What colors are best for expedition vehicles
- Thread starter thingsventured
- Start date
corax
Explorer
experience with the colors I've had:
Gloss black made me neurotic trying to keep it clean, and scratches show up like a sore thumb.
Red is the worst color as far as sun fade goes. Color matching body panels is very tough for even a good body shop. Also most visible on the street, it stands out (statistically more likely to get pulled over)
Brown didn't show dirt or minor scratches that much
White - my favorite so far. Looks utilitarian and is easy to overlook. Dirt & dust does show, but I think I'm starting to not care so much, so it doesn't seem bad. Reflects heat well & since the latest truck doesn't have A/C it helps
Gloss black made me neurotic trying to keep it clean, and scratches show up like a sore thumb.
Red is the worst color as far as sun fade goes. Color matching body panels is very tough for even a good body shop. Also most visible on the street, it stands out (statistically more likely to get pulled over)
Brown didn't show dirt or minor scratches that much
White - my favorite so far. Looks utilitarian and is easy to overlook. Dirt & dust does show, but I think I'm starting to not care so much, so it doesn't seem bad. Reflects heat well & since the latest truck doesn't have A/C it helps
Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
corax said:
Statistically speaking if your pulled over then you deserve to be pulled over regardless of color:victory:.
I have had 3 Black and 2 Red trucks. Red does fade quick unfortunately, but the red on my truck is not terribly difficult to keep clean. You just need to keep is waxed and clean as much as possible to keep it's color as long as possible. Black makes any rig look killer, but it is the hardest color to keep clean. My second truck was an 1995 Nissan Hardbody. The person who owned it before did an aftermarket high gloss black paint job. It would take me 5 hours to wash that truck. If I just washed it and let it be, it would look disgusting.
Lost Canadian
Expedition Leader
Alaska Mike said:
Great point. More than visibility or things like that, blending in and being inconspicuous would be my number one priorty, at least if choosing a vehicle colour based for travel through foreign countries. This of course coming from a guy with a black truck. LOL
vengeful
Explorer
A company I worked for did an Experiment on how vehicle color effects interior temperature. It was discovered that the difference in interior heat absorption based on vehicle color is negligible.
After leaving a White, Black, Red, Blue and Tan Chevrolet Malibu sitting in the sun on tarmac in northern Phoenix on a 112 degree July day for 7 hours, the temperatures inside of the cars varied by a combined 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The black car was actually 0.2 degrees cooler than the white car.
The surface temperature of the paint, itself, however, varied greatly. There is a perception that a dark car gets hotter on hot days than a light colored car, however, it has been scientifically, and empirically proven that is simply not the case.
If interior temperature is really that much of a concern, put one of those reflective shades in your windsheild.
Exterior color, however, does have several effects on other criteria. Perceived value of the vehicle, Attention factor, masking of dirt/scratches, etc.
In truth, it doesn't really matter what color your vehicle is. The best color is the one you like!:victory:
After leaving a White, Black, Red, Blue and Tan Chevrolet Malibu sitting in the sun on tarmac in northern Phoenix on a 112 degree July day for 7 hours, the temperatures inside of the cars varied by a combined 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The black car was actually 0.2 degrees cooler than the white car.
The surface temperature of the paint, itself, however, varied greatly. There is a perception that a dark car gets hotter on hot days than a light colored car, however, it has been scientifically, and empirically proven that is simply not the case.
If interior temperature is really that much of a concern, put one of those reflective shades in your windsheild.
Exterior color, however, does have several effects on other criteria. Perceived value of the vehicle, Attention factor, masking of dirt/scratches, etc.
In truth, it doesn't really matter what color your vehicle is. The best color is the one you like!:victory:
michaelgroves
Explorer
Dark colours can get too hot, as has been pointed out numerous times. It's not so much the interior temperature that's the problem, it's that the dark body can get too hot to touch once it's been in the sun for a bit. But on the other hand bright white or any metallic colours (as well as bright chequer plating etc.) can be very hard on the eyes, because of glare. Something light but not too reflective is maybe a good idea.
If your vehicle really can blend in with local vehicles, then maybe go for a colour and some dents that will help with that. But realistically, you might be better off with something that is memorable - so that your rig becomes less stealable. Plus, you are likely to remembered more readily and welcomed back next time you visit. (Or not! :ar15: )
If your vehicle really can blend in with local vehicles, then maybe go for a colour and some dents that will help with that. But realistically, you might be better off with something that is memorable - so that your rig becomes less stealable. Plus, you are likely to remembered more readily and welcomed back next time you visit. (Or not! :ar15: )
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michaelgroves
Explorer
I've just seen that the OP was discussing heading out West, rather than to a third-world destination. So I guess maybe making it memorable and therefore less stealable might not apply (unless it really is way out there!)
How can you make anything stand out in CA? LOL
How can you make anything stand out in CA? LOL
thingsventured
New member
Alaska Mike said:
I like your point here, this may be something I'd like to do, in my daydreaming I was already heading down through South America before even reading this post.
thingsventured
New member
vengeful said:
This info is really helpful. I went up I-5 in a Black Ranger with a black cap and got out somewhere around Bakersfield amazed at the outside temperature. Didn't really notice that the truck was struggling due to any real heat gain. I also stuck my head and arm back inside the camper shell and everything was hunky dory, average heat in my opinion. But the camper shell WAS aluminum which will dissipate the heat, fiberglass would probably be more likely to retain the heat and transmit it to the bed (important to some of the camping contents that you don't want spoiling, etc.)
You guys have been very helpful. Anyone been on an excursion with 2 vehicles, one dark, one light? :truck: :safari-rig:
I'm also realizing I'm kind of lazy and don't want to clean the black truck a lot, hehe. I like driving trucks, not working on/cleaning them. :av-7:
I also kind of like the utilitarian factor, I like living my life enjoying things for myself, not to bling for everyone else. Don't get me wrong, flashy rigs are hot just because they're awesome and if that's what you have keep it that way cuz it rocks and you like it, the hell with everyone accusing you of just getting attention. But I do like the stealth "work truck" look that doesn't get a second glance except by us who know what the rig really has.
unk03:
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
ntsqd said:
Very True!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm Sooooooooo Aware of that........by the number of peeps that try to pull out in front of me on a two lane highway......when I'm going 65mph++!!!!
So I always turn my headlights on, when I am on two lane highways! And I'm always ready to Flash my highbeams when I see a car on the side, waiting to pull out! I even hold my hand on the high beam flasher as I pass the car on the side!
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Harald Hansen
Explorer
My understanding is that the interior colours is the most important factor. I realize that a white interior is not very practical, therefore I went for light beige seat covers for the Disco. It's still winter here, though...
