grp layer and the gelcoat. both can be time consuming and expensive to fix.
later Mike

[mbisson]

I have a 2004 KSDP and in Sept 2008 Newmar resided and did a complete repaint for the previous owner. Yours may have been done also. I understand they did a lot coachs some years back.

[srydve]

Thanks to those who replied. I checked with Newmar and the '04 Kountry Star I've been considering has not been repaired. I was hopefull I might hear of full paint coaches that had not had the problem, so far that is not the case. They look nicer but mayby the plain walls are a better choice in the long run.

[bigskymt]

We have an '04 KSDP. There is one 3' spider crack on the lower end of the rear cap. It appears to impact related. Our coach has never been repainted and has experienced temp extremes from 10F-115F.

["007"]

Welcome bigskymt to the Newmar forum.
Enjoy the forums and do post often.

[bigskymt]

Thanks 007, I suspect I'll be learning more then contributing for a long time..........terry

[srydve]

Terry, Thanks for the reply, good to know at least one hasn't shown the problem. I was wondering if you could tell me what color yours is? Thanks Dave

[bigskymt]

Dave: Ours is Sandrift Base Color.