Posted 2008-10-08 9:41 AM (#92760) Subject: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
New User
Posts: 3
Location: North Dakota
Anyone have any opinions on either of these brands of trailers? I'm considering buying one of them and just not sure which one. The Sooner is a little older but looks in absolutely perfect condition. The Sundowner is a little newer but they want a good chunk more for it? Any opinions would be appreciated. THANKS!!!
Posted 2008-10-08 10:28 AM (#92762 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Location: Colorado
We had a Sooner 4 horse gooseneck, about that vintage. We used the heck out of it. We pulled it a bunch of miles, most of the time full of horses, and we really had no problems with it. If the trailer you're looking at is in good condition, I wouldn't be afraid of it.
Posted 2008-10-08 1:27 PM (#92770 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
I think when you are looking at 10 year old trailers, the amount of use/abuse will sway you from brand to brand. I would buy one 3-5 years older if it looked like it had been better cared for.
Posted 2008-10-08 2:08 PM (#92772 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Regular
Posts: 99 Location: New Mexico
I just bought a 96 Sooner 4 H 4ft short wall. I love it. The former owner had reciepts of service that was done once a year. Looking at it you would never think it was that old. Even under the mats shows little use or a great deal of attention cleaning. This is my first GN but my friends have trailer envy and said I got a great deal out of this. I've have a BP and to me this GN pulls like a dream, even forgot I was pulling and scared myself looking in the rear view. LOL. Age, condition, price are all factors, mine was price range, condition of trailer, then age. Located in the same area was an Exiss 3H '02 for $4000 more. However, my husband just kept repeating its toooo big.
Posted 2008-10-08 2:15 PM (#92774 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Member
Posts: 16
Location: Palmyra, WI
I, also, had a 1996 Sooner Classic with a 10 ft. SW Duster conversion that we used the heck out of for 7 years. It was a great trailer...no structural problems and it never leaked a drop. I priced new Sooners in 2004...but they were not competitive with other brands that were out there and ended up with an Elite.
Posted 2008-10-08 6:32 PM (#92790 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Veteran
Posts: 148 Location: South of Dallas
I have a '95 Sooner 3H which I bought used. It's my first GN. LOVE it. Pulls great. Wish it had a few more options on it, but otherwise I'm happy with it.
Posted 2008-10-09 9:17 PM (#92852 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Location: Hartsville, SC
Sundowner, hands down. Better resale value, newer, will last longer, less pulling probably. Notice how the older Sooner people on this post talked about "pulling the heck out of it" for many years? Newer is better if you can afford it. Have it completely evaluated at a trailer dealer or RV dealership underneath, because any trailer you buy used is expensive to repair and no matter how good it looks, it probably still has problems if it is an older living quarters. Be sure to check for leaks and the wiring and brake shoes. I have had several and by far the Sundowner is tops in quality and service. Deb MedicineHatPaint Girl.
Posted 2008-10-13 9:26 PM (#93015 - in reply to #92782) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
New User
Posts: 1
Location: cincinnati, ohio
I just had a rumor confirmed that the Sundowner Valuelite models may potentially have a structural defect. The powder coating flakes off over time due to stresses on the frame which is caused by ordinary road wear & tear on the frame which, in turn,causes the frame to rust at an accelerated pace. I believe Sundowner will fix the problem if the trailer is under warranty (at least they fixed my friend's 2002 model at no cost to him). Not to say this model should be avoided; I'm sure otherwise it's a great trailer.
Posted 2008-10-14 1:19 PM (#93041 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
New User
Posts: 4
Location: ridgefield washington
Go with the Sooner, as the Sundowner will cost you later!
Sundowner owners love them until they pull something else. They pull HARD!!
If it has a steel frame, RUN!
Cosmetically, they are "cool", but that is about it. I have a couple of friends that would love to sell you theirs so they can buy a quality all aluminum trailer.
Posted 2008-10-14 3:56 PM (#93047 - in reply to #92760) Subject: RE: 99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Veteran
Posts: 129 Location: Northwest Ohio
Are we talking bumper pulls or goosenecks? We have an all aluminum 3h 1999 Sundowner GN with 12' LQ plus mid tack. We've had it almost two years and haven't had any trouble with it. It was very well taken care of prior to our ownership also. I have never had another LQ trailer so I don't have any comparisons. Even in today's market, it seems to have held its value so far. We have no trouble pulling it with our GMC 3500 diesel.
99 Sundowner vs. 96 Sooner-opinions???
Anyone have any opinions on either of these brands of trailers? I'm considering buying one of them and just not sure which one. The Sooner is a little older but looks in absolutely perfect condition. The Sundowner is a little newer but they want a good chunk more for it? Any opinions would be appreciated. THANKS!!!
