fading front cap on 2016 Crusader 5er

mmanske, no warranty on the paint. I did ask the dealer about it though, and he said I won't need it. He said the paint would last longer than the camper. The company that actually did the paint specializes in trailer front caps. They use a high grade of automotive paint and a high grade of gel coat. Evidently, he's got a good business going on. When I picked up my camper from the dealer, there was a 5er beside mine that had just been repainted also, waiting for the owner to pick it up. So, I don't think this problem is exclusive to a single brand. It is common for all brands.

Just drive around the campground next time your out, and look at all the fading going on. After this started with ours, I took notice of other campers, and I was really surprised! If your camper has a colored (not white) front cap, you can expect it to fade.

I'm making it a point now to go around the campgrounds I'm at and talk to those folks about their caps and they need to complain to their purchasing dealers and the manufacturers. If enough people complain, demand warranty work, refunds, or something, it might get the attention of the various manufacturers to stop this practice and begin using a better quality product. (however, if they do, I can also expect the cost of a new camper to increase also). If this happened in the automotive industry, the automotive industry would be in chaos, wouldn't it?

mmanske wrote:



Paul Clancy, thank you for that info. What should be my first order of business....contacting the dealer or Prime Time MFG?

I have found contacting Prime Time THEN the dealer works best for me but my dealer was less than helpful.

goducks10 wrote:
Go over here and read about all the other ones that have faded and what they've had done. Luckily you've had it show up while under warranty.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f210/my-crusader-has-the-dreaded-white-fade-cap-92762.html

Contact Prime Time while it's still new. They won't do anything with an older trailer even though it's been a problem for a long time. Tell them you want it painted and not buffed. Buffing is a cheap short term thing.

is this pretty much only on the dark grey or dark brown front caps? Mine is light beige and I'm wondering if I'll have this same effect. Looks perfect right now and the RV was manufactured last January.

Had the identical issue with my 2013 keystone Laredo, talked to my dealer last spring, and keystone covered everything to have it re-painted and re-decaled. Took it to my uncles shop (does high end hot rods etc) looks amazing when painted, all I have to worry about now is polishing it once a year

alexleblanc wrote:
is this pretty much only on the dark grey or dark brown front caps? Mine is light beige and I'm wondering if I'll have this same effect. Looks perfect right now and the RV was manufactured last January.

That is a fairly recent color and I've yet to see it in a faded state. Time will tell. Probably more about the gel coat quality than anything.

Paul Clancy wrote:

mmanske wrote:



Paul Clancy, thank you for that info. What should be my first order of business....contacting the dealer or Prime Time MFG?

I have found contacting Prime Time THEN the dealer works best for me but my dealer was less than helpful.

Ditto. From your location I believe you bought from Dixie RV. Used to live in Gonzales and bought my first 5er from them. They are notorious for delays, poor communication and workmanship. I would contact Dixie and ALSO Prime Time so they are aware.

Charlie D, yes I did buy from Dixie and I have heard the same things about them that you mentioned. They had such a good price on this unit and gave me a great deal on my trade that I went with them. I just emailed Rick @ Prime Time and explained to him the problem. I will get with Dixie as well.

mmanske wrote:
I have a 2016 Crusader 295 that I've had for 4 months. This is our 1st new camper and we love it. However, I noticed that the front cap looks like it is fading at the top where it curves toward the roof. I got up there thinking it was just dirty but it didn't wipe off. Sorry no pics...it's storming here now. I plan on calling my dealer but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this. It is not under cover yet but I'm planning it soon. Nevertheless, it shouldn't do this after only 4 months. I hate thinking I spent $35K on something that is already making me question this brand.

Tons of issues with Prime Time and the dreaded fade can be found here:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f210/

kohai, all I can say is...WOW. The fact that this is so common makes me scratch my head. There is an obvious mfg problem but they continue to put out units in the same manner. What kind of quality control is that? Seems like Rick has his hands full just keeping up with all the complaints and such. I sure hope they come thru for us all. I think you all will agree that we put out lots of hard-earned money to have something nice and it should not turn to garbage.


If I had been aware of the fade problems prior to purchase, I probably would have steered clear.