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Old 07-16-2019, 02:46 PM   #1
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Prime Time Crusader Front Cap Fading

The front cap on my 2016/2015 Prime Time Crusader 321 RES is fading really bad. It's the brown cap. I buffed it out and waxed it, but the fading came right back.

Any recommendations on how to correct/fix?
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Old 07-16-2019, 02:57 PM   #2
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I had the same problem with my 2015 Sanibel 5th wheel. I reported the fading within the two year warranted time limit. They had to repaint my front cap. I would talk to forest river asap, I think the cap was warranted by the cap maker for three years. So do not let any grass grow under your feet.
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Old 07-16-2019, 08:27 PM   #3
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I had the same problem with my 2015 Sanibel 5th wheel. I reported the fading within the two year warranted time limit. They had to repaint my front cap. I would talk to forest river asap, I think the cap was warranted by the cap maker for three years. So do not let any grass grow under your feet.

30 months from date of manufacture.....not the date you bought it! So, check the white label on the curb side front for the date of manufacture.
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Old 07-16-2019, 09:01 PM   #4
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30 months from date of manufacture.....not the date you bought it! So, check the white label on the curb side front for the date of manufacture.


Well that’s not cool for those of us who bought left-over units from dealers. I bought my rig brand new in March 2018 and it was built in November or December 2016.
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Old 07-17-2019, 07:30 AM   #5
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My Crusader 321 RES was first sold and registered as a 2016, but it was manufactured in 2015. The warranty on the cap is out of date. I hear I can get the cap replaced by Prime Time, but my question is it cheaper/better to replace the cap or to have it repainted locally by a fiberglass repair shop. I am originally from Indiana and go back every year, so it would be no problem for me to take it to the factory.
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Old 07-17-2019, 07:51 AM   #6
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I do know for a fact that Prime Time does not do the cap painting at the factory. They send the unit out to a paint shop in the area to have this done. I do not remember the name of the paint shop, old age I suppose.
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Old 07-17-2019, 10:41 AM   #7
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I do know for a fact that Prime Time does not do the cap painting at the factory. They send the unit out to a paint shop in the area to have this done. I do not remember the name of the paint shop, old age I suppose.
They send it next door to Recreational Specialty. They had a new one already painted when I got there & just did an R & R. The next morning they sent it to the rain bay to check for leaks. I was back on the road by noon.
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Old 07-17-2019, 10:43 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by kpkenn4242 View Post
My Crusader 321 RES was first sold and registered as a 2016, but it was manufactured in 2015. The warranty on the cap is out of date. I hear I can get the cap replaced by Prime Time, but my question is it cheaper/better to replace the cap or to have it repainted locally by a fiberglass repair shop. I am originally from Indiana and go back every year, so it would be no problem for me to take it to the factory.
If you can't get PT to cover it because it's past warranty, I would call Recreational Specialty and arrange to have a painted one swapped for the old one.

It's better to have one painted otherwise, the fading may start all over again.
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Old 07-17-2019, 06:20 PM   #9
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Try sanding the gel coat with 880 then 1500 then 2000 grit paper, then use rubbing compound, then polish and finally wax. You will likely be amazed with the result although it is a lot of work,
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Old 07-18-2019, 12:15 PM   #10
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Not so lucky

I have 2016 that is faded really bad. I talked with a guy who restores paint jobs for used car dealership. My clearcoat it gone and my basecoat is effected. It will have to be repainted and new decals.
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Old 07-18-2019, 01:08 PM   #11
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Deny W: I was told the exact same thing. I was told the clear coat contains drying and hardening agents that failed. Bad/defective paint from the factory.
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Old 07-18-2019, 05:48 PM   #12
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I bought my 2014 Forest River Wildcat Maxx T27RLS trailer in October 2014 off the lot at Camping World in Vacaville, CA. The front cap was already showing some fading on the lot during the purchase. Salesman said “Don’t worry, we’ll Take care of it.” They buffed it, but it dulled again in a couple of months. Dealer then called Forest River & they refused to do anything saying “Fading is normal for paint & fiberglass”. I had to speak to the sales manager at Camping World to get him to tell Forest River that this unit showed signs of fading on the lot before it was sold. Finally Forest River said they would pay to have it painted. They did paint it at another Camping World location that has an RV paint booth. It still looks great today 5 years later. Gotta be firm, stay tough & stand your ground. Forest River is well aware that their front cap vendor has a problem with fading. But they need to stand behind it!
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Old 07-18-2019, 07:25 PM   #13
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I have a 2014 PT 1032 5th wheel toy hauler that was doing the very same thing. My dealer told me it was a known issue and replaced the entire front cap free of charge. They told me that the manufacturer preferred replacement over repainting. So, there appears to be inconsistent messages given across the country.
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Old 07-19-2019, 02:50 PM   #14
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I have a 2014 Wildcat and had to do a buffing job every six months. I had a local paint shop sand it and put a clearcoat on it. New decal and I am happy as a pig in mud.
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