I have been shopping for a used 2H GN with a side ramp for almost a year. I have steered very clear of Sundowners because of the frame problems. However, a very nice 2001 Sundowner has come up for sale from a reputable dealer that has everything I want. The dealer confirmed that the frame has been replaced, but that there was not a floor issue with this trailer. I have not seen the trailer yet. My question: Is this now a safe and reliable trailer? Can Sundowners be fixed and live long, happy lives? Thanks so much. The availability of information here is truly invaluable.
Posted 2015-02-26 7:00 AM (#162697 - in reply to #162687) Subject: RE: Repaired Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Make sure you have it taken to an independent fabrication shop to check the frame issues. If the dealer won't let this happen, run far and fast! I'd be worried that down the road you might have problems finding a repair shop that will touch it, seeing as it is one of the problem trailers. It's also getting up in years and you might find that it's service life is coming to an end. You could find a better deal in another brand that makes all aluminum trailers. Good luck!
Posted 2015-02-26 7:58 AM (#162700 - in reply to #162687) Subject: RE: Repaired Sundowner
New User
Posts: 2
Location: SC
Thank you for the comments. I know this issue has been talked about at length, but what I have found is that while there is lots of info about the problems and making owners aware of "an era of Sundowners", there is little info about what people did with there trailers. More so, what is the status of the ones that were "fixed". I'm downsizing from a 4H, H2H that is steel, with a wood floor. While it's not the lightest trailer out there, it is solid and in great condition for a 20 yo trailer. I am partial to a steel frame/Al skin. Thanks again!
Posted 2015-02-26 4:55 PM (#162702 - in reply to #162687) Subject: RE: Repaired Sundowner
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Michigan
I had a 2001 sundowner. I had two crossbeams that went bad and had to be replaced. The rest held up well but i had the powdercoating sandblasted off and the frame undercoated. The floor was fine. I traded it in last fall and the dealer gave me a good price and resold it. They thought it was in excellent condition for its age and the type that it was. As for hauling, it pulled fine. Other than bouncing when empty, which most rubber torsion axles do. The brakes were a bit touchy but that was the only problem I had.
Posted 2015-02-28 1:34 PM (#162715 - in reply to #162687) Subject: RE: Repaired Sundowner
Member
Posts: 29 Location: Kenesaw, NE
I would not eliminate Sundowner just because one or two people did not like the way they pull. I have had a couple Sundowner GN LQ trailers and never had a problem.
Posted 2015-03-04 12:06 PM (#162747 - in reply to #162715) Subject: RE: Repaired Sundowner
Regular
Posts: 74 Location: Dublin Ga
I Have owned a Sundowner Trailer Steel Frame aluminum skin since 2006, I love mine I had a living quarters put in it in 2009. I use it year round for camping I also Haul ATV's and a canoeand have puled it all over Georgia and Florida mine pulls great.
Repaired Sundowner
