Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue
trot-on
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2013-07-31 4:45 PM (#153704)
Subject: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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I searched for info on the Sundowner powder coat/ rust on frame issues and found conflicting info. Some stuff I read said the problem went beyond the Vluelite models and included Sunlite. We are looking at a 2004 and crawled under, looked at frame, and found some chipping of the coating and rust. But not sure what would be acceptable and normal. Will see if I can get photos to attach:
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china doll
Reg. Jul 2012
Posted 2013-07-31 5:16 PM (#153705 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Every steel frame is going to have some rust. It looks like surface rust but you could take an awl and poke it to make sure it is solid.
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hogtownboss
Reg. Sep 2008
Posted 2013-07-31 5:58 PM (#153711 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Originally written by trot-on on 2013-07-31 4:45 PM

I searched for info on the Sundowner powder coat/ rust on frame issues and found conflicting info. Some stuff I read said the problem went beyond the Vluelite models and included Sunlite. We are looking at a 2004 and crawled under, looked at frame, and found some chipping of the coating and rust. But not sure what would be acceptable and normal. Will see if I can get photos to attach:


Does not look bad to me at all. I would take something and hit around the places that is flaking and make sure it is solid.... If you buy it get a wire brush and clean it up and re spray under coating on it.

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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2013-07-31 9:50 PM (#153714 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Originally written by trot-on on 2013-07-31 4:45 PM

I searched for info on the Sundowner powder coat/ rust on frame issues and found conflicting info. Some stuff I read said the problem went beyond the Vluelite models and included Sunlite. We are looking at a 2004 and crawled under, looked at frame, and found some chipping of the coating and rust. But not sure what would be acceptable and normal. Will see if I can get photos to attach:
A NINE year old trailer will have rust...unless you are religiously under there treatin it...
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hosspuller
Reg. Oct 2003
Posted 2013-07-31 10:56 PM (#153720 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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I have a 1999 valulite.  The rust pictured looked normal for a steel trailer.  When I see something like that on mine, I scrape, wire brush and spray PAINT it.  Rust-o-leum rattle cans are the best.  Unless you're on the sea coast, I wouldn't be concerned. 
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trot-on
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2013-07-31 11:20 PM (#153722 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Thanks y'all. The whole powder coat/rust, frame issues that Sundowner had going on suddenly had me a bit concerned.
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horsey1
Reg. Dec 2004
Posted 2013-08-01 8:24 AM (#153733 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Depending on model year, the same trailer could have been called a Valulite, or a Sunlite. You cannot rely on the name for any ID purposes.
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jim bob
Reg. Jan 2008
Posted 2013-08-01 9:50 AM (#153735 - in reply to #153704)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Valuelite models, and Sunlite models with a three digit number ending in a number 7, and Stampede models all had steel frames in them.  They were manufactured for about a ten year period, from 97 thru 07.  I sold a Valuelite the other day to a customer, that had a very clean and sound frame under it.  There are a lot of good steel framed Sundowners still on the road.
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trot-on
Reg. Dec 2009
Posted 2013-08-01 1:39 PM (#153740 - in reply to #153735)
Subject: RE: Sundowner sunlite 2004 frame issue


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Originally written by jim bob on 2013-08-01 9:50 AM

Valuelite models, and Sunlite models with a three digit number ending in a number 7, and Stampede models all had steel frames in them.  They were manufactured for about a ten year period, from 97 thru 07.  I sold a Valuelite the other day to a customer, that had a very clean and sound frame under it.  There are a lot of good steel framed Sundowners still on the road.
It is a 2004 sunlite 727. No doubt it is steel, and looked to be powder coated. Just was unsure if it was an issue that is going to be a problem. Its a nice trailer, but we want it to last awhile...
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