Exterior paint color question

[Brook]

We are trying to decide what exterior paint color to select for a new Class B camper van purchase. We won't be able to use the AC in the van area unless we are plugged in at an RV park or campground that provides access, as we are not purchasing a generator for the unit. We may purchase a portable generator down the line. We are trying to decide between white and granite. Do you think white will make a big difference in keeping the interior cooler than the much darker granite? Thanks in advance for your replies.

[mkguitar]

Welcome to the Forums


Suggest the white will do you better


Mike

[Rlum]

Welcome to forum. I would stay away from any dark colors. Even dark red and blues. They are much harder to maintain paint luster and are much warmer. Ours is light metallic silver. If I had a choice, it would be white. Much easier to keep clean and way cooler in summer months. A portable generator is a really good idea. This will allow you to run your AC if you wish. Best of Luck!

[Jon in AZ]

Yup. White for sure. Speaking from Arizona experience. But don’t overlook the windows, which are the biggest source of heat gain. Reflectix in the sunny side windows helps, along with sunshades on the front glass whenever you park.

Ours is also a light metallic silver, which isn’t bad and avoids the plumber’s van look. Not that there’s anything wrong with plumbers...

Note that it takes a pretty good-sized “portable” generator to run many A/C units. Might want to do some research on that. Onboard generators are around 2800W minimum.

[MsNomer]

White for sure. And if you park in the sun where it’s hot, put Tyvek on the OUTSIDE of your glass. Amazon sells plain white for kite builders. Near Death Valley, I measured a 35° disparity between covered and uncovered. I made a Tyvek cover for my cab. From the inside, it looks like a light covering of snow.





For the sides, I covered whichever one the sun was hitting. With this, I was able to maintain ambient (104°) in the van.

[mloganusda]

On the Go Westy web site they sell front window covers for different vans. This is where i purchased mine for Ram ProMaster MH.

MLogan
Smyrna, TN