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