How Much Does It Cost to Replace an RV Front Cap?

The RV front cap is the part of the RV with the most exposure. It is what takes the hit of all the dirt, debris, bugs, and more. Eventually, the front cap is worn down, sometimes beyond repair, and needs replacement. 

What is the front cap replacement cost for an RV? The total cost for front cap replacement is variable. It is $4000-5000, depending on the cap’s dimensions and shipping charges. In case of further delamination, the price may increase further.

But you don’t need to worry. In this article, I’ll cover all the ins and outs of RV front cap replacement and its cost. So, stay tuned until the end of this article.

rv-front-cap-replacement-cost

What is an RV Front Cap?

The front cap is the core part of the RV that has exposure to everything. It protects your RV against whatever environment or rough terrain the vehicle goes through. 

For most RV brands, the primary material for the front cap is molded plastic. However, there are also brands where the front cap is made of fiberglass. The best part of molded plastic is that the spots don’t stay for long; you can easily apply any suitable shine for removal.

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How Much Does it Cost to Replace the RV Front Cap?

Whether your RV is a million-dollar one or an affordable entry-level option, it will require continuous maintenance. It’s the same for every type because, often, the longevity of the parts depends on how you care for them.

Since the front cap withstands everything in the external environment of the RV, you need to look after it constantly. But after a period, it will also need replacement. 

The basic cost of replacing a front cap involves the cost of the front cap and the mechanic. 

The usual price of a front cap is around $1000-$3000. Among other things in the costing are the accessories required to set the front cap. Therefore, the RV front cap replacement cost would be around $4000-5000.

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Why Replace an RV Front Cap?

The front cap in your RV is susceptible to many kinds of issues. For example, it can get leaky, or molds may form on top of it. Some of the most prominent reasons are listed below:

Leaky Front Cap

The front cap can be susceptible to leaks, which sometimes are beyond repair. Mostly when it’s raining, you’ll see that water runs down through the surface of the entire panel. 

Here, if the scenario is such that some of the internal components are drenched whenever there is rain, it is the case if a crack or hole is in the RV front cap. The alternatives, like filling up leaks, aren’t that effective in the long run, so replacing the front cap is better.

Damages

Damages are typical in any vehicle. In addition, any accidents or unwanted blows can cause inward bending or even holes in the vehicle’s body.

The same goes for RVs, which is why replacing the part affected is ideal for such scenarios. So, replacement is more reasonable than repair if your front cap gets severely damaged.

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How Can You Protect Your Front Cap?

Since maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your RV front cap, you should take measures for protection. In that case, the following two methods may work out for you.

Shield Spraying 

Most RV brands offer shield spraying as a protective measure. As a method, it doesn’t require any kind of assembling/disassembling. 

Instead, you can use a spray-gun to use it in your RV. It has some protective elements in its composition. After you spray, you need to enable the drying process very smoothly. 

Bras Covering 

It is a protective covering that you can apply to your RV. You can even remove them when you want, but that will require extra effort. 

As a covering layer, it has vinyl elements in its composition, which you can use on the front cap and also other parts of the RV. But before that, measure the dimensions of the front cap correctly, as these bras covering are customized per motorhome dimensions.

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FAQs.

Figuring out the costs of RV front cap replacement may invoke many questions in your mind. Some of the common queries are listed below:

How long should an RV roof last?

RV roofs generally last around 20 years if proper care and maintenance are done. But on average, it’s durable for at least 10-12 years before any leaks or holes appear.

Is front cap wrapping better than painting it?

Painting the front cap is recommended by everyone, but the process is time-consuming and expensive to some extent. On the other hand, wrapping the front cap with vinyl isn’t costly and takes less time. So, wrapping is better than painting when it comes to cost efficiency. 

Final Thoughts

Similar to every other part or component in a vehicle, the RV front cap also needs repair or replacement. Usually, front caps last a considerable time when you maintain them well.

But since this part of the RV acts as a protective part to the RV, it undertakes all the blows, dirt, and debris. Therefore, sometimes more than the repairs are needed, focusing on replacement. 

The cost of the front cap itself isn’t that much, but the accessories and labor cost makes it higher. What I have included here is a rough estimate as per my experience. It can fluctuate either way, depending on your needs.

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