Fix for gelcoat fron caps that are faded?

Approach the manufacturer for a repair. These were several know issues as the darker colors became popular a few years ago. Don't accept their first "no" as they've most likely at a minimum, shared the cost of painting the cap. Painting is the solution

SK734, get it painted. Spring for the epoxy & clearcoat & never worry about it again.

I bought a used unit. thanks for the thought

sk734
The factory replaced my cap under warranty call them it may still be under warranty the gel coat I think is 2 years

ScottG wrote:
Probably not what you want to hear but I had ours repainted with an epoxy paint.
It was just one color (white) and with everything it was $800 +Tax.
The good thing is it is very durable and stays shiny.

I would recommend the epoxy paint as well.

Probably not what you want to hear but I had ours repainted with an epoxy paint.
It was just one color (white) and with everything it was $800 +Tax.
The good thing is it is very durable and stays shiny.

It's a Crusader. It is a 2015 and it is dark brown. I will probably paint it the tan color to match the side. Thanks for the reply
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Wow! The mistake was made the day the gelcoat was sprayed on the mold. Boats should be any colour as long as they are a shade of white. Dark colours on a boat exposed to the sun just do not last.

Weight is not so much a concern so boats tend to have thicker gelcoats than RVs.

An awful lot of labour & material went into restoring that boat. Maybe more than it is worth. RVs can be restored. 300 grit pads are extreme. Better to start with something like 3M rubbing compound. It is available in different grades depending on oxidation.

There is no such thing as one step to fix it. Start with the coarse compound & repeat using a finer compound to eventually multiple coats of a pure wax or sealant. Lots of work. Keeping it looking good will take waxing at least once a year.

If it is really that bad I'd look into having it sanded & painted with automotive paint followed by a couple coats of clear coat. That will have it looking better than new gelcoat.

Depending on who made the cap for you 5th wheel it could very easily have inferior gel coat. Most of the dark brown and dark grey caps done since around 2013 have crappy gel coat on them. It's not the same as a boats.
Most everyone thats doen the 3 step process has reoccuring fade again. BTDT. I've done mine a few times and within 6 weeks or so it starts fading again. I have not done the sanding part though. From what I've read the problem is within the gel coat.
What 5er do you have?

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