Removing Cracked Faded RV Graphics from our Keystone Cougar Fifth Wheel Trailer
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- This video shows you how I remove old faded cracked decals from our 2011 Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailer.
First, I hit the decal with a bit of heat from my heat gun set on low. If I can, I try and peel the graphic off by hand, which tends to take the adhesive, making clean up much easier. If it won't peel off by hand, I hit it with a bit more heat and scape the remaining vinyl decal away with a hive tool.
Once I have all the vinyl material removed, I use mineral spirits to soften the remaining adhesive and scrape it off with the hive tool. Warning! Mineral Spirits may damage some RV sidewall material. Test on a small area first.
To finish the job, I reclean the area with first LA's Totally Awesome cleaner, then 70% rubbing alcohol, and finally do a rewax.
Tools and Products Used:
Hive Tool Scraper - amzn.to/3ywODoN
Wagner Heat Gun - amzn.to/2QJWfDm
Mineral Spirits - amzn.to/2RCEm9O
LA's Totally Awesome - amzn.to/349DJYe
70% Rubbing Alcohol - amzn.to/3u96DlD
See Many More LYRV Tips and Tricks - www.loveyourrv.com/rv-tips-an...
Visit the Love Your RV! Amazon Pages to shop a selection of my favorite RVing products, parts, and accessories
Amazon USA - www.amazon.com/shop/loveyourrv
Amazon Canada - www.amazon.ca/shop/loveyourrv
LoveYourRV is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
-----------------------------------
Follow our RVing adventures at www.loveyourrv.com
Monthly Newsletter ► www.loveyourrv.com/mailing-lis...
Connect with Love Your RV!
Love Your RV Forum ► forum.loveyourrv.com
Pinterest ► / loveyourrv
Facebook ► / loveyourrv
Twitter ► / loveyourrv
Instagram ► / loveyourrv
Don't forget to Subscribe to the channel! ► czcams.com/users/subscription_c...
#LoveYourRV #Keystone - Jak na to + styl
See Many More *LYRV Tips and Tricks* - www.loveyourrv.com/rv-tips-and-tricks-archive/
Hi Ray, Your decal removal looks good. We removed all the graphics off our rig completely. We used RapidTac RAPID REMOVER Adhesive Remover. The decals came off like butter. We used those orange Plastic Double Edged Razor Blade and Titan Razor Scraper to remove the graphics. To get rid of the old graphics "shadow", we then wet sanded the complete exterior utilizing very fine made for fiberglass wet sanding paper and a orbiting sander. It removed most of the oxidation and scratches from over the years. We then finished up with a full application of Meguiar's M-4965 MG Fiberglass Oxidation Removal Kit that got the last of the oxidation using Compound Buffing Sponge Pads . After a full scrubbing wash, completed the project with Meguiar's M5032 Marine/RV One Step Cleaner Wax with Wool & Synthetic Polish & Finishing Pad. The rig looks better than it did when it was brand new. We then caulked where necessary and she is good to go for a few more decades. It was a lot of hard labor, but well worth it with satisfaction of a job well done, just as you always do. We only use marine grade products on the RV. Safe Travels and Happy Trails Ray.
Awesome! :)
Just copied your comment into my notes for when we remove our decals to sell the RV.
Happy 10th camping Anniversary 🏕 💚🦅
As someone that’s worked in the sign industry for 25 year, you are probably best off to remove all the graphics at the early stages of cracking. Even if the other graphics haven’t cracked yet, they are the same age and won’t be far behind. It’s certainly much easier to remove them while they still have some integrity left where they can be removed in larger sections with mostly a heat gun.
The 3M erasers that go in drills can work well to remove the cracked areas; however, the make a dusty mess and I’ve seen them discolor lighter surface from the heat generated from the friction.
❤❤❤❤thanks man I have a 96 with all cracked decals over it and am redoing it as my retirement home in 8 yrs. I saved your video and again thank you
As always Ray, another excellent project video!
I just removed and replaced my decals on my outboard motor cover. I used the Whizzy Wheel Car Decal and Sticker Remover with Drill Adapter Kit. It removed the decal and adhesive with very little work. No damage to the original paint under the decal. I was really surprise how fast and affective it was. Picked it up from amazon for 20 USD.
