Front cap fading issues

[cableguy_hd]

So on Monday I plan on going and getting the Apex 300bhs with the 50th ann. package that has the fiberglass front cap. I've seen quit a few with fading issues ( other brands ) and was wondering how this model has help up. I realize this may be a relatively new option but I dont want to spend this kind of money and it fade to white after a few years. Any thoughts on this?

[DaveandSue]

Don't know about the Apex,but my Chaparral just showed fading about a week ago.At least that's when I noticed it.I always wash and wax the front,at least,before a trip.Haven't talked with my dealer yet.Our warranty was out in April.Hope to know something this week.We won't be home for awhile,but would like to have something settled before we get back.

[cableguy_hd]

good luck

[wingedone]

The fading issue, these are painted caps or tinted fiberglass?

[DaveandSue]

I would think it's a gel coat,but probably painted.

[Markandmelly]

At the RV show today my local dealer stated the cap fade was resolved in 2015 and 2016 models by applying a gel coat. I would assume the old was painted. Not for certain though.

[wingedone]

Doing some more research, it does look like the problem is the colored gel coat.

[Todouble]

Everything I hear is that fade is from bad gelcoat. Here mine.

[wingedone]

Wow, I didn't know the fading was that noticeable.

[buskirk21921]

My 2015 Chaparral is having the fading issue as mine has the dark brown cap. What a mess. Dealer does not want to deal with it so I have been in touch with Coachmen and under warranty they will fix it but I have to find a body shop, provide them with a quote, they need to approve, I pay and then they reimburse me. The dealer that I bought this from sucks.

[davel1971]

my brown Chaparral cap has started showing fading this year also. I see that they cured the problem for the 2015 model year by putting white caps on. Less noticeable if it fades.

[trbomax]

My black 2015 is turning grey in the front center. I know its painted because i chipped a corner on my in bed transfer pump in a more than 90* turn.

[MMattox]

There is another big thread on this very subject do a search and you will find a lot of problems with the gel coat if it is not painted.

[DaveandSue]

Mine is a 2015 also. A very early 2015. Got it in April 2014. Dark brown and all the way across and down to the decal. Can't post a pic on my phone.

[TrailBoss]

Originally Posted by MMattox

There is another big thread on this very subject do a search and you will find a lot of problems with the gel coat if it is not painted.

Keep up the pressure on the factory and their many divisions cause it's happening all across Forrest River Products, many issues in the Cedar Creel camps with caps, Grey, Tan. Some of us are really pushing the issue cause it's a know problem and my unit is out of warranty and only 2 1/2 years old. Industry problem!!


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[jeepman71]

My Wildcat showed no sign that I noticed when I uncovered the trailer in march, by mid may it was pretty noticeable. So I talked with the people at Wildcat earlier at this time. They said they were seeing a lot of this and that the gel coat was bad. They are paying to have the front cap painted this fall.

Awesome customer service.

[Campfire79]

This is an issue affecting all manufacturers of any trailer with a dark colored front cap. I am dealing with it on my Keystone Laredo and currently debating on having my cap painted or trading in the trailer (considering the Freedom Express Liberty Edition 320bhds - they switched to white front cap for 2016). The problem is the gel coat is prone to fading (oxidation), similar to a boat. The only solution is a white cap or a painted one. Just like a car - if it's painted and clear coated, it won't fade. Most manufacturers now are either painting their front caps or going back to white. IMO the manufacturers should have known better when they switched to dark colored caps. They really need to issue a recall or at least step up and fix the issue when customers complain about it outside of warranty (which is most of the time).

[Steven379]

I noticed the fading when I picked up my Crusader a few weeks ago and was out of warranty by a few weeks. The dealer was immediately of the opinion that it was warranty and has gotten everything approved and setup to have it painted, just talked to them this morning and they have the decals in and are waiting on me to drop it off.

[MMattox]

I just had the manufacture "fix" mine. They replaced the cap. Told me that the gel coat now is better than it was 4 years ago. What i am wondering now is should i spend the money to have a clear coat sprayed on the cap now that it is brand new or take a chance?

[bpdlk33]

I have a 2014 wc and cap has faded badly. It Is grey. It is also a few months out of warranty. My dealer has given me contact info for a guy that refinished this problem. Dealer says forest river allows up to $1100.00 for the repaint. I called the guy that does it. He says grey was a bad color and fades easily. He says he sands the cap, puts a good base coat on to match the original color and then puts two coats of clear coat on. It will take a week. I will call him about two weeks before I am ready to take it to him. No money out of my pocket.