Sundowner
Sunrise
Trailer Review
July 2004
by Dave
Mattern
I loved it . . . . but who wouldn't?
Well if you're like most of us, we'd all love to own a
living quarters horse trailer. Who wouldn't. But admittedly,
they are a bit pricey to be used once a month from May to October and sit
the rest of the year. Right?
Wrong!
Get out your checkbook. When I heard Sundowner was
coming out with a finished LQ this year for less than many top brands are
selling just their "shells", I had to take a closer look.
Sundowner of Oklahoma City hooked me up with the new Sundowner Sunrise
three horse, and I happily towed it to Kansas City and back. Here's
what you get.
Everything you need for a comfortable weekend away.
When I climbed into my Sunrise, I had a comfortable area to move around
in, a closet for my clothes, microwave to cook, fridge/freezer to ward off
starvation, an enclosed bathroom complete with shower and you'll love
this. All done in magnificant pine . . . substantial cabinetry . . .
. and with the three horse, we were still under 6800 lbs.
And no apologies when the neighbors came by and saw the
Sundowner at my place. I was quite proud of my temporary
acquisition. My only difficulty came when I had to part with
it. These units seem to be in hot demand.
As for the trailer itself? I've never been
disappointed with the pull of a Sundowner and as I mentioned in my
Sundowner review a few years back . . . they hold their value.
But now, you don't have to wait four years to get your
money back on your investment of quality. Sundowner has been
aggressively signing dealers and adjusting margins to literally make
people who always wanted a Sundowner, but did not want to "pay the
fiddler" . . . . . admit that pricing is no longer an
issue.
The Sundowner Sunrise 3 horse package seen here, sells for
around $26,995. I found several dealers on our website listing it
for less. Just make sure you are aware of any "add-ons"
the dealer may be offering - just because you find one priced a bit
higher. In some parts of the country, similar models are ordered
with extra's - like air conditioning. Just ask.
So who is buying these units?
Everyone, from young couples on a budget to early retirees
who just booted the kids out of the house and want to spend some quality
weekend time on the trails. Or take it hunting this
fall.
Not everyone is hitting 40 rodeo's a year . . . .and
many of us would like to take the savings on a unit like this . . . . and
put that pool in our backyard or load a Harley in the back of the trailer
on occasion. With the Sundowner Sunrise . . . you can do all the
above without breaking the bank.
More
pictures shown below. Click for bigger view. Other details I
noticed. If you're hung up on having bacon on a sizzling pan
for breakfast, look for a hot plate. This unit comes only with a
microwave. But who likes cooking anyway?
I also like the sleeping arrangements in the nose.
Sideways. At least one of you can simply roll out of
bed. Is this enough trailer for most? You have to ask yourself
two simple questions.
1. Do I like spending the night with my
horses?
If so, this unit will make your life SOOO much
easier.
2. Do you like LIVING on the road with your horses .
. . . buy another six feet, a couch and stove. You'll need a home
away from home.
Either way . . invest in an awning. You'll NEVER
regret it. Most hauling is done during hot months, and living
quarters are just that. A place to get in for
"essentials". Unless you invest in the larger units (and a
truck to pull them), you'll find it more relaxing to lounge outside with
some lawn chairs in the shade while enjoying the convenience of a well
stocked LQ and a clean place to lay your head.
Contact Information
Many thanks to the gentlemen down at Sundowner of Oklahoma
City. If you want more information on this unit or other
Sundowners call 800-366-0082. These guys work with many out-of-state
customers - (Sundowners are built in Coleman, Oklahoma) and will be glad
to deliver.
Here's some more specs on this particular unit:
6906 Sunrise 3 Horse L/Q
6'9" X 20' 8" + 8' Nose 7' Tall
Shipping Weight 6740 LBS
GVWR 13000LBS
5200# axles and 7.50/16" tires
Spare
Dome light per stall
2 loading lights
battery box
Standard Features In L/Q
Bathroom enclosure
Commode
Shower
Door mirror to bath
Corner shelves in bath
Camper vent in bath
Single sink with electric pump
3-cubic ft. gas, electric refrigerator combo
Microwave above sink
Vinyl floor
Carpeted nose and breastplate
Bench seat
Overhead cabinet
Wardrobe closet
Wardrobe closet in nose
14" x 34" vertical window in dress door
Mattress in nose
Day/night window shade with fabric
Covered window valances
38 gal. fresh water storage
4 - 12 volt dome lights
Breaker box
Converter with battery and box
TV antenna with power booster and hookup 110 volt outlets above wardrobe
and opposite wall in nose
Fully insulated and paneled
External 110 volt outlet
Hot Water heater
Call: 800-366-0082
© Copyright 2003 David Mattern and Horsetrailerworld.com.
All rights reserved including digital rights. Email
Back to
Home Page
Dealer Login
|
Search Trailers |
Contact
© Copyright HorseTrailerWorld.com. All rights reserved including digital rights.
Horse Trailers by Manufacturer
|