2015 Keystone Cougar Siding Oxidation Issue

[Rvtravelwriter]

We have a 2015 Keystone Cougar High Country 5th wheel. It has the one-year only color that I would describe as mocha. When it was about one year old, we noticed oxidation on both sides, with the siding stud locations being prominent due to those areas being less oxidized.

The service advisor did not pursue with Keystone, but told us to keep it waxed regularly. Well, having done so for close to three years and having paid $1-2k to have it done by professionals, the problem gets worse.

I went through my dealer in Reno to deal with Keystone, which provided us nothing except frustration.

Funny that this resin color was used only one year and every other Keystone RV with this color has the same issue.

Talked with Keystone customer service, which was a joke. They totally ignored my comments about this not being an isolated incident. This was the absolute worse case of "customer service" that I have ever experienced. I certainly hope they record the conversations.

Anybody else have similar issues or remedies?

 

[Frank B]

Oxidation on plastic / fiberglass RV exteriors is a fact of life. 3 years is early, however.


As to remedies, Nu-Finish car wax / polish does a good job with little 'elbow grease' required. It does not remove the oxide, but fills it with silicone, giving a shiny good-looking finish.


I'm not aware of any reasonable way to remove the oxide.


The only lasting solution I am aware of is to paint the whole unit with automotive base-clear paint. Mucho big bucks.

 

[ro1459]

My Cougar is a TT but we have the same problem. Last year I used Nufinish and it looked good for while. This year I just finished using a polishing compound and then used a high grade car wax. Yes it took hours, especially the compound. You have to be careful with the compound as it will cut to the primer if you're not careful. It now looks new. No your wife will not appreciate how long it took or how many times you will almost fall off the ladder, but she will like it. Good luck.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Car/boat/RV polishes are available with varying degrees of grit, i.e. polishing capability. NuFinish is a relatively mild polish but there are numerous products with more grittiness that will assist in removing oxidation. Look for products in the wax/polish aisle that claim oxidation or scratch removal and give one of them a try. Or go full bore with a product labeled as a "rubbing compound", which is all grit and no shine component (you can add a wax shine on top later).

Here are a couple product ideas:

https://www.autogeek.net/3m-cleaner-wax-medium.html
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Marine-Heavy-Oxidation-Remover/dp/B0009IQY3U/



As for the Customer Service, it ended with your 12 month warranty. Isolated problem or pandemic issue makes no difference.