What's this stuff on my front cap?

[Rainer]

We purchased this 2013 model in April. It may have been on the dealer's lot since the last holiday season.

The front cap was beautiful. But we're now half way into a two month adventure around the U.S. a couple of weeks ago I started seeing this discoloration on the top of my front cap.

I don't think it's dirt since it's rained enough to keep even my truck clean.

Any ideas? I've attached a photo.

[Bill-N-Donna]

Don’t really know but hopefully it isn’t anything serious.
Thought this was going to be another graphics thread.

[bobsals]

Just an idea, have you checked the hood and roof of your truck? Possibly something may have dripped off an overpass... Kind of looks like oil.

[WeBeFulltime]

Wash it. They won't stay clean forever.

[Rainer]

I should explain that what I'm concerned about is the white dullness on the front end cap.

[Champ_49]

It appears to be it may be one of 2 things. It could be the chalk color you get when you clean the rubber roof. Roof may need a good cleaning. The other which I doubt but a possibility would be oxidation. I'm betting a good wash job of the roof and then clean the front cap will take care of it. After washing roof immediately wash the sides as there will be a ton of residue from the roof coming down, which I suspect is the issue you are having now.

Dave

[bobsals]

I thought the white was maybe a reflection of clouds!. Even though you have a new unit, it looks like fading of the gel coat. I would try a wax or polish with a mild abrasive. Probably just cosmetic at this point and have seen a lot of it on boats. Unfortunately, that part of the cap receives the most direct sun. I'll bet you can buff it out nicely.

[HOOK]

The white ones do the same. It will clean up. There are many opinions out there on the proper way to clean. It is a type of oxidation. I'm sure some folks will be along with suggestions. A good boat type cleaner wax should do it.

[Phil P]

Be very careful with what you do.

I think I remember someone saying that in 2013 they went to full paint.

Some of the other brands did that and made the mistake of doing a clear coat over the paint job. They look just like that after about a year and get worse as time goes on.

If it doesn’t jus wash off without using anything other than some soap I would go to the nearest Montana dealer and get it looked at and make sure they inform Keystone and you get documentation that you had the problem before your warranty is out.

[DQDick]

Great advice, but do it the other way around. Wash it and if it doesn't come off contact Keystone first and work with them to get a dealer appointment. We've always had great response from Keystone, but we called them first and kept them in the loop. By keeping in contact with them you know what is really happening between Keystone and the dealer.

[Rainer]

Thanks to all for their advice.

We'll be taking the Keystone tour on Tuesday afternoon and maybe while I'm there I can have them take a look at it.

[Clemson1881]

Saw a lot of that on the colored caps of newer rigs of various brands a couple of weeks ago at Ocean Lakes. I didn't get to speak to anyone, but I saw a lot of them like that. Some were way worse than yours.

[jsmitfl]

I bet if you wash it and then apply some 303 to it the color will come back. With the sun and heat beating on the top side of the fiberglass it is basically dying a slow death. Stay on top of it with the 303 and it will last a long time. We have colored boats and fivers here in so Fla that get that way as do the white units. Good luck with it.

[Sierra 117]

It looks like it has been waxed and that has oxidized in the sun. It should be easy to remove.

[Captain Joe]

I agree with Champ. It is either from the roof or oxidation. Clean the roof and cap. If still there, then it is oxidation. Meguires #50 should take it off. If not, you may have to carefully use Mequires #49. Good luck.

[grayghost03]

It is oxidation, almost all the dark gray caps are doing this from keystone, talk to your dealer, they are correcting the problem (lack of uv protection in gel coat, it is gel coat and not paint) you can polish it out, but it will return very quickly. I repainted mine, a lighter shade of gray (platinum). Made it two tone. If you decide to repaint, I would recommend Marine top coat, designed for high UV and tough.