New member w/new to me Sunline

Jack · 06-17-2012, 03:33 PM

Hi I'm Jack from New Hampshire, and I just purchased a previously enjoyed 1989 Sunline S-2000. Haven't picked it up yet. Getting brake controller (Prodigy 3) together and making decision on hitch/anti sway (suggestions accepted) and stuff like that now.
I'm a Motorhomer that is getting this as a way to try to cut down on some of the costs of keeping up an older motor coach.
I did meet 'Kitty' years ago in VA or NC, so hi kitty and hope I can will you some good health.
Jack

kanyonkitty · 06-17-2012, 05:14 PM

HI Jack,

Welcome to the group and congrats on your Sunline purchase. IF you need any help or have any questions about your Sunline, we are here to help you. Oh, we like to see pictures, so "IF" you can post any, we'd love to see them.

Yes, we met quite a few years ago in Virginia. You were the first person I met in person that I had met online. You had the gray/silver "Barth" if I remember correctly. And a really cute little dog, can't remember his name. You made us a wonderful open fire dinner.

I am doing as well as can be, considering my battle with liver cancer. 3 years ago I had an absolutely wonderful man enter my life, and he loves RV'ing, too. We now have my 18th Sunline, and this one is a 35', double slide 5th wheel.

Nice to have you in the group.

Kitty

Poppy & Nana · 06-17-2012, 05:59 PM

Hi Jack, welcome to the forum.....many of the people here are soooo knowledgeable about Sunlines......I'm sure someone will be chiming in as soon as they come back from their weekend camping!

**Sunline Fan** · 06-17-2012, 07:47 PM

Welcome Jack!

Did you two meet through Open Road Singles?

kanyonkitty · 06-18-2012, 04:37 AM

Morning Jon,

Yes, Jack & I met thru Open Roads Singles. I have met / made many friends thru that group. One of my friends in California had even bought a 1950, but she has now moved up to a MH, I think. It's a great sites for single RV'ers, that ARE NOT looking to find a mate, just a great group of folks to converse with, meet/visit.

Kitty

kanyonkitty · 06-18-2012, 04:44 AM

Morning Jack,

If you tell us about your tow vehicle, make, model, 2 or 4 wheel drive, 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton we will be able to recommend the proper equipment for your rig.

Sunlines are known for their good towing behavior, but getting the proper hitch setup is very important. Myself, I always had the Reese Dual Cam, an then the Reese High Performance Dual Cam. Was very happy with this hitch/sway control system. I really don't prefer the friction sway control unless it's used on a small trailer. With the Reese Dual Cam or the Equalizer brand, the sway control is integrated in to the hitch setup and provides (in my opinion) better protection on the bigger trailers.

Some of the guys will be along shortly to add there recommendations.

Kitty

mainah · 06-18-2012, 05:54 AM

Welcome, I'm over in Maine not far from Fryeburg/Conway area.

Mellow Yellow · 06-18-2012, 06:06 AM

Welcome, we are from Vermont-Rutland area. Just went to Buttonwood PA (our first "big" trip!) and got to meet Kitty, Gary and quite a few folks from this group. We had friends who live nearby and split our time between them and the Sunline folks so we missed meeting someof the group. But we did our best to wander around the campground introducing ourselve and getting tours of the Sunlines. And attended the ice cream social so we did make some new friends!

There is an Adirondack meet and greet in Sept. Tom and I are attending. Also hoping the Northeast New England folks get together at some point. That would be fun... lots of people on the boards from this neck of the woods.

There are people with loads of knowledge here and they've been very helpful and generous with their time. I am so glad we found this board and the great people we have met here.

rebellious78 · 06-18-2012, 03:51 PM

Welcome Jack!

Jack · 06-19-2012, 02:45 PM

Hi all, thanks for the welcomes!
I've spent the last day tearing around inside my storage 'barn' trying to find an old equalizer hitch that I had used to tow a sail boat many years ago. No luck. Just wanted to get the Sunline home to start the hookup work. What I have decided on is a Prodigy 3 brake controller and a Reese straight line dual cam sway control equalizing hitch system. OK?
I hope so. 600# The truck is a Ford Ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 v6 and LT tires. I'll be installing all the towing 'stuff'.

kanyonkitty · 06-19-2012, 03:20 PM

Jack,

The GVWR of your Sunline is 2955 #'s. Figure 13% of that weight for tongue weight, which would give you a tongue weight of approx. 385 pounds (if your loaded to the max GVWR). SO 600# bars should work fine.

Make sure the receiver on your ranger is rated for use with a weight distributing hitch.

Keep us posted on how thing go.

Kitty

Jack,

Forget to mention, PLEASE check the date codes on all 4 trailer tires, "if" they are over 5 years old, I would seriously consider replacing them. "ST" (special trailer) tires don't hold up real well with age. And let me tell you if a tire blows it CAN do a lot of damage to a travel trailer.

Jack · 06-19-2012, 03:31 PM

The hitch is 5000# and the truck is over 5000# (both with equalizer hitch)