Gel-coat vs Hi-Gloss

[markwick]

I am confused! - The 2007 brochure shows gel-coated filon as the standard for exterior. The Exterior Options list Hi-gloss fibreglass.

I am assuming that the Hi-gloss is the really shiny exterior that does not require waxing and is probably the $2000 option, but I keep hearing about Gel-coat being the glossy finish.

Someone set me straight as I am currently negotiating for a new 3075 and my dealer says the gel-coat is the shiny one - I keep telling him if that is true what is the hi-gloss option? and why is it so expensive?

Think I may need a new dealer that knows what he is talking about!

http://i8.tinypic.com/25i0uwj.jpg[/IMG]
2005 2955 with a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew cab with Duramax, Allison and Pullrite 16K slider

[CountryGuy]

The way I understand it, Hi Gloss, the one pay you so much for, is the Gel-coat on super vitamins, in other words, you start with the gel-coat filon and add more finish to it in the manufacturing process and you end up with Hi Gloss.

Note, the Hi Gloss units are currently coming with Gel-coat storage doors (like to the basement storage area), NOT Hi Gloss. Several of our members are not real happy with that.

Hi Gloss, according to some members, is easier to clean, black streaks show up less.

You cannot see the fiberglass fibers on the Hi Gloss finish like you can on the Gel-Coat.

Good luck, enjoy that new unit!!

Carol


(Thanks Glenn)

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[markwick]

Thanks Carol - Thanks for the info - I have read the posts about the storage doors not being the same - If need be I will refinish them myself

http://i8.tinypic.com/25i0uwj.jpg[/IMG]
2005 2955 with a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew cab with Duramax, Allison and Pullrite 16K slider

[Cat320]

Most competing units in the Montana price range come with the the gel coat.

[Montana Sky]

The front and rear end caps on the Montana's have the Hi-gloss. If your sidewalls dont match the front and rear caps, you have the standard filon fiberglass. If your sidewalls match then your entire coach has Hi-gloss. My next coach will have Hi-gloss, sure helps keep the coach looking newer longer. =)


2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

[sreigle]

Markwick, how would one go about refinishing the locker doors to get the high gloss finish? Thanks.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'07 3400RL
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

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[Wrenchtraveller]

I agree that the high gloss looks more upscale IF...... you get a unit with nice flat sides.

High gloss only highlights the waves and bumps and if you get a unit made when the rollers on the wall presses were not set up perfectly........not a real pretty display.

A couple hours ago we drove by a Jayco Designer High Gloss Fiver, this is my second favorite RV
it was a mess of waves and bumps and this might be a good thing to get on paper when you order a new high gloss rig. If one shows up looking like a giant wash board.........send it back.

Don & Donna
Vancouver Island
2005 Ford F350 V10 Lariat CC 4x4 LB SRW 11200 GVWR
2006 Montana 2955RL
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[markwick]

SREIGLE----- I have copied and pasted a post that was in the "HEY KEYSTONE - WHAT I'D LIKE TO SAY" Section on this site.
The topic was titled "HI GLOSS CHANGES"

suggests that you take your doors to a boatyard experienced in marine finishes, have them put an epoxy undercoat on the doors, which will create a smooth surface filling in all of the filon finish, then have it spray painted with a polyurethane finish the same color as your fifth wheel. You will end up with a finish as smooth and shiny as your high gloss gelcoat which won't yellow over time. Bob recommends Awlgrip paint (made by U.S. Paints) for this purpose. If Montana won't provide you with new doors, this might be a good solution

http://i8.tinypic.com/25i0uwj.jpg[/IMG]
2005 2955 with a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew cab with Duramax, Allison and Pullrite 16K slider

[sreigle]

Thanks! I'll check into that. First I have to get everything installed on this thing and the basement organized and the "projects" done. Then I'll check into the doors. Thanks again.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'07 3400RL
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)