Agree with the watchful eagle, really good job, Ray.
So glad "Mr. Eagle" approves! :)
Great vid, as usual Ray! - Thanks!
Great job under a watchful eye! Little balls of SNOT! Classic line! Great job.
Nice job ray when I resealed my trailer after removing all the old sealant I used lacquer thinner did not harm anything i actually was polishing my trailer today I was using protect all fibreglass polish also meguiars one step number 67 both products work great tools I’ve use orbital polisher and rotary dewalt takes time but the results are great 😊
Wow is there anything that you're afraid of tackling that's fine tastic I've never seen a guy so talented it's as though you can fix anything I can't tell you how jealous I am fantastic my friend keep it up
Thanks Ray. Once owned a Wildcat about the size of your Cougar which was having decal degradation. Traded it before I had to do decal removal. Have had full body paint with no deals since.
The best way that I have found to get decals off is to get a eraser just like the one's on a pencil. The eraser hooks to a drill motor. As you spin it on the decal the heat takes it off.
You can get these at a car body supply center.
its made by 3M - works good, but does put rubber dust everywhere.
Thanks for the video. I am about to do this to ours. I have designed my own decals to put on our trailer as I have a cutting machine. I got a whizzy wheel to try.
I have a 2007 Cougar 5th. Wheel. Did the same thing last year as you are doing now. I found what you found heat gun and then mineral spirits and lots of elbow grease. Just like you said most people don’t even notice the missing graphics.
Took ALL of mine off the first hot day after getting it home. All peeled off super easy except letters. Hint... easier than waiting till they are dead and cemented to your rig
I have an older Fleetwood Pioneer camper that I removed the decals on, it has the aluminum ribbed siding and I plan on painting the entire camper anyhow, at first I used just a heat gun and a scraper which left a lot of residue, but the trick for me was my rubber gripper gloves that I get at Northern Toll for 1.99, as you heat up the decal start rubbing it with your gloves and it will just roll up and come off leaving no residue, I couldn’t believe how well and how fast it worked! Your gloves can get a bit toasty so take your time doing it, as you use the gloves that get even more tacky and work better as you remove more decal.
Thanks for the tip!
I'm gonna take some old cracked decals off my hardtop camper trailer soon as I want to repaint the roof with rubberized paint.. I bought 1 of those rubber wheel gizmos that you attach to a drill. I managed to get 1 on sale for $6.99 original price was $16.99. If it don't work I'm not out a lot of money. Those other 3M wheel gizmos cost quite a bit.
Looks good!!!!
Good morning Ray I did the same thing with my RV. Montana seems to be noted for not having good decals. This was the second set removed from mine.
Congratulations on your 10th Year celebration. We only made it three years in our adventure and we have sold our RV and have permanent Roots again. Hopefully we will buy small motorhome and travel some here and there maybe we'll run across you on the road again.
Thanks. :)
Thanks alot.this is just what I needed to see...mine are starting to go too and have had a time..didn't think of a heat gun and I have one..lol...just was doing it on hot days...need someone like you to help me...you got a single twin... lol..thanks now I know what I'm doing tomorrow...
You're welcome, just watch the heat gun as it can over do it quickly if not careful, I set mine very low level. Some people prefer to use a hair dryer. Cheers! Ray
@@LoveYourRV thanks Ray..will do...don't want to burn my house down...do I...
I have been eyeballing my graphics for a few years watching them get worse and worse. You have given me some inspiration as well to get them off my 2012 Coachman.
Hi Ray, I used much the same method as you but used acetone instead of the rubbing alcohol. I used the plastic razor scrapers but as you say anything that won't leave marks is fine. It's a few years since I removed most of the decals and have no plans to replace any. The most annoying ones started to peel around the edges leaving the adhesive that attracted dirt.
