Well we are back in a 5th wheel after 10 years in a Lance truck camper and a Outback TT.Just brought home our new Crusader 295RST and i would appreciate a little advice on wax or other treatment to avoid the dreaded fading front cap.Our outback suffered the dreaded fade twice, first time Keystone paid to repaint, the second time 3 years later it reared its ugly self again. Only problem we've ever had with either.This time I would like to apply something to avoid the fade, i was really looking for a unit with white cap but didn't really see many, my better half loved the Crusader so that was it, the front cap isn't as dark as the Outback, but it does have some dark decals and paint.Can anyone recommend a solution, I would put up a carport but its against local code, I'm going to pursue a waiver thru the county as I've seen quite a few in our neighborhood but that might not get through and i don't think ill put one up without a approved waiver.Appreciate your advice, Keith

I have been using Colinite Fleet wax and really like the results. It was originally formulated for the aircraft industry, so I guess it is pretty durable.McGuires also makes some high end stuff.

I would use a good wax a couple times a year.. AND I would use Aerospace 303 on all the dark decals..

Maguires. Kind of like Honda generators. There's other stuff out there, almost as good. Almost.Kapnkirk- The Iranian army called and said they want that picture of their girlfriend back.

Appreciate the advice, I use the Maguires reguarly, just got some of their RV/Boat stuff in today, dang new rv is taller than I thought, going to have to invest in a scaffold to keep from falling off.Going to order some 303, looking closer today the nose cap is more light painted with dark decals, bet the decals could be the areas that show any fade quicker than the light paint.Tdst51- Can't return her now, have kinda fallen for her, besides who would haul my ammo?Thanks guys, Keith

I agree with Ford Truck Guy. Most wax will make it look good, BUT to my knowledge the 303 is the only one with UV protection.John

Advice needed for new fiver exterior protection

donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2017
I have been using Colinite Fleet wax and really like the results. It was originally formulated for the aircraft industry, so I guess it is pretty durable.
McGuires also makes some high end stuff.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Apr 07, 2017
I would use a good wax a couple times a year.. AND I would use Aerospace 303 on all the dark decals..
tdsxt51
Explorer
Apr 08, 2017
Maguires. Kind of like Honda generators. There's other stuff out there, almost as good. Almost.

Kapnkirk- The Iranian army called and said they want that picture of their girlfriend back.
kapnkirk
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
Appreciate the advice, I use the Maguires reguarly, just got some of their RV/Boat stuff in today, dang new rv is taller than I thought, going to have to invest in a scaffold to keep from falling off.

Going to order some 303, looking closer today the nose cap is more light painted with dark decals, bet the decals could be the areas that show any fade quicker than the light paint.

Tdst51- Can't return her now, have kinda fallen for her, besides who would haul my ammo?

Thanks guys, Keith
Montara24d
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
I agree with Ford Truck Guy. Most wax will make it look good, BUT to my knowledge the 303 is the only one with UV protection.
John
Veebyes
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2017
As a boater, saltwater, for many years I have tried many waxes. There are other good ones out there but IMO none as good as Meguires in the black bottle. It is expensive too. The thing is, it is a pure wax, not a cleaner wax, & it outlasts any multi function product. I'll spend the extra $ than have to do the trailer more frequently.

RV builders seem to use the cheapest material for decals possible. Mine is no exception. The front cap decal, even with waxing & 303 is about done after 10 years. Found a sign maker who can custom decal with marine grade material. Getting the front cap redone this summer.

If you see a 5er coming at you with a Bermuda beach scene on the front, it is me. Nobody else will have the same since I took the picture that is being emlarged.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2017
If it's gel coat...it's going to fade. You can wax and polish til the cows come home and it's still going to fade. The only sure bet is to purchase one with painted not colored gel coat caps. They're out there you just have to ask around.

B.O.
kapnkirk
Explorer
Apr 09, 2017
B.O.

You are probably right, but it sure doesn't make me feel good, when our Outback faded in one year I was mad at myself as well as Keystone, I tried to get the dealer to paint it white but they said Keystone was paying and they couldn't but no worries, we will do it properly and the new automotive clear coat is the solution.

Well 2 years later there it was again, I thought again I hadn't waxed enough or parking it directly facing the Florida sun was the problem, the only solace i got was when i traded for our new fiver was the same dealer now had to deal with the fade they said wouldn't happen again.

I am going to wax and hope, wax some more and hope, and try like heck to get a waiver to put up a rv port on the side of the house to park her under.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, Keith
Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Apr 10, 2017
This is the first I've heard of a painted cap fading. Mine was painted 2 seasons ago and so far is holding up. I wax regularly but am thinking someone did something wrong on yours. If it was auto paint and clear system used it should be the same as a dark coloured car outside. Enjoy your 295rst- it is a nice package. We still like ours very much after 4 seasons.
1jeep
Explorer II
Apr 10, 2017
I went through the same with my outback also, all the decals peeled off the front was faded! the trailer was 9 years old when we sold it, the inside was like brand new the outside looked like it was 80 years old. So far our new trailer has been good, but it is grey in color, planning to wax it this month.