How Much Does It Cost to Wrap an RV

If you’ve been RVing for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen a few wrapped RVs driving down the road or sitting in a campground. Maybe you haven’t paid much attention to this, or maybe you’ve thought about getting our own RV wrapped.

If you’re in the latter camp, this is the article for you. Here we will discuss the various reasons to wrap your motorhome or trailer, RV wrap cost, and how long you might expect such a wrap to last.

Why Wrap an RV?

First, we will discuss the number one reason one might choose to wrap their RV: appearances. An RV wrap will make your little home-on-wheels look sleek and clean, no matter how old it happens to be. Wrapping is also a great way to make your rig a memorable one, and might even make your RV into a nice conversation piece.

Your paint job could be fading or maybe you would like to advertise your business using your RV. Graphics and logos can be easily printed on vinyl wraps, making it look awesome while still protecting it from the elements.

RV Wrap vs Paint

If that’s the reason most people wrap their rigs, then why don’t they just give their respective RVs a good paint job and be done with it?

Well, to be honest, most of the time wrapping comes in at about a fraction of the price of a new paint job. Painting your RV will cost more due to the amount of preparation that goes in before the paint goes on. Not to mention, painting is permanent so changing it out will involve lots of sanding.

On the other hand, RV wraps can be easily removed and replaced. They can also serve as a sort of armor, protecting the current paint job from scratches, dings, and the sun’s rays. Not only does this keep a new RV looking nice for years, it also helps preserve the resale value of your motorhome or travel trailer.

If the exterior of your RV has any noticeable damage to the current paint job, painting might be your best option. But, if your RV is in good shape with no body damage, a vinyl wrap is a cost-effective way to personalize and protect your rig.

RV Wrap Cost

So, how much does it cost to wrap an RV? The problem is, there isn’t a single answer to this question.

RV wrap pricing can run anywhere from about $1,000 to $10,000 or even more. The final vinyl wrap RV cost depends on a number of factors, including the type and size of your motorhome or trailer, as well as whether you’d like a full, three-quarter, or half wrap.

Travel Trailer Wraps

Let’s take a look at travel trailer wraps specifically. A half wrap on just the sides of a 28-foot-long, 8-foot-tall trailer would cost somewhere around $2,000. Meanwhile, a full wrap on the sides of the same trailer would be double that cost. Those with fifth wheels will pay a bit more because these RVs are taller than bumper-pull trailers.

Want to add a wrap to the front and the back of the trailer? Expect to pay around $500 for a full wrap at each end of a travel trailer, regardless of the size of that trailer. As you might’ve guessed, a half wrap would be around half that price. As far as fifth wheels go, the back costs around the same, but the front of a fifth wheel will be cheaper to wrap, with a price point of about $200 for a full wrap.

Wrapping slideouts will cost extra, as will wrapping windows, and design and shipping charges apply if you choose to use these services.

Motorhome Wraps

What about motorhome wraps? The cost of wrapping the sides of a motorhome is comparable to the trailer costs listed above. The cost of windows and slides is also the same at about $100–$190 per window depending on the location, and around $250 per slideout.

The only real difference in motorhome wrap pricing is for the front and back. For a class A motorhome, a full wrap of the front is about $550 and the back is around $825. When it comes to class C and class B motorhomes, a full back wrap falls into the $550 range, while the front is odd with a $650 price tag on the door and front fenders, $550 for the cab overhang, and $240 for the hood.

How Long Does an RV Wrap Last?

Clearly, camper wraps don’t come cheap. Therefore, many people want to know how long their investment might last. The answer depends, of course, on the quality of the wrap you choose. High-quality RV graphic wraps should last at least 3–4 years, and some will last even longer if cared for properly.

Can I Wrap an RV Myself?

If you have the tools and know-how, yes, you absolutely can wrap your own RV. That said, those who don’t already know what they’re doing probably shouldn’t jump into this task, as messing up is easy to do, and a costly mistake besides.

Therefore, we highly recommend taking your RV to a professional to have it wrapped if you have any doubts whatsoever. A professional installer will make sure the job is done correctly, as they know how to properly measure, cut, smooth, and seal your wrap.

Shrink Wrapping Your RV for Storage

If you’re looking for a cheap way to cover your RV in storage, this is definitely the way to go.

Protecting your RV while it’s in storage is extremely important, and using shrink wrap is the best way to do it. Sure, you could use a regular cover for your RV, but those can be expensive. Using a thin film layer of shrink wrap works just as well. And it costs half as much.

To determine how much shrink wrap you will need, measure from the highest point of the center of the RV, over the side and down at least 8-inches below where you want the bottom of the shrink wrap cover to be.

Shrink Wrapping Your RV

Step 1: Bring the film up on to the top of the RV. Unfold it equally on all of the sides. Ensure that the RV is covered completely with the shrink wrap. You will most likely have to trim the material in order to create a pleat on each of the corners.

Step 2: Use some tape to hold the corner pleats temporarily. Any type of tape will do, but it’s best to use a tape that will not stick too harshly.

Step 3: Create a perimeter band using a piece of string big enough to go around the RV. It’s also best to use a brightly colored piece of string, or a piece of fabric, so you can easily see it. Tie the string or piece of fabric once you have it all the way around the RV.

Step 4: Insert a buckle and further adjust the band to your desired level of your RV. Using a strap tension tool, fully tighten and secure the perimeter band.

Step 5: Be sure to leave approximately 6-inches of material underneath the band for the heat weld. Cut off the excess material.

Step 6: Heat weld all of the pleats to each of the corners, then create a heat weld around the entire perimeter band that you placed around the RV earlier. Next, install a couple of belly bands every 6″ to 8″. Make a couple of small slits above your perimeter band, and fasten the belly straps.

Step 7: Now is the time to shrink the entire cover, but only do this one side at a time. You should not see anything sticking out. If you do, go over it once more using the heat weld.

Step 8: When it comes to shrinking the top, a heat tool extension is highly recommended, so you can get up high enough to shrink the top.

Step 9: Tape all of the pleats and the seams using heat shrink tape.

Step 10: You’re done! You’ve officially weather proofed your RV for storage season.

Want to learn more about how to care for your RV? Be sure to read more of the great posts on our blog.