Some questions about the full body paint process

[bertschb]

I have some questions about the process Grand Design uses for their full body paint (FBP). Our salesman said the RV goes to paint with no external components after a complete PDI. Once painted, the RV goes back to have external components installed and then a second PDI prior to shipping.

My questions...
1- Does Grand Design do the paining or is it outsourced? If outsourced, what company is doing the painting?
2- How many coats of clear coat do they apply?
3- Do they sand between layers of clear coat?
4- How long does the painting process itself actually take?
5- Do they bake the paint on?
6- Does Grand Design take any precautions to protect the lower front section of the RV during shipping?

Thanks for any inside information you may have!

 

[Second Chance]

Brian,

You might consider posting this in the Tech Corner where Emily will see it and get some answers for you from GD.

Rob

 

[Cate&Rob]

Brian . . . I am going to move this to the Maunufacturer’s Corner, because I think you should have answers to these questions directly from GDRV. (I also tagged Emily)

Rob

 

[bertschb]

I thought about doing that initially but I don't like bugging them. I know how busy they are. Of course, I'd much prefer hearing from GD directly! Thanks for moving it!

 

[EStahley]

I have some questions about the process Grand Design uses for their full body paint (FBP). Our salesman said the RV goes to paint with no external components after a complete PDI. Once painted, the RV goes back to have external components installed and then a second PDI prior to shipping.

My questions...
1- Does Grand Design do the paining or is it outsourced? If outsourced, what company is doing the painting?
2- How many coats of clear coat do they apply?
3- Do they sand between layers of clear coat?
4- How long does the painting process itself actually take?
5- Do they bake the paint on?
6- Does Grand Design take any precautions to protect the front of the RV during shipping?

Thanks for any inside information you may have!

Good afternoon! Thank you for the Tag Rob!

I am going to get this info over to you asap. I have to finalize a few of the questions that I do not have answers to. As soon as I do, you will get a reply!

Thank you!

Emily

 

[EStahley]

I have some questions about the process Grand Design uses for their full body paint (FBP). Our salesman said the RV goes to paint with no external components after a complete PDI. Once painted, the RV goes back to have external components installed and then a second PDI prior to shipping.

My questions...
1- Does Grand Design do the paining or is it outsourced? If outsourced, what company is doing the painting?
2- How many coats of clear coat do they apply?
3- Do they sand between layers of clear coat?
4- How long does the painting process itself actually take?
5- Do they bake the paint on?
6- Does Grand Design take any precautions to protect the lower front section of the RV during shipping?

Thanks for any inside information you may have!

OK! I think I have answers for you! I hope this helps you out. See below:


1- Does Grand Design do the paining or is it outsourced? Outsourced If outsourced, what company is doing the painting? Precision Paint, Bremen IN
2- How many coats of clear coat do they apply? 2 layers
3- Do they sand between layers of clear coat? Yes
4- How long does the painting process itself actually take? Varies, due to demand we did get behind. We’ve told dealers from order date to completion it is approximately 12 weeks. Goal is: unit at paint 2 weeks or less after off line at GD, 6 more days after unit returns to GD. Not at this goal yet but working towards it. We also have to adhere to the paint shop schedule
5- Do they bake the paint on? Yes it goes into an oven.
6- Does Grand Design take any precautions to protect the front of the RV during shipping? Only in winter and only if dealer agrees to up-charge. Some areas we insist dealer wrap front in winter. I am referring to when unit ships to dealer. In Between the paint shop and GD we do not cover the front. The paint shops is approximately 1 hour away

OK. so to answer your initial question and to clarify the last question.... YES the unit goes over as a "snowball" with really no outside components on it. A PDI is performed prior to it leaving and then when it returns, the paint job is included in the remainder of the detailed PDI inspection which includes inspecting any of the components added after paint. So if there is damage to the paint job upon arrival to our shop, we have a rep that comes and handles the paint repair necessary. This is rare that this happens!

Our paint shop is one of the best around. I personally live where they are located and they paint for many of the higher end manufacturers both towable and motorized.

PHew! I hope we got them all for you!

If you have more questions let me know!

~Emily

 

[Canyonlight]

Emily - excellent detailed feedback......good stuff ! Take a breath and a another sip of morning beverage.

Dan

 

[EStahley]

Emily - excellent detailed feedback......good stuff ! Take a breath and a another sip of morning beverage.

Dan

I just might do that

I actually have to go winterize my camper.... and it is getting recorded for an FAQ... so this should be interesting!

 

[bertschb]

Thanks Emily! This information is really helpful. Now that we better understand the painting process we can share this information with others in the future.

 

[JCZhome]

Emily I don't have the full body paint (FBP) and so I don't have a dog in this fight. However, just to share with you as a factory rep.....I've read on the facebook GD groups where some owners have got their rigs with FBP and they remove the door lock to install the RV Lock (combination lock in place of the keyed lock) that many of us are using (and is present here at the Central California Grand Design Rally this weekend) and it leaves a space around the new lock that did not get painted at the factory.

In other words, apparently the door lock is installed when they paint it and it's just masked off instead of removing it. Since so many change out to the RV Lock, it might be a good idea to remove the lock before painting so as not to leave a large foot print around the lock opening. Something to consider.

 

[thepcmanpq]

OK! I think I have answers for you! I hope this helps you out. See below:


1- Does Grand Design do the paining or is it outsourced? Outsourced If outsourced, what company is doing the painting? Precision Paint, Bremen IN
2- How many coats of clear coat do they apply? 2 layers
3- Do they sand between layers of clear coat? Yes
4- How long does the painting process itself actually take? Varies, due to demand we did get behind. We’ve told dealers from order date to completion it is approximately 12 weeks. Goal is: unit at paint 2 weeks or less after off line at GD, 6 more days after unit returns to GD. Not at this goal yet but working towards it. We also have to adhere to the paint shop schedule
5- Do they bake the paint on? Yes it goes into an oven.
6- Does Grand Design take any precautions to protect the front of the RV during shipping? Only in winter and only if dealer agrees to up-charge. Some areas we insist dealer wrap front in winter. I am referring to when unit ships to dealer. In Between the paint shop and GD we do not cover the front. The paint shops is approximately 1 hour away

OK. so to answer your initial question and to clarify the last question.... YES the unit goes over as a "snowball" with really no outside components on it. A PDI is performed prior to it leaving and then when it returns, the paint job is included in the remainder of the detailed PDI inspection which includes inspecting any of the components added after paint. So if there is damage to the paint job upon arrival to our shop, we have a rep that comes and handles the paint repair necessary. This is rare that this happens!

Our paint shop is one of the best around. I personally live where they are located and they paint for many of the higher end manufacturers both towable and motorized.

PHew! I hope we got them all for you!

If you have more questions let me know!

~Emily

This was an amazing and clear answer, I agree with a comment below about removing the door lock and baggage locks before painting so that adding aftermarket locks does not leave a white gap