Posted 2011-02-09 1:02 PM (#129995) Subject: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Dallas, TX
New to forrum.
Hoping to get some advice from people with experience.
We are looking to make our first LQ purchase. In our retirement years so this will be the first and last. Going to do some weekend horse shows and trail riding trips about 2 a month, maximum.
Maximum stay about 3 days with a max of 2 people and 2 little dogs.
Have a nice 2006 2H Sundowner BP trailer and have been very happy with it, so have been happy with Sundowner quality. Really like the interior of the Factory LQ for the Sundowners.
We have a limited fixed income budget in consideration. So no money tree is growing in our back yard.
We are debating the merits of buying a new 2011 SundownerRancher Sport 6906RS or Horizon6906, 6ft short wall, 7ft high, 6'9" wide, type of trailer and adding the kick panels to the head side on the Rancher Sport, since our horses paw the head side when traveling. Will also need to add high ties, somehow without voiding Sundowner warranty.
or
a used 1998 Sundowner Siesta 3H Factory LQ, 8ft Short Wall. 7’6” tall, 8' wide. Microwave needs to be replaced, but everything else inside for now seems to work. Needs new tires. The interior has been well maintained and looks almost new. Sundowner Factory installed LQ, so has the standard features for that model. Adult owned and everything seems to be original equipement.
The 1998 trailer is $7000 less than the new 2011. The 98 is obviously a roomier trailer and I think looks like a better built trailer and would be the obvious financial choice if there was not a big concern that after buying the trailer, we would not be shortly replacing a $1200 refrigerator, air conditioner, batteries, pumps, etc. I know there is a life expectancy for these items that are going to be far shorter than the useable life of the trailer structure. It is scary thinking about saving $7000, but quickly closing the savings gap with repair costs.
Posted 2011-02-09 9:55 PM (#130042 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Hopkinsville, Ky
Consider how quickly the new trailer will depreciate. That would be a huge loss as well. The used trailer should hold its value for atleast a few years if you should need to sell it. Also consider any product is only new once. The brand new trailer will eventually experience break downs. Also being new to LQ trailers you probably want realize how important the extra space is. Space is everything to me. If you are camping to relax, its not very relaxing to live in a small space. Just my opinion.
Posted 2011-02-09 11:33 PM (#130044 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
New User
Posts: 2
We have a 99 siesta, with dinette and used it on very rough mountain roads,
freeways, camping in snow too. Great trailer, it has held up very well, with no problems. Still have all of the original equipment. Took out microwave as most camping is in primitive spots and like the cabinet for storage. Horses travel really well, managers easy to clean. Bought it on this web site years ago.
Posted 2011-02-10 6:04 AM (#130050 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Like Bigfoot said you need to consider how quickly the new trailer will depreciate, you may loose a few thousand dollars (on paper) with the new trailer in the first year. The older trailer is depreciated. I bought my first LQ this year and I was suprised to find how simple many of the systems were and how universal many things are. I had a vent break on the outside of the trailer and thought it would be impossible to find a vent to match on a 2001 trailer but I went to the RV store and it seems like they have only used one vent for every RV made in the last 20 years...for under $5 I was back in business.
Posted 2011-02-10 7:48 AM (#130053 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Member
Posts: 28 Location: Casar, NC
I have a 2000 Sundowner LQ 8' wide and with all original equipment. It has been pulled from NC to Colorado 3 times ( 4000 mile trip) and may go again (depending on diesel prices) this summer. Mine has been a dependable and good pulling trailer. The 8' wide will give you lots more space if this is important. I agree with the other comments the older trailer has already depreciated and when you pull the new trailer off the lot it will immediately become a used trailer and depreciate drastically. Don't forget to consider the capacity of your truck if the trailers are much different in weight. Good luck and enjoy your retirement camping.
Posted 2011-02-10 8:37 AM (#130057 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Member
Posts: 23
Location: Virginia
Whether you go new or used, think carefully about one that is 7' tall. If you are sleeping in the nose every inch makes a huge difference. After all wearing a helmet to ride in is a lot different than having to wear one just to get out of bed!
Posted 2011-02-10 9:05 AM (#130062 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: vanceboro, nc
I have a 95 sundowner, 4 horse with 13 ft living quarters. Its still top of the line. Very well built trailer. think the older ones are better built but that is sometimes true for the older "other things"
Posted 2011-02-10 10:24 AM (#130066 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792 Location: East Tennessee, USA, Planet Earth
Hands down...the 1998.
Extra room will be very much appreciated in the long run by you, your partner and horses. I ride 13.2 hand ponies and would not haul them in 7" tall trailers. Love my 7'6" tall bumper pull Sundowner trailer!!
Posted 2011-02-10 10:56 AM (#130068 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Veteran
Posts: 105 Location: Illinois
I vote for the older trailer it's 8 ft. wide and 7' 6" tall MORE room. Think you would find the 6'9" trailer too small to live in. We have a 12' lq but only 7' 6" wide and feel confined. If the 98 trailer is in good shape go for it. Our trailer is a 96 and have had zero problems. It's not a Sundowner but probably has similar appliances and you could replace all for much less than $7,000.
Posted 2011-02-10 11:10 AM (#130070 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
another vote for the '98 trailer as long as the axles and brakes are in good shape - get those checked out and if they need replacing, you can negotiate the price.
Posted 2011-02-10 9:54 PM (#130108 - in reply to #129995) Subject: RE: 98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
Absolutely the 98.....the height and width are something you will be thankful every day to have.....and can never be fixed if purchased too narrow or too short..........truly, the 98
98 Sundowner LQ vs Smaller New 2011 model
