Doing A Whole RV Re Skin? Here’s the Secret
RV Repair and Remodel on an Alfa Founder Part 2
The last time we visited this RV, the damage left us speechless. It’s time start making this coach look like new. Today we’re going to talk about putting on a whole new RV exterior skin.
Giving this coach a new look involves removing the old RV skin and foam and replacing them. We removed the passenger side skirt and you can see how the cleaned aluminum will house the new foam and Filon skin.
This process requires pressure to keep everything in place while the glue dries. Weight is placed on a removed piece like the skirt and we use clamps around openings and braces on the walls.
Large sheets of foam reduce the number of seams needed. When a seam is required, it is placed around a window to reduce the total length of the seam.
Fixing any interior wall damage is the very first step in an RV re-skin.
Once that’s complete, Styrofoam is glued to the entire exterior. Next is a layer of luan. The new RV skin is glued on last.
One secret to a great fitting new Filon RV skin is using the old skin as a template. Lay it on the new Filon, trace around all the openings, and cut it out. This process reduces the cutting needed once the skin is on the vehicle to just the final trimming.
The driver’s side skirt has been removed and we’ve installed the new foam and Filon. It looks great and we can make sure it’s going to fit perfectly.
You can get a good look at the wall construction from this piece. You see the interior skin, foam, a layer of luan, and finally the exterior Filon. This is the sandwich of a structurally sound RV wall.
The real secret to installing a whole new RV skin is to take it a step at a time. Deal with issues like interior wall damage so you can create the ideal layers for a durable, long-lasting RV exterior.
RV repairs and remodels are always done in phases. Taking the time to discuss and address the issues at each stage keeps the project on track. It also ensures that every part of the project is done carefully and correctly.
