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Member
Posts: 32
Location: TX | I have a friend who showed me where her steel frame is rusting and coming loose in chunks. She told me this is happening in the Sundowner models ending in the number 7? Anyone know anything about this? I have another friend who owns a Sundowner that the same thing is happening. I checked under my trailer (2006 gooseneck 2 horse 777) and the paint is coming off and the frame is rusting and peeling off as well. Is there anything that can be done to stop this, or at least slow it down? Should I attempt to remove the rust and repaint with a rustoleum product, or is this a deeper issue???Anyone know if there is any recourse with Sundowner?Please help! |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
  
Location: western PA | If you perform a search under Sundowner, you will find numerous threads about the various models, the rust issues and how some have been repaired. You can go back almost a year. |
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Veteran
Posts: 127
Location: rapid city sd | I would have someone sand blast the steel and paint it. Sundowner used a spray on cover they called suncoat that cracked. It's probably the suncoat you see peeling. The water and salt just stayed under the coating and rusted the frame out. Steel and aluminum have never been compatable and never will be. |
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Member
Posts: 32
Location: TX | Yes, that is what I've been reading, and learning from the service manager at the dealership. I'm in the process of contacting Sundowner to see what can be done, as my trailer is not out of the warranty period. From what I've learned, it appears Sundowner didn't prepare the steel properly before powdercoat was applied. I have two other friends who own these trailers, one bought her's new and it is still under warranty, for sure! She has contacted Sundowner, and in the process of sending pictures. |
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 Regular
Posts: 79
Location: Shelby N.C. | I have a 2000 Valveulite frm Sundowner that was doing the same thing. I read about here on HTW about 6 weeks before my 8 year structural warranty ran out. I called the dealer and he told me to bring it by so he could look it over. When I got there he told me to just leave it that Sundowner would cover the repair. They sandblasted the frame and sprayed a rubberized coating that will flex with the trailer frame without cracking and peeling off like the Suncoat did. Its still holding up good and that was 4 years ago Thanks to the guys at LB Trailer Sales in Harmony NC for the great customer service. |
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Member
Posts: 32
Location: TX | I contacted Sundowner this week. I'm taking my trailer to Sundowner of Texas this next week. They will help me get the warranty transfered into my name, and they are inspecting the trailer to determine what repairs need to be done. I have two friends who own bumper pulls that are doing the same thing, and they are going thru the same process. Fortunately, I still have 2 more years left on the warranty! |
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Member
Posts: 32
Location: TX | Took my trailer to dealer yesterday for inspection. Fortunately, the paint is the only thing peeling, and there is no severe corrosion. Service manager recommended scraping off peeling paint and rust, then priming with a product called OsPho. Then just repaint. Rear bumper and one angleiron bar affected so it will be a small job I can do myself. Also found out my warranty is good till 2-15; transferred the warranty to my name, so if further problems develop I'm covered. What a relief! I have spent so much time and money making this trailer "Mine" that I was going to be just SICK if my trailer was destroyed due to a faulty frame!  |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Ospho is a good rust converter. It's been around for decades in many industrial settings including aircraft and marine applications. The phosphoric acid has a very light viscosity, much like water. When you're working overhead with a brush, much of it will be running down to your elbows. It is much easier to spray the product using an automotive touch up gun or an HVLP outfit You have to make sure any scale or loose rust is completely removed from the metal you want to treat. Ospho takes a while to dry, sometimes overnight. The resulting phosphate is not a primer, but it can be over painted with a primer and final coating. It's also quite economical when compared to other converters. A gallon will cover a large area, and it lasts well in storage, ready for any future projects. |
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Steel Frame on Sundowner rusting?
