NADA and vin numbers

scut · 04-30-2015, 06:27 PM

I'm looking at a 1997 Sunline Solaris. I went to NADA to get their appraisal. They advised to send vin number to manufacturer to get list of accessories for a proper appraisal. But I can't find the manufacturer. Any one know the website for them or have you done this before. Thanks

Gene · 04-30-2015, 07:12 PM

Sadly, Sunline is no longer in business.

If you send a PM to Sunline Fan (Jon) with the VIN he can tell you a lot about your unit.

**clueless campers** · 04-30-2015, 10:56 PM

I just sold a 1997 T-2363 a couple months ago. When I checked NADA in January '15, they listed base prices at $3900 low retail and $4680 average retail (about $300 less than in Sept '14). Options added another $1000 - $1200.

scut · 05-01-2015, 03:29 AM

Thanks guys, you've help a lot. Any suggestions on certain makes to stay away from. I just read a list of bad reviews about Coachmen trailers but on another site they listed Coachmen as one of the top five trailer manufacturers. Who is one to believe ?

I'm new to trailers and just bought a Ram with a towing cap of 6K to 6.5K lbs. So I'm figuring I don't want a trailer over a dry weight of 4K lbs. ,does that sound reasonable

Gene · 05-01-2015, 06:34 PM

I have also heard good and bad about Coachmen.

A better number to watch is GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) rather than dry weight. Everyone thinks they will not cary more than 200 pounds!!! My 2002 T2363 has a "dry" weight around 4300# (not sure of the exact number at the moment) and a GVWR of 5500#. It hit the scales at 5000# loaded with everything we normally take except food and water bottles which could add another 100 to 150 pounds.

Many people prefer to use about 80% of the manufacturers rating as a realistic figure. Your rating of 6500# taken at 80% would be 5200# so a 5500# GVWR trailer should be a comfortable range.

BTW: Welcome to the Forum.

Poppy & Nana · 05-02-2015, 06:41 AM

Scut - just because Sunline is no longer in business is not a reason to discount purchasing one. It was one of the best quality trailers made in its day.

If they had a Toy Hauler with a floor plan we liked we would have tracked it down and purchased it rather than what we have now.....as a matter of fact we had a 2006 1950 and traded it in well after Sunline sold out for a 2007 2499 (needed that more space thing)!

Good luck in your search!