Thank you for this video!! After watching I took two huge cracked decals off my trailer and since it was so easy I will be removing all of them in the fall. Only thing I did differently was used goo-gone instead of alcohol because rubbing alcohol is super expensive were I live lol
You are most welcome. Cheers! Ray
My Cougar graphics were fading as well. We removed some and replaced then with original graphics from keystone. Waste of money, didn't even last 2 years for areas that get a lot of sun. So we started replacing them with marine paint. Worked pretty good and lasts much better then vinyl.
your description of the glue after you scrape it off made me laugh.... lol Our decals on the front cap of the 5th wheel are cracking and peeling off so I have to get to this one of these days...
I removed all my decals too - what a job. Why they even put those stupid things on makes me mad. They are guaranteed to deteriorate
This is something I had planned to get done this summer on Honey. Still hoping too, but the summer is filling up fast. There just never seems to be enough time!
I like Rick dees suggestion and removing all the graphics and replacing with newer style cougar graphics. Depending on the cost of new graphics you also might consider a full body paint job in the color of your choice like the Luxe rigs. Lots of cheap places to paint it thinking earl scheib or equivalent.
My grandfather and great great-grandfather worked for the Hyde tool company. Make a lot of different tools and knives. Some are made in Canada and others are made in Southbridge Massachusetts
Good info thx 👍
Ray, you can always give an decal eraser wheel a try. I find they work really good. Just run them slow and they work well.
Have you used them on thin Filon type sidewalls versus regular thick fiberglass?
@@LoveYourRV Yes, they work great, just run them slow, slow is the trick.
@@LoveYourRV I have used a decal eraser wheel on slow, both in the sidewall and the front cap. You have to let the wheel do the work. You can't press at all or the wheel will leave a slight burn on the fiberglass. The burn is taken away by a small amount of rubbing compound.
I’d love to see a walkaround of your camper. I have a similar one - if not the same one- and new to the camper world, I see some things on there I don’t recognize but would like to hear your story. I will check your page for one, probably should have first before I wrote this. Just wanted to say I like your video. Thanks.
Thank you. I look forward to seeing all your work. Mine is not the same I see. Yours is the size I wish I had. Mine is the 2011 322QBS. 37 miserable feet long. Don’t need anything that big but the price was right. Took a month to clean the carpet from the wet dog smell. I wish I just ripped it out. A project for the future (or but the one I want with no $$ ;)
Never knew why RV manufacturers plaster these weird graphics all over their products. The graphics should be optional at extra cost. Some 20 years ago, as a museum volunteer, I had to remove the giant vinyl graphics from the sides of a retired 1947 PCC type streetcar. Used most of the same methods as you did, except for MEK (Methyl Ethel Ketone) to clean the surface prior to sanding and repainting. (MEK is an industrial solvent and will happily damage your lungs and dissolve your brain cells if inhaled.) However, the trolley's graphics were made from thick, industrial vinyl and did not rip as much as consumer types do. Big, job. Took several days of hard work! Will have to remove the graphics from my 2003 5th wheel soon, too, for the same reasons. Don't look forward to it.
I used this stuff called GRAPH X OFF.
Two brush on applications and a plastic scraper the huge decal was all gone!!!!!!!!
gel coat
Nice, thx
Yours look brand new compared to ours. Ours are curling and peeling. I don't think I would bother to replace them. With my level of energy, it would take all summer to get mine off ha.
Lighter fluid like what Zippo Lighters use melts the glue and the stickers come off easy.
A popular one in Canada that is similar is called Ronson www.amazon.ca/Ronson-ounce-Ronsonol-Lighter-Fuel/dp/B0017X1NGO I used to use it for removing stickers from TVs, VCRs and Stereos back in my electronic repair days when reconditioning for used sales. It worked *great* and never hurt any of the plastics but I tried it on the decal adhesive and it worked OK but not as well as mineral spirits. Cheers, Ray
I thought the metal scraper would not have been too kind to the skin of the trailer. Since we have a Keystone Outback, I am happy to see how tough that is.
I need to do this.
I did the same thing with my forest river wildcat. But I removed it all because it was curling and cracked and I had to peel everything piece by piece
Of course it's Ann's and your call but I'd suggest that you consider some newer styling, maybe more recent graphics use on newer RV's. As opposed to replacing them with the original graphics.
