Posted 2021-07-13 10:15 PM (#174608) Subject: Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
Member
Posts: 5
I’m buying a 1999 sundowner valuelite 2 horse in a couple days for $8,000. Driving all the way to Texas from California to purchase it. Can you guys tell me what you think about the trailer? I’m not worried about little things breaking or needing to be fixed. Windows, door handles, things like that I don’t mind! I am mostly concerned about the floor because I’ve only ever had wood floor trailers. Are these floors reliable Where are my horse is going to be falling through it while I’m driving on the freeway?
Posted 2021-07-14 4:40 AM (#174610 - in reply to #174608) Subject: RE: Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
Member
Posts: 17
Due to the brand and year - unless you know what to look for on the frame underneath, the vertical frame and the floor you should have a qualified trailer repair shop inspect the under carriage of this trailer - the black iron frame was powdercoated and there are many many that rusted out from the inside out, some were sandblasted and repainted - you should look for and bang around for any flaking and rust of the steel under carriage / frame, the check the floor and rear main frame - you could google search Sundowner floor frame failure Risa
Posted 2021-07-14 5:39 AM (#174611 - in reply to #174608) Subject: RE: Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
Veteran
Posts: 113 Location: Wi
I had a 1999 Sundowner Valulite which I sold in 2009. I didnt have any problems with the frame but had a problem with the floor. The coating they put on the floor failed miserably. One day when power washing I noticed that the floor was "rippling". This told me that it wasnt adhered to the aluminum floor. It took me all of about 10min to rip it all out. What I found out was that urine was getting trapped between the coating and the aluminum I had holes approx .25" that I couldnt see until the coating was removed.
The trailer was powerwashed after each use and not in the winter/salted roads. I think it is a solid trailer but would fully inspect the floor and frame for the known issues.
Posted 2021-07-14 7:03 AM (#174615 - in reply to #174608) Subject: RE: Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
Member
Posts: 5
I actually had an inspector look at it and they didn’t find any rusting under the trailer. It was stored on concrete under a cover and used very lightly since purchase. Wonder if this makes a difference
Posted 2021-07-14 7:07 AM (#174616 - in reply to #174608) Subject: RE: Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
Member
Posts: 5
Thanks guys this is so helpful! I’m having my husband come with me to see it. We already Have our trip booked so I might as well look at it anyway and then take a look at some others in the area. Are there things that you suggest I look at? I know I should have a professional do this and he was able to see it yesterday afternoon. For when I am looking at it myself with my husband what should we look at? Do we take up that rubber mats? Where should we be looking for this rust and power coat issue
Posted 2021-07-16 2:27 PM (#174628 - in reply to #174608) Subject: RE: Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
I have a 1999 3H GN Sundowner Valulite. Bought it in 2001 I still have it. I did have some issues with the butt side frame rusting. I had the rusted / flaking area replaced. If this trailer lived in TX away from the coast, I doubt rust will be an issue. UN-Like cars from the northeast, The lack of salt and moisture allows a long vehicle life.
I pulled up the rubber floor coating 5 years ago to find the same issue described. Perhaps because, we always pulled mats and washed the floor only had a few pin holes in the floor. Not a structural issue.
If you purchase the trailer, pull the rubber coating to stop further problems. Be sure to keep the manure and urine washed out. All trailer floors are vulnerable to rot from horse end products.
The roof seams should be checked. The caulk used by Sundowner only lasts 5-7 years in NC. I used a RV roof tape that has been very good and longer lasting. Window frame sealing was also replaced due to leaks.
As a 20 + year old trailer, these issues are to be expected. They're a simple fix.
The trailer has been very good for us. It will be for you if the maintenance is kept up.
Need opinions on 1999 sundowner valuelite
