How does one tell the difference between different Sundowner models? 

I`ve checked their website and all of the following are BP SL - Sportman, Sunlite 727, 730, 720, 725 and 710.

I read elsewhere in the forum that the 720 used a "uni-body" type design without a frame (similar to Jamco), while the early 727s are subject to frame corrosion.

So what are the differences in these models, and in particular how does one tell what model is which when looking at an older trailer?   Thanks!

The sportman says budget consious so that means an entry level trailer for those that do not want to spend much money.

The first 7 usually means the width, 6'9" which is almost 7 feet, in a LQ the last number is the size of the shortwall in the LQ

Some have different amounts of extruded aluminim, 1 looks like a stock trailer, 1 had more bells and whistles, some of them allow for more options in stall width and trailer heigth. How else would they keep them seperate if not for changing the number?

Here goes............it's quite a list.  Sundowner started building there all aluminum trailers in '89 with numbers of 700 (stock); 710 (slant load stock combo); 720 (slant load, most popular model); and the 725, (slant load smooth skinned that was totally lined and insulated, which was their most expensive model).

Than in '97 along came the steel framed models called the Valulite series.  These models were built in both slant and straight load configurations, but were still all called Valuelites.  They were a less expensive trailer than the trailers mentioned above, ALTHOUGH the seven hundred series trailers were still available in this time frame.  In 2003 Sundowner made some modifications to the Valuelite models, such as Suncoating their frames, adding LED lights standard, and changing their door hinges to stainless steel.  They than remamed these models with the word Sunlite, as the all aluminum models had been designated, such as Sunlite 720.  The new numbering system to replace the Valuelite series, were slant load models were designated 727, which was the biggest seller.  The straight load models was 707, 737, and 777.  The head to head models added later in the gooseneck models were numbered as 747 and 767.  These trailers were built until late in 07; when Sundowner made the decision to do away with all steel framed models, BUT keep the numbering system for those models; instead having all models built with aluminum frames.

With the NEW economy starting in '08, Sundowner as many other trailer manufacturers took a hard look at their line of products, and made the decision to come out with a line of more basic aluminum trailers.  They brought back names used back in the 70's and 80's for their all steel trailers, such as Sportman, (which are slant load models); Charter (which are straight load models); Stockman (which are bumper pull stock and stock/combo models); Rancher, (which are gn stock and stock/combo models).  These trailers were designed for the entry level ALUMINUM buyer, that wanted to buy the basic trailer and than add options to it, either when he orders the trailer or his dealer can add them at the dealership.

The Horizon models are the Sundowner new lineup of Living Quarters trailers.  They can be purchased in different chassis models; which in turn would keep the horse area pretty basic or will come with more standard equipment, depending on what the buyer wants his trailer to do.

I hope this has explained many of the differences in Sundowner models.  Please send me a PM if you need more information or further clarification. 

Wow, thanks jim bob for such a detailed reply!  That is what I was looking for were the differences in frame types and construction.  Thanks again!

Hey Jim Bob, what do you know about the problems with rust and the BP Valuelite trailers?  I saw somewhere on this site there were issues with accellerated rust on the frames because of the Suncoat.  What model years did that affect?

Customer care had very little to do with it. When the steel was not prepared properly the suncoat which was applied to all the va trailers, would crack away from the steel frame. This would allow the moisture/salt to stay trapped against the steel and continue to rust long after the fact. It stayed hidden in these areas and had no way to get away from the steel.

To clarify a potential terminology issue here- In 1999 Sundowner began using a product called Arma-Coat to line the inside of the horse area in their Valulite trailers. It was a regular style sprayed on bedliner just like in pick up trucks. The next year Sundowner was using the same product and it was known as SunCoat. This replaced the rubber wall lining that was common in trailers. In later years it became common to also line the aluminum floor in the horse area, thus 1 solid sheet from one wall to the other wall.

As the rust situation developed with the frames, traditional rubberized undercoating was applied to the bottom of trailers as an option about '01 or so. Within a year or so after that it became standard. The thought was to seal them from the elements much like is done with cars.

SunCoating has never been sprayed underneath a Sundowner trailer, but rather a rubberized undercoating has. These two products are noticeably different and have different functions.

What year did they start with the powder coating or whatever you call it?

There was nothing rubber about what was sprayed on the frame underneath the trailer. It  was a hard plastic that would crack and seperate from the frame. Had probably 300 to 400 of these trailers go through our store so have had a lot of ear/but chewings about it since.

I believe what you saw cracking and peeling from the frame was the powdercoat. It has borne out that powdercoating has no flexibility once it is baked. So once the normal flexing of the frame occurs during use, the powder coating popped loose from the steel. The steel flexed- the powdercoating could not. Then moisture gets trapped inside. The construction industry has suffered through some of the same issues where powdercoated steel is not holding a finish like a painted surface will.

And yes- it was likely a very low grade undercoating that wasn't very rubbery, and not applied nearly thick enough.

I am looking at a 1998 Sundowner - should I be concerned about the frame rusting issues ?

Hello

Can anyone tell me if they know whether this alum/steel; corrosion/erosion; floor/frame problem exsisted in the 2006 Sndowner 727 Sunlite (3 horse, GN) trailers? 

If it is a 99 model that says Sunlite on the nose; that will be an aluminum framed trailer.  The floor planks will run cross wise in the trailer, and not lengthwise.  If you look under the trailer it will be all aluminum with the exception of the steel axle boxes. The last six of the VIN will say AA followed by 4 numbers. 

The 99 steel framed S/D's will say Valuelite on the neck of the trailer.  The last six of the VIN on a Valuelite will say either VA,VB, or VC followed by 4 numbers.

Do you know the serial number...?  If you look at the vin on the trailer or title the last 6 of the vin will have 2 letters. VA or ZA are steel frame and LA or AA are all aluminum. This will always be correct until 2009.