The only reason I would replace what was there with the old is if you want to mask the faded areas.
Perhaps you can get some newer cougar graphics. Then it won't have 10 year old graphics but much newer styling. It's a thought, maybe you can think outside the box.
That's a good idea or I could add a different model package. Get people scratching their heads wondering about my weird model of Montana :)
Is there a video on how to reinstall new decals? I own a keystone Cougar 29RLS bumper pull... reason I watch your channel! Found your channel years ago! Thank you for all your updates!
I've never done it myself but this it is the video that is linked to by the website I showed - czcams.com/video/I6w-8yU8bRM/video.html
I have a 2010 Laredo, was thinking about using Aircraft Decal Remover.
Forget the wax put on Poly Glow. Made specifically for the marine industry and fiberglass boats. Made my RV look like new, I always get comments on how shiny my rig is. You do not wax over PolyGlow you only re-apply once a year. Call the manufacturer and see if you can put it on Filon. It is an amazing product!! Whenever I park in a grocery lot and the Firefighters are parked nearby while they shop they always comment on how clean and shiny the rig looks! My only caution is do not use any chemical bug remover to remove bugs as it will strip the product off.
Thanks, I was considering a product like that once my original gelcoat is shot. It's getting there in places but still not to bad for the most part. Cheers, Ray
next time, I shall buy my rig factory direct, with no decals.
I would take them all off, specially the good ones that are easier to remove. Don't wait until they crack to remove them. If you want some stripes, use existing marks to re-stripe the ones you want with new ones that will last you a few years.
3M Stripe Off Wheel Adhesive Remover Eraser Wheel Removes Decals, Stripes, Vinyl, Tapes and Graphics 4” diameter x 5/8” thick they work great
I was looking at those wheels but wasn't sure if they were big enough for the large RV decals. Does the wheel last a long time?
@@LoveYourRV I used two to remove the decals on my 1998 Alfa Ideal 36’. I didn’t do the ones at the very top of the sides because I had awnings and slid toppers. Still had the ghost of the old decals. Called it The Naked Alfa.
Thanks, I give one a try on my other side, Will get the 3M one. I see some cheaper wheels out there but I imagine like most things you get what you pay for. Most of the 3M stuff I try works well and has also of good reviews - amzn.to/3uiJmhq Cheers, Ray
@@LoveYourRV just watch the RPM’s and don’t hold in one spot to heat it up.
Was your Alpha regular fiberglass sidewalls like a boat would have or this stuff called Filon that my sidewalls are? As far as I can tell Filon seems to be a very thin layer of fiberglass bonded to a wood backing so not as thick. I guess it saves the manufacture some money and reduces the overall weight.
To remove the adhesive, next time try REMOV silicone and adhesive remover. Spray on, give it a minute, adhesive will wipe off. Won’t harm paints. It’s expensive but works VERY well. A little goes a long way. Amazon has it.
Thanks for the tip. :)
I was just gonna use some alcohol watered down with some hot water.
Did you ever get or have a Huges Autoformer?? If not, I highly recommend dropping $500 for one! I recommend you put it in front of your progressive industries surge protector! I’ve visited RV parks where the voltage is pretty low and Hughes Autoformer would increase voltage by 10%... all other RV parks it’s only 2% increase. My RV is a 2009 version and the AC and Fridge still works because of it!
Thanks for the tip but would be a waste of money for me personally. We don't often stay in RV parks that have low AC voltages and now we also have a ton of extra solar power and battery capacity so can easily compensate for the low voltage. :) But I can see how it could be beneficial for RVers that often use sub par voltage RV resorts. When on the road we mostly boondock. Cheers Ray
Thanks Ray! Like #725
For a old 08 aluminum, RV WIll the same products be useful I don't want to dent or harm the Aluminum. Thanks
Not sure maybe you can search for how to remove airplane graphics for some tips
Do you think that waxing/polishing the RV over the years contributed to the decal cracking, or does it prolong the life expectancy?
