Need Info on Sunline I have committed to buy

[HandiJohn1]

Hi,
I have put a down payment on a 1987 Sunline Vin #1LC251K27HD225225.
It needs work and I plan on uploading photos of the work I do as I go along.
Problem is I am planning on pulling this to Texas from New York in 6 weeks.
I have just bought a 2000 F150 with Off road Package and Triton 5.4 L engine.
The wife is afraid that it is too small to pull the camper.
So....Anybody...What say you?

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by HandiJohn1

Hi,
I have put a down payment on a 1987 Sunline Vin #1LC251K27HD225225.
It needs work and I plan on uploading photos of the work I do as I go along.
Problem is I am planning on pulling this to Texas from New York in 6 weeks.
I have just bought a 2000 F150 with Off road Package and Triton 5.4 L engine.
The wife is afraid that it is too small to pull the camper.
So....Anybody...What say you?

Congrats on picking a Sunline.

But before any of us can comment on your question, we need to know what model you've purchased. The VIN number tells us nothing about the specifics of any particular trailer.

If you don't know the model number, the 1987 brochure is in the Files area. By looking at the floor plans in that brochure, you should be able to identify your trailer a bit better.

It would also be immensely helpful if you pulled the weights (dry and GVWR plus the tongue) when you look it up and let us know what they are as well.

It would also be good if you can provide the tow and payload ratings for your truck. Some of the numbers should be on the door sticker like GVWR, Payload, Front and Rear Axle Maximum ratings, and possibly CGWR.

Then we can have an informed conversation about your new trailer and your tow vehicle.

[Sunline Fan]

Originally Posted by Steve Collins

But before any of us can comment on your question, we need to know what model you've purchased. The VIN number tells us nothing about the specifics of any particular trailer..

False. It says it's a 1987 22' Sunline travel trailer with two axles and 1" thick walls stick built walls, built in the Denver, PA plant #2.

There is a 2260 built close to it, so I'm going to guess it's a 2260 series and not a 2250/2251 bunkhouse. He will have to report back on the exact floorplan, but it shouldn't matter much weight wise for towing it. The 2260 series shouldn't differ much in weight depending on the floorplan options chosen.

[HandiJohn1]

The ford site states my truck should pull 3600 pounds.The camper does have two axles,One door,two single beds that pull out to a large bed in the rear,toilet,shower,sink in bathroom,table that folds down to a bed in front.door opens to show the kitchen sink,refridge to the left of door as you walk in

[EMD_Driver]

Going on your description, does your Sunline look like this T-2400?

[HandiJohn1]

it has the rear bed area of the T2150 and the rest of the floor plan of the 2260 standard front A

[HandiJohn1]

T2262 is also right for the rear area.it has a night stand in between the two beds

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

False. ....

I think Steve meant us mortals in the Sunline world. I knew you would know Jon.

[HandiJohn1]

Oh no I hope its not the 2462----5000 lbs?

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

False. It says it's a 1987 22' Sunline travel trailer with two axles and 1" thick walls stick built walls, built in the Denver, PA plant #2.

There is a 2260 built close to it, so I'm going to guess it's a 2260 series and not a 2250/2251 bunkhouse. He will have to report back on the exact floorplan, but it shouldn't matter much weight wise for towing it. The 2260 series shouldn't differ much in weight depending on the floorplan options chosen.

your response made us smile

[hburkholder]

That tow rating seems awful lite for that engine! Does it have a factory tow package?

[HandiJohn1]

no just heavy duty off road suspension

[HandiJohn1]

Its funny,the ford site says 3600 pound towing capacity and EHow .com says 7900 pounds.Thats a big difference.

[Sunline Fan]

Originally Posted by HandiJohn1

Its funny,the ford site says 3600 pound towing capacity and EHow .com says 7900 pounds.Thats a big difference.

That's more like it. In a nutshell, I doubt you'll have any problems pulling that trailer with that truck. It does kinda depend on the rear axle gearing though, but I don't think they geared the 5.4 down that much. At 70 mph, what is your engine speed at? If it's right about 2000, then you have 3.73. If it's above 2000, like 2300, then you have 4.10. If you have under 2000, then you have like a 3.55.

3.55 is the only one that would be potentially a problem, but the engine is big enough that it may not be a problem.

[clueless campers]

Not sure how the Off Road package would affect towing, but are you sure the 3600 lbs is for towing? That is low!
I towed a T-2363 with a 4.0 6-cyl Explorer before we got the F-150.
I found this chart at Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 2000 F150 Specifications It has been cut to show only the 5.4

[HandiJohn1]

I'm not sure of the rear end yet.I have nothing to look at or check yet.The truck is at my mechanic waiting for hitch,brake control and tranny cooler install.
After that is done I pick up the camper and drive it home to work on.
We are having a title issue that has to be resolved.
The owner I am buying it from bought it in Mass. and didn't get a sales receipt.
Thanks so much for all of the help tonight from everyone.

[Sunline Fan]

This may not work, but it's worth a shot. Plug your truck's VIN into this Ford website, and it should show you all the specs on it. The only reason I say it may not work is 2000 is close to the time where the the info won't populate.

FordEtis home page

[jim44646]

you could try CompNine Total VIN Decoder.
www.compnine.com/
you get a couple free look ups.

[HandiJohn1]

OK,The vin decoder says I have a F150 super cab 5.4L modular SOHC V8 with a 4R70W (AODE) 4 speed transmission,A LHD 4WD (PTD),A 3.55 Axle ratio,139" wheel base,7.5" x 17" Aluminum wheels.

I'm not a motorhead so I don't know what some of the alphabet soup means but it sounds like I should have no problems towing 7900 pounds,right?

[jim44646]

SOHC- Single over head cam
AODE- Automatic overdrive (electronic)
LHD 4 WD- Left hand drive 4 wheel drive
PTD-Positive traction differential?