Silverside or Full Paint Job?

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

If you were to convert another bus from scratch today, would you start with a silver sided bus or a painted bus?

I ask because about 10 years ago, I saw a painted MCI (I forgot what model now) in a parking lot in SoCal when I was driving around.  The driver was outside, but no passengers were around so I stopped to talk to him.  We talked for about an hour.

He had been driving charter buses for years and we talked about the silver sided buses vs. the painted buses.

He said something that kind of suprised me.  He told me his company was changing over to all painted buses now because some high end resorts will no longer allow silver sided buses on their property.  So rather than lose those contracts, they were now only buying full painted buses.  Apparently some of the nicer resorts seem to think that silver sided buses are inferrior buses.

With so many bus conversions now having more and more difficulty getting into some of the nicer RV parks, especially since Covid when everyone and their brother seems to want an RV, and with the imfamous 10-Year Rule, if you were to convert a bus today, would you buy a silver sided bus or a fully painted bus to start with?

Gary

[Dave5Cs]

Our MCI 5C is half and half paint on upper and below the top of the wheel line silver SS polished. We have never had the problem of being turned away for age or looks. One place in California near Redding asked for a Picture which we sent them and they said come ahead.
So if someone turned us down because of those things we would not want to stay there anyway. Just sayin.

[dtcerrato]

We love our maintenence free anodized aluminum. And like Dave said if we ever got turned down well then they didn't deserve us in the 1st place!

[luvrbus]

New buses with siding are a thing of the past Prevost still offers the X3-45 with glued on siding for motor homes only, if I was converting today it would be smooth siding full body paint, fighting the loose rivets and leaks are not worth it 

[windtrader]

If buying today, metal siding or painted would be low on the checklist as I've not experieced age discrimination thus far but do not frequent the hoity toity places where only the pretty and young get to gather. Our destinations are the opposite, only the boondock ready, full off grid capable need apply.
On aesthetics, I remain undecided. Metal is classic and we have old buses, painting the metal isn't going to hide that fact. Metal is virtually forever and easy to maintain. What I struggle with is getting past is the flaws that shiny metal shows no mercy. I live with the imperfections, still not coming around to viewing them as "character". Painted panels allows for filler and nice smooth surfaces.

[chessie4905]

You can always wrap the silversiding. No problem, when fuel skyrockets and the bus conversion market AND charter coaches market crashes AGAIN, those resorts wont be so fussy.
Besides, thats a West Coast problem. Don't expect to visit out there again.

[luvrbus]

You can always wrap the silversiding. No problem, when fuel skyrockets and the bus conversion market AND charter coaches market crashes AGAIN, those resorts wont be so fussy.
Besides, thats a West Coast problem. Don't expect to visit out there again.

It is not just a West Coast problem, that deal seems to be going away anyways except for the higher end resorts which most here me included don't patronize to begin with 

[chessie4905]

Yeah, even high end Prevosts get old in time. Then they'll suffer the same thing, east, west, north, or south.
Can't blame them though. Couple million dollar Prevost isn't wanting to associate with Winnebagos, and cousin Eddie's rv.

[luvrbus]

Yeah, even high end Prevosts get old in time. Then they'll suffer the same thing, east, west, north, or south.
Can't blame them though. Couple million dollar Prevost isn't wanting to associate with Winnebagos, and cousin Eddie's rv.

We have friends that own a nice RV park in Boise Id ,a guy with a nice bus was complaining  about a converted school bus that came for the night. He asked John you allow school buses John said yep. The guy asked why and John told him see the 110v cord, no roof airs, no sewer hook up , no water, no chairs ,they will use my showers and spend maybe 20 bucks in the laundry room then fill with water about 20 gals and move on the next day and they pay the same amount as you do

[freds]

Yeah, even high end Prevosts get old in time. Then they'll suffer the same thing, east, west, north, or south.
Can't blame them though. Couple million dollar Prevost isn't wanting to associate with Winnebagos, and cousin Eddie's rv.

Yeah, bloody discrimination. I have a 1980 Prevost which I am now calling a classic LOL!!!

When I call ahead I just name drop Prevost though when things are tight I have to send pictures and then they ask what the heck I have on the roof?

And I have to explain that it's solar panels....

[windtrader]

For some, paint can give the impression of being newer, less than 10 years old, not sure. lol

[luvrbus]

For some, paint can give the impression of being newer, less than 10 years old, not sure. lol

With factory made S and S even the Prevost's they all look like and have for years they can't tell by looking how old one it is mine is 2008 model it is past the 10 year limit and I never get asked, KOA's sometimes will want a photo of the RVIA sticker when you are making reservations.

[Van]

When we planned out our trip back East a few years ago we reserved and payed in advance for pull thru spots at several high end RV resorts as well as rental cars. Only 3 requested a photo of our rig, all promptly confirmed our accommodations. I think most places assume if it is over 10 yo it will probably look like a mobil meth lab

[Dave5Cs]

Don t get on the Prevost why they do the woopty doos" paint fancy striping on the sides. They pay million or more for them and want they to look like a SS. Doesn't make sense, just looks cheap IMO.

[luvrbus]

Don t get on the Prevost why they do the woopty doos" paint fancy striping on the sides. They pay million or more for them and want they to look like a SS. Doesn't make sense, just looks cheap IMO.

The H Prevost has always looked like a S&S and is fiberglass too for 3 million,LOL my doctor was asked 1 time when we goofing off in his Marathon H-45 what model his Monoco was he had no answer for the lady,I don't care much about the rib siding on buses to much work to keep up with and dated,I do like the H's from Prevost with the woopty doos paint.I think painted siding is just ugly on a GM,MCI or Eagle