RV collision repair is not the same as auto body repair. RVs use fiberglass, aluminum, and Filon (fiberglass-reinforced plywood) construction — not the sheet steel that passenger cars use. Repair techniques are fundamentally different. Fiberglass cracks require mat-and-resin layup, not metalwork. Filon delamination (where the outer fiberglass separates from the wood substrate) requires cutting out the damaged section, replacing the wood core, and relaminating — a 3-5 day process per wall section. Shops that primarily work on cars may not have the specialized tools, booth size, or material expertise for RV repairs.
Hail damage on RVs: what's repairable. Arizona monsoon hail (June-September) can produce golf-ball to baseball-sized hail that dents aluminum siding, cracks skylights, and damages roof-mounted AC units and solar panels. Metal siding dents can be paintless dent repaired (PDR) if the paint is intact — typically $50-150 per dent. Fiberglass roof damage requires gelcoat filler and refinishing. Skylight replacement runs $200-600 per unit. Total hail repair on a Class A motorhome with moderate damage typically runs $3,000-8,000. Comprehensive RV insurance covers hail damage minus your deductible.
Sun and UV damage: gelcoat oxidation and cracking. Arizona's UV index is among the highest in the US. Unprotected gelcoat oxidizes within 2-3 years, turning chalky and losing its gloss. Compounding and polishing restores the surface ($500-1,500 for a full RV), but if the gelcoat has cracked through to the fiberglass mat, you need gelcoat repair — filling, sanding, and refinishing the affected areas. Roof re-coating with elastomeric sealant (Dicor, Henry Tropi-Cool) should be done every 3-5 years in Arizona and costs $800-2,000 depending on roof size. This is maintenance, not insurance-covered repair.
Insurance coverage for RV body repair. If your RV is registered and insured as a motor vehicle (Class A, B, C motorhome), your collision and comprehensive coverage apply to body repair the same way they do for a car. If it's a travel trailer or fifth wheel, it's typically covered under a separate RV policy or an auto policy endorsement. Full-timer's coverage (if you live in your RV) includes higher liability limits and additional living expenses if the RV is uninhabitable during repair. Orlando Auto Body works with RV-specific insurers including National General, Progressive RV, and Good Sam.
RV repair timelines in Arizona. Fiberglass repair: 5-10 business days depending on the area. Full wall delamination repair: 2-3 weeks. Hail damage (full RV): 2-4 weeks. Parts availability for RVs is more variable than for cars — RV-specific components (windows, compartment doors, trim) may have 2-4 week lead times from manufacturers like Lippert or Dometic.