2003 F-304SR

**Sunline Fan** · 04-26-2007, 12:11 PM

I just found this when searching Google for Sunline's. It's a 2003 F-304SR, so if anyone wants a FW, or just wants to see what one of the new ones look like, check this out. There aren't a whole lot of them out there.

Here's the link.

Jon

**Tweety** · 04-26-2007, 01:07 PM

We saw one at Hershey Highmeadow this weekend and I was really taken aback! I think we stood and stared at it a little too long because someone for the adjacent campsite took a stroll around it as soon as we walked away, like maybe we were being a little too nosey. We had asked a couple years ago (2005?) at Stoltzfus if Sunline was going to make a 5th wheel and the answer was that they were studying it, but the dealer didn't think they could be price competitive. Also, we never saw any on the factory lot or at our dealer. So, I really don't understand why I'm seeing Sunline fifth wheels at all.

**Sunline Fan** · 04-26-2007, 05:29 PM

Hi Pam,

They brought the FW's back out in 2002 (as the 2003 model year) and I don't think they ever took off at all. I don't have exact production numbers, but I don't think there's many. They had a brochure for 2003 and 2004, but by 2005 they were custom order only. I only know of one 2005 FW, and that may have been the only one. There were a couple surveys that LaRue sent out asking people what they would want in a fifth, but I don't know what happened after that- apparently nothing. I'm guessing that the '03 models and some '04 models might have been built at the Leola plant, but I'm not sure. That plant was closed in 2003. In order for that to be true, they must have had a storage lot down there too, since you didn't see any at the Denver plant.

Jon

**Tweety** · 04-26-2007, 06:28 PM

I remember seeing a Skyline plant on Rt. 772 in Leola right by the railroad tracks. Did that become a Sunline plant? or was it elsewhere? I didn't realize they had a facility in Leola.

**Sunline Fan** · 04-26-2007, 06:31 PM

Hi Pam,

Sunline produced at the plant in Leola from 1993 to 2003. I found the address somewhere for it, so I'll try to find it and let you know. As far as I knew, Skyline was still producing in the area as they were one of the parties interested in buying Sunline.

Jon

Makers Mark · 04-26-2007, 07:53 PM

Pam / Jon,
I also have been by the Skyline plant in Leola. Some of the DW's favorite shopping places on rt 772.

They used to produce Nomads and park models. Just through there last Saturday an it looks like the only thing Skyline is producing now is modular homes. Let me know if you get
idea where the Sunline plant was in Leola. Next time through I will do a little searching.
MM

**Sunline Fan** · 04-26-2007, 08:26 PM

MM/Pam,

Well, it was easier to find than I expected. I knew it was on one of my 7 flash drives! Anyway, here it is:

Sunline Coach Company
40 Hess Road
Leola PA, 17540

I'm not that familiar with the area, so I got directions from the main plant to the Leola plant. I just feel good about finding my way off the turnpike and onto Lesher, then S. Muddy Creek, then Stone Hill, (O.K, I got this far from memory, I can't remember the rest of the names to get to Lake-in-Wood! I know it's at Oaklyn and Yellow Hill though!)

Here's the directions:
1: Start out going SOUTH on S MUDDY CREEK RD toward LESHER RD. 0.2 miles Map

2: Turn RIGHT onto LESHER RD. 0.5 miles

3: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto COLONEL HOWARD BLVD / SPUR RD. 0.1 miles

4: Merge onto US-222 S via the ramp on the LEFT. 4.9 miles

5: Take the US-322 W / US-322 E exit toward EPHRATA / BLUE BALL. 0.2 miles

6: Turn LEFT onto US-322 / 28TH DIVISION HWY. 2.3 miles

7: Turn RIGHT onto N RAILROAD AVE. 0.8 miles

8: Turn RIGHT onto LINDEN GROVE RD. 0.3 miles

9: Turn LEFT onto N SHIRK RD. 2.5 miles

10: Turn RIGHT onto W MAIN ST / PA-23. 2.3 miles

11: Turn LEFT onto HESS RD. 0.1 miles

12: End at 40 Hess Rd.

They say it's 14.79 miles and 22 minutes, but maybe you know a shorter/faster way

Jon

**Tweety** · 04-27-2007, 05:58 AM

Thanks again! That's just down the road from Skyline, also right next to the tracks.

