The exterior of most RVs of all sizes come with swirlies, those graphic decals. I have no idea why. These are the same swirlies that were on my grandpa’s trailer. I didn’t like them and I wanted them off. I eventually got them off but not without a lot of pain and suffering. I wondered if I was the only one that really hated the swirlies, so I asked Reddit. Not surprisingly the response was overwhelming in my favor. Enjoy!
- Maybe they put them on because RVs are big bulky slab sided vehicles. The swirly lines visually reduce the awkward large flat planes and reduce the perceived mass of the vehicle. Automotive designers often design in body lines on slab sided vehicles to reduce the actual size of a vehicle and I’ve got a feeling this is a somewhat similar reasoning.
- To prevent other cars from running into you because you look like the side of a building.
- I feel like it has a lot to do with giving an impression of speed and freedom. Those swirly lines look like they are blowing in the wind, even flying. RVs are pretty slow and cumbersome but those lines make them seem smooth and swift. Marketing basically.
- Pinstriping is a popular art on sports cars and an RV is a big canvas. My guess: it’s to make it hip and sporty like a muscle car.
- My conspiracy theory is that the decals are to entice you to buy a new trailer… The decals are almost always the first things to age/look like crap.
- I’m reminded of counterfeiter Hot Wheels or discount children’s toy cars. I just want a plain white class A RV with blacked out windows. No logos or 3 foot tall manufacturer names. I will allow the model number somewhere, maybe next to the black tank valves.
- Let’s start a petition to outlaw RV / Trailer swoops and swirl patterns.
- I want a petition to bring back air-brushed wizards and dragons.
- Petition to wrap every RV in camo then they’re invisible at campgrounds.
- I kinda miss the 70s-80s vibe of muted earth tones and big horizontal stripes.
- I think someone in the RV industry got a bad 90s tribal tattoo and have been like “Awesome tat dude I am gonna graphic my RV with it” and has been doing it ever since.
- Rude. If I want my camper to look like a waxed cardboard dixie cup circa 1992, what business is it of yours?
- We call it the “1941 Tank” look (from the movie 1941 where the tank drives thru a paint factory before driving thru the paint thinner factory). I dislike the swoopie graphics. The only thing worse than the swoopie graphics is the casino night club decor on the inside.
- Removing those things has been the bane of my existence 😂
They had a a couple of solutions for removal too:
- Try a 3m vinyl eraser, if your friend has already tried heat, goo gone, etc.
- Heat gun and a plastic razor blade if you don’t want to use the eraser.
There was no easy way to remove them; in fact, it’s really hard and involves ladders, scraping, shoulder and hand pain, as well as the purchase of assorted materials mostly for trial and error to see what works on yours. The most effective turned out to involve a hair dryer and a scraper with plastic blades that I bought on Amazon. Assorted decal and adhesive removers partially helped, but the trick was in heating them up and pulling them off with your fingers (slowly pulling from the corner of the decal and working your way across the decal). I’m guessing though, that it depends on how old the decals are, and perhaps, how long they’ve been sitting in extreme heat or cold.
After trying to remove a few myself, I decided to save my aging shoulders and fingers and pay someone. Craigslist delivered Cory and her brother Ricky, two lovely hard-working young people from San Jose. It took them 14 hours over two days.
If you really don’t like the swirlies, I would suggest ordering a new RV without the swirlies.
Anyway. Good luck.
Techniques to Remove RV Decals
- Heat Gun or Hair Dryer Technique
Heat softens adhesive, making it easier to remove decals cleanly.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Clean the decal area first to remove dirt and grime.
- Set the heat gun or hair dryer to a medium setting.
- Hold the device about 6-8 inches away from the decal surface.
- Move slowly back and forth to evenly warm the decal (avoid holding it in one spot to prevent melting or paint damage).
- Once the decal is warm and pliable, use a plastic scraper or your fingernail to gently lift an edge.
- Peel the decal slowly at a shallow angle, reheating periodically as needed.
- Plastic Razor Blades & Adhesive Remover Technique
This method is effective for stubborn or brittle decals.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Spray a decal removal adhesive solvent generously over the decal.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the adhesive.
- Use a plastic razor blade (never metal) to carefully scrape away the decal.
- Hold the blade at a low angle, using slow, consistent pressure.
- Reapply solvent as needed until all decal residue is gone.
- Eraser Wheel Technique
Ideal for large decals or RVs with many graphics.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Attach the eraser wheel (a specialized rubber wheel) to a power drill.
- Set your drill to low or medium speed (around 1000-1500 RPM).
- Gently press the wheel against the decal surface, moving horizontally or vertically without excessive pressure.
- Work slowly, checking frequently to avoid overheating the paint or fiberglass.
- Wipe away rubber residue with a microfiber towel.
- Steam Removal Technique
Steam provides gentle heat and moisture, loosening decals safely.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Use a handheld steamer and apply steam directly over the decal area.
- Hold the steamer nozzle close (approximately 2-4 inches) without touching the surface.
- After 1-2 minutes of steaming, test lifting the decal with a plastic scraper.
- Continue steaming small sections, gradually removing the decal piece by piece.
Essential Tips & Tricks for Safe Decal Removal
To protect your RV’s finish and ensure optimal results, consider these important guidelines:
- Work Slowly: Rushing leads to accidental damage and residual adhesive.
- Test Small Areas First: Begin on an inconspicuous area to ensure the method doesn’t damage your RV’s finish.
- Never Use Metal Scrapers: Always opt for plastic scrapers or plastic razor blades designed for automotive surfaces.
- Moderate Temperature: If using heat, always maintain moderate temperatures to prevent damaging paint or fiberglass.
- Chemical Safety: Use gloves and work in well-ventilated areas if employing chemical adhesive removers.
- Keep Surfaces Clean: Regularly clean residue with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to monitor your progress clearly.
Important Precautions
- Avoid excessive pressure as it can dent or scratch your RV.
- Never use abrasive cleaning pads or metal tools.
- Avoid solvents like acetone or harsh paint strippers, as they can damage the RV’s clear coat or fiberglass gelcoat.
- Always test solvents or adhesive removers in hidden areas first.
Recommended Products & Supplies
Heat Tools
- Heat Gun: Wagner Spraytech HT1000, SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W
- Hair Dryer: Conair InfinitiPRO Hair Dryer
Adhesive Removers
- 3M Adhesive Remover
- Goo Gone Automotive Spray Gel
- RapidTac Rapid Remover
Plastic Scrapers/Razor Blades
- Scrigit Scraper Tool
- Ehdis Plastic Razor Scraper
Eraser Wheels
- 3M Stripe Off Wheel
- Whizzy Wheel Decal Remover
Steamers
- Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner
- McCulloch Handheld Steam Cleaner
Cleaning Supplies
- Microfiber towels
- Isopropyl Alcohol (70% or higher)
- Dish soap and water solution for cleaning afterward
- Protective gloves and safety goggles
After decal removal, thoroughly wash and wax the RV to restore shine and protect the surface from oxidation and fading.