How to Make an Old RV Look New Again

RV Life

You’ve been enjoying your RV all season, but you’ve noticed something about your trusty rig. Quite frankly, it ain’t what it used to be. Maybe the decals are peeling, or the paint is fading, or some of the seams and seals are failing. Apart from the more-extensive issues these could cause, you’d just like to make your old RV look new again. We’re here to help.

Surprisingly, it’s not too difficult to make your old RV look new again—though it dies take some work. The plan is to not go broke in the process, preserve your energy by targeting high-impact elements, and balance your time. Although that may be true, an undertaking of this scope is not for the faint of heart.

Honest Assessment

Objectively look at your RV. Take note of what you see. Is the exterior looking dated? Are the once bright decals peeling, cracked or faded? What about clearance lights and headlights? Are they outdated, scratched up, dull and battered by crud, road grime, and bug guts?

Objectivity reveals major and minor flaws. In other words, cut emotional ties and look at your rig like you are purchasing it. In fact, look again and what do you see?

Major Goals

First, decal/graphics restoration is major step toward making your old RV look new again. Even if it’s only a matter of replacing or fixing, generally speaking, it’s a major project. Instantly, the options are limited. Either full restoration or partial restoration of some areas. Rather than that, some RVers paint over them. Whatever option you choose depends on your DIY skills, resources to invest, and time available to do it.

Exterior decals look great after restoration. Photo: Patty Lyles. — *The author’s old RV looks new again. Faded and cracked decals were fixed by painting over some and replacing others. Two years later it still looks great. **Photo: Patty Lyles**.*

Products used to Fix Faded and Cracked Decals

Minor Goals

In essence, a minor goal is not related to size; it is related to difficulty. As an illustration, my 29-foot RV suffered years of oxidation and decals were dull and faded on top of that. The actual cost of this minor goal was low.

Chiefly, the true cost to restore oxidized RV fiberglass is elbow grease. Since I can say from experience, there is a football field’s worth of RV acreage to cover. Comparatively, incredible results are possible by getting at that oxidation with a good wash and wax. All in all, this part is not overly expensive or highly technical. After all, the end result is nothing short of robust.

The Plan

All things considered, look around for ideas, the tools, and product resources to aide with planning your strategy of attack. Frequently, there are no small portions of ideas, how-to videos and relevant websites to explore. First thing to remember, RVers are smart and savvy. Above all, they know how to save time and money making the old RV look new again.

It’s important to realize how to break goals down into three categories or factors: cost, difficulty, and time. That is to say, replacing decals can be costly, difficult, and time-consuming. Moreover, all three of these factors are involved in every goal of the plan. Sooner or later, you will need to decide if any or none of these three factors are prohibitive or realistic.

To clarify, these factors are best understood through doing research before starting. Indeed, RV graphics come in all shapes, colors, sizes, price points, and degrees of difficulty.

Decision Time

At the same time, there are money saving options on the DIY side worth investigation. As a matter of fact, at IRV2 there is a forum dedicated to Vintage RVs. The point often overlooked: Longtime RV owners know a new RV is a substantial investment that quickly depreciates over time. The smart and savvy thing to do is take care of that older RV.

High Impact

Without question, clearance lights are a high impact element. In fact, they are often the first thing seen coming over the horizon. Be honest, who hasn’t stood out there in the dark admiring the beautiful glow of your RV’s clearance lights?

Old Class C motorhome still looks new thanks to routine maintenance. Photo: Patty Lyles. — *Belinda* is the author’s 1994 Vintage Coachman Leprechaun. Not only were the old and faded decals fixed or replaced, but the high-impact elements were targeted as well. Photo: **Patty Lyles.**

Working Out Details

To be sure, you Make Your Old RV Look New Again through old fashioned vehicle detailing. But unlike detailing a car, the RV detailing experience is absolutely exhausting. Whenever you undertake this yourself, you will save money since professional detailing of something this massive will cost you big.

I can only tell you that the taste of satisfaction erupts when you step back and witness previously subdued points along the surface burst forward in bold detail and to say nothing of, fresh, sparkling, colorful parts coming together against the background canvas of YOUR glistening RV all mounted on squeaky clean wheels and tires.

Identically, a secondary plus of detailing your RV is Prevent Defense. To put it differently, since you are up close and personal, you inspect the health of corner seams, the wear and tear of all window seals, look for hints of delamination top to bottom, and find any other issues along the way. Above all, don’t overlook high impact areas: cargo door latches, entry steps, slide out-covers, and window weep holes.

The Details

Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover
Replacement LED Top, Back, Side Marker Clearance Lights (varies by vehicle)
Porch Lights (varies by vehicle)
Fog Lights
Stainless Steel Baggage Door Latches
White Aluminum Trim
RV Flexible Sealant
Molding Inserts all around (varies by vehicle)
Molding Cap Ends (varies by vehicle)
Restorer and Wax

Keep it Looking New

Once you get your old RV looking new again, plan time for yearly detailing and waxing. As much as you would want to, there is no way of maintaining your RV in perfect condition. In spite of that, you can meticulously maintain it. At the same time, once you establish a great base coat of wax, it becomes easier and quicker to refresh it each time.

Conventional Supplies

Provided that a significant amount of time and money is devoted to equipment and repairs, stockpile supplies to keep on hand. After all, these supplies will be useful to not only get your old RV looking new again, but also maintain it down the road.

Another key point is that RV Parts are easily found locally or online and read customer reviews of various manufacturers. While the quality of product matters, particularly valuable are comments and evaluations from RVers who used it and willingly kick around results. Under those circumstances, spend the time to look.

Invest in Your Future

An old RV that looks new is sustained through countless cycles of a maintenance routine. Given these points, you are investing in future trips and memorable moments with family and friends. After all, no matter where you get your parts, exercise thoughtfulness while browsing to cook up your shopping list.

As has been noted, products of proven quality and tested for RV use make for safe decision making. One example is the Dicor RV Product Line. To begin with, Dicor eases project management with Seal-Tite Products & Kits and Roof Products. In particular, seams and the roof are high water intrusion areas of grave concern. Other great roof repair options include RV Roof Magic and FlexArmor.

So, is it Worth all the Effort?

RV ownership is a substantial investment of time and money. Making your old RV look new again is something every RV owner should take enormous pride in. Let’s face it, there is a huge measure of pride as the glistening behemoth lumbers round the campground saying to everyone there, “Look at me ! My five-star home on wheels has arrived!” Honestly, a favorite campground activity is gawking at all the RVs coming and going.

Once done, take a step back and admire your hard work. Snap tons of pictures and share them with other RVers. After all, the results of all that hard work deserve a spotlight.