My gut says it likely doesn't affect them much at all either way. All the RVs I see tend to have the decals wear out at about the same time. Occasionally some fail much earlier if there is a defect with the production run or cheaper decal quality or the RV is in extreme temps. Darker colors seem to fail first, so maybe heat drying out the underlying adhesive and vinyl. Cheers, Ray
@@LoveYourRV Direct sun in the Valley. Left side peeling; right side perfect.
Googone works well .
I've used WD-40 to help as well.
Rapid remover.,heat gum& plastic razor blade
Can anyone tell me if you can just stick new decals over the old ones and where to buy new decals?
Here is the company I linked to in the video, don't know how good they are though - rvgraphicsstore.com/ Some people sand down the old decals and paint over. I'm not sure about new on old decals, I would think it would be hard to line up exact and then holding both in place is the old adhesive underneath. Cheers, Ray
@@LoveYourRV thank you so much!
Thank you for your video, very helpful. I have a question: I noticed that the siding to the right of my door feels like particle board and not smooth like fiberglass. When I took off the decal using the heat gun and then used the mineral spirits, it feels like I’m stripping off the siding. Am I doing something wrong? Is there something else I should be doing instead to get all of the glue off?
Sounds weird that they would have a different material there. I wonder if the it was a patch or repair. My whole side wall is the same material. It called Filon, which is a thin fiberglass with gelcoat covering an underlying wood boarding material.
@@LoveYourRV Must be the underlying wood boarding material that I feel. Is it possible when I was taking off the decals using the heat gun and then the mineral springs, that I could have removed the Filon fibreglass material?
@@ShannonMcAvella-ey7hl I think if you were to get too aggressive with the heat gun, it would more likely start to discolor, bubble, or burn versus peel off.
@@LoveYourRV I did notice a burning smell, but I think it was the deckle plastic. I am definitely going to be more careful next time.
Thank you for all your help and your videos, much appreciated.
Biggest issue is finding replacement decals that dont cost the price of the rig!!!
Yeah, the full 39 piece kit is $1464
I am having success removing the adhesive with 3M Adhesive Remover
Are you going to put new graphics on it?
Not sure, we haven't decided what we will do. Either way, no graphics look better than cracked and peeling ones I feel. Cheers, Ray
Just removed all the decals on my 2001motor home did it the same way if I ever buy another it will be all paint no more gel coat to much work
Try a cleaner called SPRAY NINE . THis cleaner is real good !!
I've tried that before, good stuff! and Simple Green is pretty good as well but I can't believe how well LA's Totally Awesome works and its just a buck at the Dollar Tree in the USA
Get vinyl graphics made from some of Ann's photos.
Why not paint over the old decals?
Some sand then down and paint over. I decided best for now to just remove them. If you don't do a good job of painting could turn into a big mess is my feeling.
Use a 3M eraser wheel in a drill motor.
Will give it a try on the other side. What is the best RPM for a Filon sidewall, Thanks Ray
I wish I’d have your patience.
People that do it for a living must be very zen
3M eraser wheel and a high rpm drill
Will give it a try on the other side. What is the best RPM for a Filon sidewall, Thanks Ray
I am not sure on your surface was using on a 2011 pickup. About 1000 to 1200 worked best. You probably need to try test spot.
Thanks!
I would have tough that using a hair dryer would produce a less brutal heat than a heat gun
My heat gun has many heat levels, I had it at a low level. Worked perfect. www.wagnerspraytech.com/products/heat-guns/furno-series/
Cheers, Ray
I'm not a huge fan of most RV graphics so off with them all I say! Although some are putting a little design and thought towards appearance now. When ever I need to remove a decal I use toluene. Get it at the paint store. It won't harm your RV because it flashes off so fast. Wear gloves or it goes straight to your liver tho...toxic stuff. Causes dementia if you breathe it too long....so go for it, right?
Thanks for the tip. The only thing that gives me pause is if I ever decide to resell or trade in the trailer.
Any word from your Hobbit Lord if he's going to allow his subjects to leave the country this year?
We have always been allowed to leave but will the USA open the land border to non essential travelers? That's the question. My feeling is yes, likely this summer I'd guess. Cheers, Ray
Hehe I use WD40 for all my glue residue.