Faded Front Cap

[old racer]

Does anyone know if Keystone has considered a recall for front cap fade? It has obviously been a problem for certain models.

[JRTJH]

Recalls are generally related too safety issues. Since the front cap fade problem is not "safety related" chances are slim that Keystone will address it in any fashion that includes a number of models. In all probability, they will deal with each individual owner in a one on one fashion.

After all, if someone doesn't complain, Keystone probably won't spend any money to "talk them into painting their front cap"

It's more a matter of cosmetics than safety, so don't look for any recalls on this issue.

[Bigg-limo]

Does anyone know if Keystone has considered a recall for front cap fade? It has obviously been a problem for certain models.

Same thing with my 1 year old Fuzion. The front cap faded in less than a year.

[bdking]

I have a Cougar High Country and mine fades in less then 2 months. I've had this 2012 for a year and have waxed the cap four time but it starts to fade faster then I can try a new kind of wax.

[04z71]

does anyone recommend a cover kinda worried about the fading

[dakingsella]

My 2012 Cougar 327RES is fading badly. I don't think their is anything to do but repaint it. I have talked to my dealer and with Keystone and am told the solution is to repaint it.

[Bigg-limo]

CALL KEYSTONE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOUR WARRANTY RUNS OUT!!! My front cap started fading in less than a year, and it only got worse over time. I bought my Fuzion 399 last year in May. I notified Keystone and they had to me take it back to the dealer. The dealer is taking care of it with no charge.

[Randyj]

My 2011 cougar 322qbs faded last summer really bad. We just traded.

[Idahorv]

I have a 2012 Cougar 318 SAB. We have tried several recommended oxidation products to no avail. The dealer said it is out of warranty.A neighbor has a 2012 Heartland High Country and had a similar problem. Heartland sent him new decals for the front and a check for $800 to have the front sanded and repainted and it is out of warranty. Newer Cougars have front caps in white and they are clear-coated. To me they know our models have a problem. (I guess we know which companies care about customer service)

[JRTJH]

I was at the factory last week and the new Cougar High Country front caps are painted. One of the first things the engineer I was talking to wanted to stress was that no longer are they "molded in color" but rather are painted with automotive grade paint. The new caps really look good and according to the plant, they are having no issues with any fading. Of course they've only been painting them for about 6 months, so time will be the best test.

Also, the decals are a different type (since 2013) and are supposed to last much longer than the previous decals.

[SherrieBerrie]

We just went through this with our new 2013 Keystone High Country. We caught the fade when we did our walk thru. We refused to take it until it was re painted under warranty. We were told that was the only fix, buffing and wax is very temporary.

[J&A]

I was at the factory last week and the new Cougar High Country front caps are painted. One of the first things the engineer I was talking to wanted to stress was that no longer are they "molded in color" but rather are painted with automotive grade paint. The new caps really look good and according to the plant, they are having no issues with any fading. Of course they've only been painting them for about 6 months, so time will be the best test.

Also, the decals are a different type (since 2013) and are supposed to last much longer than the previous decals.

Happy to hear Keystone is changing the cap's finishing process at the factory for a better and longer lasting finishing process. I too noticed fading on my Terrain's front cap last month and took it back to the dealer to be addressed with other warranty issues.

The investigation and approval process took a couple of weeks as I had a couple of complex and expensive repairs under warranty. I'll go in detail in a separate posting once all issues are resolved in a couple of weeks.

I'd like to add that the resolution to my fading cap, as explained by the dealer, entails painting the fiberglass cap with automotive grade paint and a clear coat over the paint for added protection. It should last many years without problems, much like the paint on a car. I'm also getting new decals on the cap.

[moose308]

Just emailed Keystone on 2013 Laredo fading.I know they spend a lot of money advertising to sell their products as I have bought 4 new ones.Let us see how this handle this one.I will keep posting progress.

[evesdt]

I have a 2014 22RBPR that developed extensive spider cracks on the gel coated fiberglass front cap. It appeared to have occurred over it's second winter season. None were observed after the first over-winter.

Has anybody out there had the same problem?

Their sales brochures claim that it will not crack due to the cold. Hmmm.

[johnnyringo]

Does anyone know who, if anyone , makes a fitted cover for the 22RBPR?
Thanks, JR

[ImTravis]

We had a cover on our 2014 30RIPR during the past two winters, and are still having the faded front cap issue. It's starting, but noticeable, so I've started the process with my dealer... I don't believe there's a model specific cover, unless you have it made. We measured the "box" and got one to cover it that way.


