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DerekT's avatar
DerekT
Explorer
Jul 08, 2014

Fading Colour on Front

I have a 2 year old Sunnybrook Raven and have UV like fading at the top of the front "nose". Regularly waxed, cleaned and sealed roof and gelcoat. What to do ?
  • The front cap on our '12 Dutchmen Denali oxidized and faded very quickly. It was a dark brown gel coat. I tried the various oxidation removers and waxes, but the effort didn't last long and looked even worse later on.

    By time I got to addressing the issue with Dutchmen, it was 18 months old and Dutchmen didn't want to play nice. Yes, it was out of warranty, but this was a problem with many Dutchmen owners, of whom some participate on this forum. After several phone calls/emails, etc, plus waiting for winter to pass, we were able to get the front cap redone. Went from the dark brown gelcoat to white automotive paint. After much bickering and arguing, Dutchmen agreed to pay 1/2 the cost - I still contend they should have covered 100%. I did recieve a check about 3 weeks afters submitting the invoice.

    All in all a major PITA!! And no longer a Dutchmen fan!! Agree with B.O. only white from here on out. FWIW, the white actually did come out looking nice!

    To OP, it seems having the cap re-painted will be your only solution. Best of luck to you and hope it works out for the best.
  • My Heartland Big Country had the same problem. I had the front cap painted and clear coated under the warranty. Now the rear is doing the same thing. I tried the Zep floor finish on it. Worked for awhile but now it looks even worse. Next project is to strip it and have it painted also. This is the last colored gelcoat I will ever have. Either white or painted from now on.

    B.O.
  • I have the same issue with my Cougar. Lots of posts here about this. Repaint the gelcoat is the only permanent solution. If you want to go through the hassle with the manufacturer, some have had success getting them to pay for repair. Good luck & let us know what you decide.