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Member
Posts: 13
Location: Bethel, Oh | Hi, we are looking at an older sundowner sierra, it is a 1995. I am trying to decide if it is worth looking at since it is so much older, however I also remember reading on here that an older trailer is often much better construction than some newer ones. I don't have much info on the trailer yet, other than it is the southwest series. I tried many different searches in this forum, but realized this is probably a brand-related question. Anyone out there with an older sundowner all aluminum? has it held up well. Thanks in advance for any replies. | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 197
 
Location: AZ | I would definately look at the welds and all the undercarriage. Being in the midwest, I am sure there will be rust. Have the owners been using it or has it been sitting? A friend has a 20 year old aluminum trailer that is in decent shape. I guess it depends on the structural integrity of the frame, etc. | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399
Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350 | The Sundowner Sierra's of the 90's vintage would be aluminum construction, with the only steel being in the neck structure and steel axle boxes. Most of these trailers were the model 720; which were some of the best built chassis of that era. The floors are 6" extruded interlocked planks running crossways which made for a floor joist every six inches. The extrded interlocked wall planks on the lower half of the trailer, are welded to the wall posts making it one of the toughest boxes of any brand of trailers. Structurally, they are a great product. There are many of these units still going up and down the roads trouble free, even at near or 20 years old. As far as the living quarters goes; most of the appliances, water heater, a/c unit, furnace, etc. on any trailer with an age of this trailer might need replacing. Things you would want to inspect on this trailer, would be; 1) floor in the horse area - pull the mats back and check for corrosion, which will show up in the form of a white or grey chalky dust. If it is real bad, you will see pin holes in the floor. 2) check the axle boxes underneath the trailer, to make sure they are not rusted badly 3) have the owner have all the systems operating for you upon inspection; making sure you have water without leaks, hot water, furnace operating properly (if it has one) , a/c blowing cold air, fridge working on both 110 and gas, pull the awning out, and check to make sure that it works properly and that the fabric is not rotted. 4) Either test pull the trailer to check the brakes, or jack the trailer up on one side with the trailer plugged into the truck, spin the wheels and than apply the brakes. This will tell you real quick if there is any braking power. These old mill finished aluminum trailers usually clean up great with an acid wash, and if they haven't been washed for some time, they will look like new when properly acid washed. I have sold Sundowners for 15 years, and pull a 2000 S/D 720 LQ myself. Please feel free to PM me with any questions you might have. | |
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Regular
Posts: 72
Location: vanceboro, nc | I have a 95 model Sundowner, all aluminum, full lg's. Its as tough as they come. Looked quite awhile for something with all the things I wanted. It has sure done the job. | |
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Regular
Posts: 73
| I don't have a Sundowner, but we have a 1988 aluminum Gore. You've gotten good advice already regarding the structure. Remember, though, that some things can be an inexpensive (or expensive) fix. A new awning is not expensive, if you already have the hardware, but a new gas/electric refrigerator is. If the price is right, you can do as we did, and redo the living quarters. We left all of the plumbing where it was, which made it simpler. For instance, the new sink is where the old one was. If you are unable to do the work yourself, you could hire someone with basic carpentry skills to do it for you. The obvious advantage to this is that it will be a new interior, and it'll be the way you want it. | |
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Member
Posts: 13
Location: Bethel, Oh | thank you all so much for great advice! I am going to look at the trailer tomorrow, so should have a lot more of an idea if it will work or not. I am going to print off these responses to take with me! You guys are great, thanks again!!! | |
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how old is too old for a LQ trailer?