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[smokeater]

Our 2014 30 REPR faded very badly over the winter. I contacted the dealer where we bought it new and sent them some pics. Within a week I was advised to bring it in, Keystone had authorized a goodwill repair for a large portion of the cost. I picked it up today and it looks awesome. I think your dealership has a lot to do with whether or not Keystone will play ball. I had to pay a portion but it was basically 80% covered.

[Rusty]

I was at the factory last week and the new Cougar High Country front caps are painted. One of the first things the engineer I was talking to wanted to stress was that no longer are they "molded in color" but rather are painted with automotive grade paint. The new caps really look good and according to the plant, they are having no issues with any fading. Of course they've only been painting them for about 6 months, so time will be the best test.

Also, the decals are a different type (since 2013) and are supposed to last much longer than the previous decals.

Obviously they started painting the cap after ours was built! Ours is a 2013 and the cap left (street) side, and rear are faded and oxidized and faded.

Neither the Stealership nor Keystone will do a damn thing! They suggested I take the trailer to a place in Calgary to have at least the front cap repainted, and of course it would be on my dime!

Right now I have to go pick the trailer up from the Stealership, they are so lucky that I am no longer in the military and had access to some gnarly equipment to take them out........to say I am pissed is an understatement!

We paid for the outside protection package, and I honestly think that we paid for it yet it was never applied, and if I want to have the protectant reapplied (at a cost of $500 no less!) it will also be on my dime! But who the hell wants to reapply this crap that if I hear the Stealership right did not work in the first place, why should I have it applied to a screwed up oxidized fading surface.......a waste of time and (my) money!

No thank you to Keystone, I have to detail a 35 ft fifth wheel...................

[JRTJH]

Obviously they started painting the cap after ours was built! Ours is a 2013 and the cap left (street) side, and rear are faded and oxidized and faded.

Neither the Stealership nor Keystone will do a damn thing! They suggested I take the trailer to a place in Calgary to have at least the front cap repainted, and of course it would be on my dime!

Right now I have to go pick the trailer up from the Stealership, they are so lucky that I am no longer in the military and had access to some gnarly equipment to take them out........to say I am pissed is an understatement!

We paid for the outside protection package, and I honestly think that we paid for it yet it was never applied, and if I want to have the protectant reapplied (at a cost of $500 no less!) it will also be on my dime! But who the hell wants to reapply this crap that if I hear the Stealership right did not work in the first place, why should I have it applied to a screwed up oxidized fading surface.......a waste of time and (my) money!

No thank you to Keystone, I have to detail a 35 ft fifth wheel...................

Rusty,

I posted the comment that you quoted in your post way back on May 14, 2014. When I was at the factory the week prior to that, they were building 2015 models (2 years newer than your 2013). I understand your frustration, but your trailer was manufactured long before Keystone started painting front caps.

As for the exterior protection package, that is a dealer applied option and has nothing to do with Keystone. If you still have the original contract for that protection application, you might find, way down in the small print, something that would benefit your claim ??? Just a hunch, and you may not find anything that would give you any help with holding that protection application company responsible. But, as for Keystone, sorry to say, but they are completely out of the picture on a 5 or 6 year old RV.

[edward]

Recalls are generally related too safety issues. Since the front cap fade problem is not "safety related" chances are slim that Keystone will address it in any fashion that includes a number of models. In all probability, they will deal with each individual owner in a one on one fashion.

After all, if someone doesn't complain, Keystone probably won't spend any money to "talk them into painting their front cap"

It's more a matter of cosmetics than safety, so don't look for any recalls on this issue.

Agree with you , unless it is safety problem there won't be any recalling. My friend who noticed the front cap fading at the top ended up paying under warranty for the paint.
Meanwhile please check for http://www.keystonerv.com/customer-service/recalls-notifications

[SmittysRV]

We have the same issue on our Keystone Raptor front cap. We purchased a warranty for the Tires, Interior fabric and exterior protection back when we bout the 5er new. When I noticed the fading I called the warranty company and there were several things they wanted, pictures and an estimate. At the end of the day its in the shop getting the front cap fixed under warranty!! :D We shall see how long the new cap will last. I have been thinking about making a cover for just the cap as it faces south while stored in our driveway. Has anyone done this? Here are a few pictures of the fading and sticker delamination.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_238863_0_85b84ab79e7c867d9e71f0c36e18e9a6.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/smittys62/media/Raptor%204014/52711878-DAB0-459D-B029-F071EE22254F_zps5gjekpqy.jpg.html)
http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_238863_1_ae88c9e39f944493f0987c46a4d93d54.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/smittys62/media/Raptor%204014/62563CE7-E4C6-480E-B94E-85C6EF2FB511_zpso8ehduy7.jpg.html)

[JRTJH]

That's great news !! Hopefully your problems with faded decals and oxidized paint will be completely solved. As for covering the front of your trailer to prevent "sun damage", be aware that several of us "speculate" (nobody can prove or disprove) that moisture under a canvas or similar cover enhances the chances of any moisture being turned to steam and penetrating the FILON. This steam (we think) causes delamination of the fiberglass from the luan/cardboard backing and creates significant water intrusion damage to the fiberglass.

