Posted 2011-01-21 12:33 AM (#129096) Subject: frame question
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Hopkinsville, Ky
I am looking at a 96 sundowner 720. The gentleman emailed me some pictures, and it looks like new. What kind of frame would be under this trailer? He said the frame issues started in 97.
Posted 2011-01-21 6:46 AM (#129103 - in reply to #129096) Subject: RE: frame question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
It should be an aluminum frame. If it has frame issues I'd pass. I can't speak specifically about that year of Sundowner. A lot of early aluminum trailers had frame problems. Aluminum was to be the "light trailer your 1/2 ton can pull" Problem was they made them too light, and the frame flexed too much leading to fatigue. When I was shopping for my first aluminum trailer in '93 I saw a lot of used one that had fatigue cracks.
Posted 2011-01-21 9:49 AM (#129113 - in reply to #129096) Subject: RE: frame question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 804 Location: Tenn/Ala.
A 720 really doesn't have a "frame". I'd best describe it as a uni-body design, to pirate the phrase the automakers used. The floor is built of crossways aluminum interlocking planks, with a siderail on the edges that a wall attaches to. Similar to Jamco and a couple of others. But no, no notable problems out there.
RTSmith
Posted 2011-01-21 9:57 AM (#129114 - in reply to #129096) Subject: RE: frame question
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Our dealership has a lot of customers that pull 96 model 720's. They are still pulling them and will continue to do so, because they have no problems with that model of trailer. It is all aluminum construction, and built very, very strong. These customers have everything from 2H to 8H trailers. They are good, long term trailers. Good luck with your purchase; you'll like the trailer.