Makers Mark · 04-27-2007, 07:28 AM

Wow, I think I have been on Hess Road. Now I can't wait for the next trip to "Lank is ter" to find out where that is. I must have been by it and didn't know it.
Thanks "again" Jon.
MM

**Sunline Fan** · 04-27-2007, 07:49 AM

I just looked at the plant via maps.live.com and it sure doesn't look like a very big place. Then again, I guess the main Sunline plant isn't very big compared to other manufacturers.

Jon

Capt Skup · 04-30-2007, 10:58 AM

There are a few of us out there. I saw at least 3, maybe 5 fifth wheels at the Denver plant either for warranty or customization. I asked Herb Tester about them and he said not too many were produced but the owners love them(I have to agree with that). Biggest problem with Sunline's fivers was the weight. Our trailer is only 30 foot but weighs as much as many other brands 34-35 foot trailers. One look underneath and you would know why. A very robust frame, heavy 7,000lb axles, 235/75R-16 Load range "E" tires, large water and waste tanks, a ten cubic foot refrigerator, 15k a/c, 35,000btu heater. We bought ours at Recreation World in Annapolis, MD. The interior design, cabinetry, fabrics, fit and finish were very superior to the other mass produced brand products on the lot. I spent the weekend washing and waxing our Sunline, she looks as good as new. In the process of replacing the bathroom subflooring due to a water leak at the Thetford Bravara(junk) toilet. Only downfall to Sunline is the use of Strandboard(OSB), I really hate the stuff. Replacing with marine grade plywood.

**Tweety** · 04-30-2007, 11:25 AM

Capt Skup, Was that you at Hershey HighMeadow? The Sunline 5th wheel I was ogling over was from MD. We were there April 20-22 in the pull through area. If it wasn't you, there's more than 1 Sunline 5er in your state! It was a beauty!

Capt Skup · 04-30-2007, 01:06 PM

It may have been, though not too recently. We stay at Highmeadow at least once a year. Sunline was pulled by a '04 F250 blue over silver. One of the best features of the Sunline fifth wheels is ease of tow. Trailer tracks true, very smooth, no chucking, bouncing. Good strong suspension with shock absorbers. We can leave a cup sitting on the counter and it will still be there after a full day on the road. Have dragged that trailer all over New England, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Mass, NY. Wife and I have many fond memories, our first RV. As soon as the first spring arrived, we made plans and hit the road. I love Upstate NY, so one of the first places to see was Lake George. Learned quickly that spring comes earlier to Southern Maryland than it does at Lake George. Thank goodness for the great insulation and strong furnace! But it was still a fantastic trip.

HappyCampers · 09-07-2007, 11:22 AM

Sunline Fan, was the 5er you saw on the internet in New Hampshire? Just wondering if it's the same one I bought. Just trying to figure out how long she sat on the dealers lot.
Capt Skup, you are definately correct on the heft of these Sunline 5ers. Mine is the 304SR, it's 32 feet, and about 10,100 dry. Loaded I think we are at about 11,500 with out any water. The max rating is 12,500. It definately is a nice towing trailer, I just have to remember that it cuts closer than our T-295SR. I almost took out my mailbox backing into the driveway.

MACK C-85 · 09-07-2007, 12:07 PM

Capt Skup-

FYI - Recreation World closed it's doors for Sales and Service last Friday! They are only maintaining the Rental Business. No notice, no announcements, just shut down at closing last Friday.

**Sunline Fan** · 09-07-2007, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyCampers

Sunline Fan, was the 5er you saw on the internet in New Hampshire? Just wondering if it's the same one I bought. Just trying to figure out how long she sat on the dealers lot.

Nope, it was in Bartlett, Illinois. The link still works too. Here it is again:
http://www.abelrv.com/moredetails.ht...lrv&icc_ind=RV

Jon

**Sunline Fan** · 09-07-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACK C-85

FYI - Recreation World closed it's doors for Sales and Service last Friday! They are only maintaining the Rental Business. No notice, no announcements, just shut down at closing last Friday.

Gee, sort of like Sunline! I think I heard of another dealer not to long ago that did something like that too. I hope this isn't the new trend.

Jon