So, if you're going to cover the front to protect the decals, consider that you might be setting yourself up for even more costly damage in the long run. Can't win??? Sometimes it seems that way. If you do want to shade the front of your RV from the sun, you might want to look at developing some type of "shade" without actually putting a cover on the RV.

Keep us posted on the repainting/decal replacement and congratulations on the "win" with your aftermarket protection company...

[sourdough]

As John mentioned you may want to find a way to shade the sun from the trailer.

In our case we have plenty of room on our property to store the trailer but, after already having the cap painted once due to fading, we decided to rent an eclosed, insulated 55x18 storage building. The W TX heat and sun is just too much to take another chance.

If they are going to re-paint your cap make sure they use a top grade automotive paint and then clear coat it. I asked them to put at least 2 coats of clear coat on mine. So far (3 years), no issues.

[UsTwo]

I have a fading cap on my Cougar..What about instead of fighting the fade and or repainting. Having a company do a wrap job on the cap..Would this work ??

[oldcow]

I have a fading cap on my Cougar..What about instead of fighting the fade and or repainting. Having a company do a wrap job on the cap..Would this work ??
At some point that is what I am planning.

Oldcow


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[JRTJH]

If you do a "Google Search" for "how long do vinyl wraps last?" you'll see that the typical vinyl wrap on an automobile lasts 5-7 years. On boats (similar environment as an RV) depending on the quality of vinyl and ink, the "advertised life span" can be anywhere from 2 years to 7 years. The "premium vinyl wraps" (highest cost) gives the longest life, but at the greatest expense.

If you think about a faded cap on a 2011 RV, it's already 6 or 7 years old. That would put it in comparative longevity to the "premium category" of vinyl wraps. Depending on your wallet, your needs and expectations and your plans to keep the RV for a specific time frame, the expense of painting vs the expense of a "premium wrap" vs living with the existing faded cap and waxing/polycoating is a choice that each individual owner has to decide.

[gthomas2]

Marine grade paint, I used white 2 coats, reduced the heat absorption as well cooled down the bedroom

[SmittysRV]

Got the Raptor back the other day. I think it came out great!! I decided to go with just the RAPTOR sticker and not the entire mural set up. What do you think?

Before
http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_241978_0_85b84ab79e7c867d9e71f0c36e18e9a6.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/smittys62/media/Raptor%204014/52711878-DAB0-459D-B029-F071EE22254F_zps5gjekpqy.jpg.html)

After
http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_241978_1_02d61618cae6a6387da53f220b6f554a.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/smittys62/media/Raptor%204014/6454CEC3-5882-4EE3-92DB-6BB3B7540CDE_zpscv4dihjm.jpg.html)

[Bulletproof]

Looks better!

[fixn2gocamp]

Looks great!!

[Msmith2054]

Just emailed Keystone on 2013 Laredo fading.I know they spend a lot of money advertising to sell their products as I have bought 4 new ones.Let us see how this handle this one.I will keep posting progress.

Keep us informed as we have a 2013 Laredo also with an almost light grey cap, was originally the dark glossy brown.

[starman]

The same thing happened to our Keystone Cougar. It was out of warranty and we had to have it corrected by repainting it with automotive paint as suggested by Keystone and the dealer where we purchased it. We paid $800 to have it done and less than a year later, it is happening again. Pretty sad for $45,000.00 2014 fiver :)

[Dave W]

The same thing happened to our Keystone Cougar. It was out of warranty and we had to have it corrected by repainting it with automotive paint as suggested by Keystone and the dealer where we purchased it. We paid $800 to have it done and less than a year later, it is happening again. Pretty sad for $45,000.00 2014 fiver :)


The only really good way to fix that is to have it done in a base coat/clear coat. A single stage paint just wont survive the sun as well. Ours was done prior to delivery in Aug 2014 using DuPont ChromaColor and their clear coat. A yearly waxing or two with a good automotive product keeps it looking like the day it was delivered

[Cosmo]

We too have a fading issue on our cap of 2013 Cougar X-lite but we bought this from a private owner but my question would be is there a way to find out the numbers of the colors that would be needed to repaint the cap as we have someone that does auto painting..