Posted 2013-06-21 7:25 AM (#152867) Subject: Qs-what to check on a 1989 Sundowner 3 horse w/small living quarters
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Louisville, Ky
I sold my 2 horse bumper pull and I'm moving up to a bigger trailer - a 3 or 4 horse gooseneck. Haven't wanted to spend a lot of money, so we've been looking in the 3000-8000 range. I found one for 5000 that is a 1989 Sundowner 3 horse slant. Looking at it tomorrow. Due to the age and my inexperience with these larger trailers, what do I specifically need to check before buying? I know the floor is a particular area of concern on older models. Anything I need to look for or stay away from on the floor, tires, wear in any other areas, etc.? Second question is - how do I find the model/weight of the trailer and would I be ok to pull it with a 2005 Ford F150 4x4 extended cab truck rated at 8300 lbs towing capacity? I probably need to get a larger truck to be safe, yet really like my truck, it's low miles, kept by an old gentleman, and nice. Thanks!
Posted 2013-06-21 7:47 AM (#152868 - in reply to #152867) Subject: RE: Qs-what to check on a 1989 Sundowner 3 horse w/small living quarters
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
I'm also new to gooseneck trailers. What I have learned from the fine folks on this forum, is you must match your tow vehicle ( truck ) to the trailer. The last thing you want is to over buy the trailer for the truck.You may be limited in your choices of trailer, due to the "rated" cargo and towing capacity of your truck. What ever the weight of the gooseneck- divide that weight by 30% to give you an "estimate" of the pin weight in the back of your truck.
Posted 2013-06-21 7:59 AM (#152869 - in reply to #152867) Subject: RE: Qs-what to check on a 1989 Sundowner 3 horse w/small living quarters
Regular
Posts: 54 Location: cleburne texas
I too have been trailer shopping for a bigger trailer. I am looking at two right now, and I am looking int he same price range you are. I look at floor, crawl underneath best I can, get a history on the trailer if the owner has had it awhile. I have pulled one of them, but it has now been sitting for about a year, must check out wiring, brakes and bearings and tires. The other one is being brought to me next week so I can hook up to it and pull it. It is a one owner and the lady works with me, bought it new, and has the history on it. Must make sure you get a title if at all possible and check the history of it. Compare it to the VIN so you know it's not stolen.I have a single cab 3/4 ton and I have a brake controller of course. Not so much worried about going as stopping. I also would consider width and height for horse comfort. I wanted a 20 ft traielr but both these are 24 ft, so I have to know I will be happy with the extra length or keep looking.
Posted 2013-06-21 8:22 AM (#152870 - in reply to #152867) Subject: RE: Qs-what to check on a 1989 Sundowner 3 horse w/small living quarters
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
2005 Ford TowingGuide >>>>>>>http://www.diehlford.com/images/pdf/TOWING_GUIDE_2005.pdf>>>>>>Remember that 8300 lbs includes the weight of the trailer, horses, tack, feed, water, etc.
Qs-what to check on a 1989 Sundowner 3 horse w/small living quarters
