Guests that recently gathered around the campfire quickly took up sides. Some RVers voiced their displeasure in what they named the “swoosh graphics” that most RV manufacturers use to decorate the exterior of their rigs. On the other side of the debate were RVers who like the iconic graphics. It didn’t take long for the RV swoosh graphics debate to escalate.
What are swoosh graphics?
You may know them as swoops or swirl decals. Some look like feathers or bird wings. These swoosh graphics usually come in a color that contrasts with the basic exterior RV body. Swoosh graphics are routinely placed on the sides, front, and back panels of RVs.
In favor
The folks in favor of the swoosh graphics made their case with comments like the following:
Judy said, “I like the swooshes! They are traditional and iconic.”
Bill agreed: “The graphics seem to indicate movement, like flying or traveling. I appreciate that sentiment. In my opinion, they just ‘fit’ with RVing around the country.”
Hank voiced his opinion. “What would you suggest as an alternative? Full body paint costs an arm and a leg! I’ll take the decals any day.”
Against
The RVers on the other side of the discussion made their thoughts known as well.
Jill suggested, “I could do with no decals at all. The color contrast between the rubber seals and body color is enough design for me.”
“Remember when cars featured fins? That’s the era that comes to my mind when I see the swoops and swirls.” Darrel opined. “You’d think the manufacturers could come up with a little more modern idea.”
Joe agreed. “I think the swooshes are outdated, too. Plus, they fade, chip, and crack. If RV makers can’t figure out a better system as well as up-to-date graphics, they should ask RVers for ideas or hire some graphic designers.”
How about you?
Where do you stand on the swoosh graphics debate? Vote in the poll below. Then explain your answer in the comments that follow.
I don’t mind the designs, they give each RV a personality. The real problem is that when they fade or come apart, it becomes a(n) eyesore.
Did not have an answer that was appropriate for me, which is “I neither like nor dislike swirl graphics.” If the owner is happy with the RV and its graphics, that to me is what is important.
Graphics are designed to trick the eye from seeing a big box.
I much prefer clean looks like the Leisure Travel Vans
As little as possible and still looking great. Some folks do not get that less can be more.
If they would last more than a few years it would be great, but since they crack and fade they’re a headache. Then when they peel off it leaves faded paint behind. Leave it off, they don’t do that on cars and I do just fine.
Tired, dated, worn out, over used, no longer creative, uninspired, out moded, ho hum, yeah, everybody’s got them., uniform of the day. And that’s without the fading, peeling issues.
I like the graphics on my Class A, but if I was to buy a new one, I’d prefer to have additional options to choose from, including no graphics at all, or custom more conservative graphics.
Not a fan. Just give me some straight lines down the sides. i’ve seen some very attractive coaches and TTs with custom murals.
I don’t mind the swoosh but it’s way over done, it’s like there is no imagination left. Can’t anyone come up with something original? What’s worse is the decals will fade or crack and then need to be removed and/or replaced. My trailer has straight lines on the sides, just enough to accent and when they fade or crack, I doubt I will replace them.
They’re OK on full body paint like newer motorhomes, but not so much on white box RVs with decals.
Don’t really care one way or the other.
Since you pictured our Newmar coach we love the graphics. Its full body BASF finish with 4 coats of clear….
In general, I don’t like them. The graphics on our motorhome are a little different and I don’t mind them.
Since practically every RV on the road has them, I don’t notice them anymore. They’re intended to mislead the eye into thinking your rectangular box isn’t just a rectangular box…..
I like the basic color scheme on my 1995 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser, Loved the basic colors on my 75 Taurus TT & 84 Shasta TT. Straight lines with maybe a little curve are my aesthetics and at the most three colors, with two tone the preference.
Ours is full paint, so they don’t fade, chip, peel.
The design is created to break up the look of a giant box!
You need something to keep it from looking like a rolling brick!
Try to replace the fancy decals if you have to do any repairs. Had a defective door. The decals stop at one side, restart at the other side of my plain replacement door.
Full paint, looking good…03 39L
It’s time for something new! If I had the money, I’d paint a fresh new look on mine!
I prefer some of the newer truck camper graphics with screened mountain ranges, lakes, trees, etc., because that’s the view I prefer when camping. And I would bet that having no swirls in the full-body paint on motorhomes might cut the cost of that paint job by 50%.
The guy across the street from me took all the graphics off his fiver because sun and age had made them look terrible. It really needs something. Now it’s white with a brown nose cap. Brand? Don’t have a clue
I remember when house shopping a few years ago going into homes built in the 60’s or 70’s. Many of them hadn’t been updated and still had the kitchen sinks and appliances and bath sinks and tubs in those awful colors. Burnt oranges, olives and others. My what is stylish for a time can be seen as so horrible later. I think of this when I look at some of the outlandish swoosh designs on RV’s. Will we regret them later?
Probably won’t last long enough to look totally dated. I hate the cracked & peeling decals. I’d pay more just to have a two tone paint job. I think the peeling is what dates an RV.
A lot better than the murals of years ago with stampeding horses, sunrise, sunset, and many others that were custom painted on the back of many MH. Not too long ago there was a MH in a park we were visiting that had a full body paint of plain white. Looked like a big white box showing all of the dirt.
I liked the Safari brand back cap murals!
thought about removing them and having it painted or custom wrapped to look like a shipping container branded with my own logo…yeap, maybe extreme but it wouldn’t look like everyone else, also plant the seed of alternative living rather than the traditional stick framed, cookie cutter, boring, life sucking normal constructed homes, but that’s just me thinking outside the box…lol
Whatever does not get me kicked out of the RV park because it is painted purple or camouflage. RV graphics just date a rig.
I thought I preferred the fancy swoosh our coach is more geometric…like a wind tunnel design..thought it plain and unremarkable. Who knew..maybe that’s better, since most seem to not like the swoosh.
95% of RV graphics are tacky and date the RV – including the swoosh type. Can they design something that looks like it was made since 1980?
“Plus, they fade, chip, and crack.” Maybe on a trailer, but not on my 7yo DP.
If it’s a choice between a blank solid or straight stripes, I’m team swoosh. But I’d be open to other design choices.
Thank you, Gail! DW hated them on RV #1, a 2016 MH. She still is no fan, but finds the ones on our 2022 MH far less offensive. Me? I don’t mind them so much. Safe travels! 🙂
Hi Gail! We have a Vilano as well, 2018 with the same front cap and we love it! While there are some swoosh on our 5ver, I think it is tastefully done and not over the top!
Well, that makes us “twinsies”! I love our Vilano’s interior but could do without the “horns” on the front cap. Maybe we’ll see you on the road one day! Safe travels, Karen.
My swooshes are painted. I’d prefer plain paint job.
That is how you tell an RV from a bread truck.
Well, unless the bread truck shows a big slice of cinnamon swirl bread on the side. That could get confusing.🤣 Have a good night, Kelly. 😀 –Diane
CINNAMON swirl! Love the smell, love the taste. I’ll sleep in the bread truck.
Talk about sweet dreams!🤣 Take care, Kelly.🤗 –Diane
I like the swoosh but I wish they’d use more color! All the trailers and some 5th wheels I see these days are just black and white and maybe some gray. -Probably for cost consideration but maybe offer some options.