Community Forums

Jhuff8181 · 06-02-2014, 01:50 PM

We have narrowed our search to either a Heartland Cyclone, Road Warrior or Gateway. We plan on using it full-time. While working on choosing options on the build sheet I noticed that full body paint costs about 20% of the full unit price. Is it really worth it? Is there a huge benefit to having full body paint?

jmoffat · 06-02-2014, 01:56 PM

it,s strickly looks for the first few years but my impression is that after a few years the standard paint job starts to look old and drab while the full paint (assuming you wash and wax on a regular basis ) will maintain it,s look. Also I would imagine that resell value would be much enhanced but by how much I don't know.

Jim

TeJay · 06-02-2014, 02:06 PM

You'll get opinions in all directions. I've got experience in painting for what ever that's worth. FBP will by far give you the best protection from the elements. Since you will be in the elements as a FT'er you'll need the protection. The type of paints today are very good. Most are going to be as with the auto industry a base-coat clear coat with chemical epoxy type hardeners and they are excellent.

Our 2014 coach has FBP top and bottom but where the decals are in the center section it does not. Part of the problem with some decals is they fade and peel. Our 1999 Dutch Star had no issues with the exterior. We had it for 10 years but the last 5 it was under a carport and not exposed to direct sun.

If memory serves me right FBP for our WBGO would have been about $9,000. That would have been about 12% of the cost. Your 20% may be a little high but your unit is probably longer and the paints are very expensive. A gallon of red could exceed $500 a gallon the last I heard. What we had done cost us around $3,000.

TeJay

Cypressloser · 06-02-2014, 02:10 PM

It shouldn't cost 20% but it is pricey.
If you want it to look like new after 5 years then yes, if you don't care then no. I'm not so sure about the resale value either but I have my doubts. Who doesn't want their home to look nice inside and out?

Walt Bennett · 06-02-2014, 02:14 PM

20% is WAY too much. I'm certain that you can find the floorplan and unit you want with FBP off some dealer's lot and it won't be priced that much higher than the same unit next to it without it. That kind of pricing is by manufacturers wanting to suck every dollar out of your pocket.

Jhuff8181 · 06-02-2014, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt Bennett

20% is WAY too much. I'm certain that you can find the floorplan and unit you want with FBP off some dealer's lot and it won't be priced that much higher than the same unit next to it without it. That kind of pricing is by manufacturers wanting to suck every dollar out of your pocket.

I agree the base price for the Heartland Road Warrior we are looking at is around $54000 and the add on for FBP is $11427. Seems a bit pricey to me too.

bigmichael · 06-02-2014, 08:39 PM

The price of FBP is the price of FBP, with perhaps a little variation by size of rig and who does it. But this means that the percent it adds to the cost of the rig is significantly more on a less expensive rig than it is as the price of the rig increases.

paz · 06-03-2014, 08:31 AM

I don't know what the prices are on the units you're looking at, but full body paint on motorhomes usually costs $8 to $10k, not a percentage of the list price. Sometimes the selection of FBP as an option forces other options that you may or may not want or need. If that's the case, the price will be on the $10k side or even a little higher.

FastEagle · 06-03-2014, 08:38 AM

It would be interesting to learn how much weight the paint job adds to the gross.

FastEagle

Tony Lee · 06-03-2014, 01:11 PM

Nice safe, durable Gelcoat-white all over is my preferred external finish.

TeJay · 06-03-2014, 01:25 PM

We know that paint on an aircraft is an issue. They are usually stripped before re-painting because of the added weight. I can't believe it adds much more than 20-30 lbs. to a coach. But that is a good question and I'm just guessing.

TeJay

Dog Folks · 06-03-2014, 01:32 PM

Worth it? Not to me.

$10,000 will pay for a lot of polish and it's application.

Ray,IN · 06-03-2014, 08:58 PM

FWIW, white is much easier to cool, unless you are fully-shaded from sunlight. I've read many posts complaining of poor cooling from owners with full body paint.

Santee · 06-04-2014, 06:14 AM

Just a quick comment on the FBP. Trust me it's very hard to keep cool. If you are in Florida or the SWest during the summer months you will find out real fast.