How Much Does It Cost to Replace RV Siding? A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing the siding on your recreational vehicle (RV) can be a significant investment, but it’s often necessary to maintain the integrity and appearance of your home on wheels. Whether you’re dealing with damage from weather, age, or just want to give your RV a fresh look, understanding the costs involved is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence the cost of RV siding replacement and provide you with a realistic estimate to help you budget for this project.

Types of RV Siding Materials

The type of siding material you choose for your RV replacement will have a significant impact on the overall cost. Here are some of the most common options and their typical price ranges:

Aluminum Siding: $3 to $6 per square foot
Fiberglass Siding (Filon): $800 to $1000 for a truck camper
Metal Roofing: Varies depending on the type and quality
Cedar Siding: Varies depending on the grade and quality

Keep in mind that these prices are just estimates and can vary depending on your location, the quality of the material, and the specific brand you choose.

Labor Costs for RV Siding Replacement

In addition to the cost of materials, you’ll also need to factor in the labor costs for the installation. The amount you’ll pay for labor will depend on the complexity of the job, the experience level of the technicians, and your location. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for labor, with the total cost ranging from $500 to $2000 or more, depending on the size of your RV and the difficulty of the installation.

Some RV owners choose to do the siding replacement themselves to save on labor costs. However, it’s important to note that this can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially if you don’t have experience working with RV siding materials.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for your RV siding replacement, there are a few additional costs to keep in mind:

Shipping and freight: Depending on the size and weight of the siding materials, shipping can add significant costs to your project. For example, shipping for aluminum siding can range from $240 to $390 or more, depending on the size and length of the sheets.
Removal and disposal of old siding: If you’re having a professional do the job, they may charge an additional fee for removing and disposing of the old siding.
Repairs to the underlying structure: In some cases, the underlying structure of your RV may need repairs before the new siding can be installed. This can add to the overall cost of the project.

To give you a better idea of the total cost, let’s look at an example. If you have an RV with 1500 square feet of exterior space and you choose aluminum siding at $4.50 per square foot, the material cost alone would be $6,750. Add in labor costs of $1,500 (based on 30 hours at $50 per hour) and shipping costs of $300, and the total cost for the project would be around $8,550.

Of course, this is just an example, and your actual costs may vary depending on the specific details of your RV and the project. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple RV repair shops or siding suppliers to compare prices and find the best deal.

In conclusion, replacing the siding on your RV can be a significant investment, but it’s often necessary to maintain the appearance and integrity of your vehicle. By understanding the factors that influence the cost and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that your RV siding replacement project goes smoothly and that you end up with a beautiful, durable, and well-protected RV.