Tom:
As far as Airstream goes, if you have to ask "Is it worth it?" then you probably aren't Airstream material. This doesn't have anything to do with whether or not you can afford it. Rather, it has to do with whether you buy into the Airstream lifestyle/philosophy/appreciation of a genuine piece of Americana. When you buy an Airsteam you're paying for a lot more than just a trailer, and you either get the concept or you don't.
Maybe purchasing a Sunline doesn't get you a lifestyle in the way an Airsteam does, but you can't buy a better made trailer. If you're as fussy as you indicate, then you're a good candidate as a Sunline owner. They're certainly less expensive than equivalent Airstreams, but that's not saying much. You'll still pay a premium in price and weight.
As to what that premium price should be, you'll get advice of all kinds. Here's mine. Assumptions: you're a serious buyer working with a reputable dealer to make an offer on a current year unit from the lot. It's also assumed that the unit is a model in reasonable, not unusually high or low, demand.
If these assumptions fit your situation at the time, then (1) get the list price for the unit from Sunline (email LaRue Lengel at www. sunlinerv.com and ask for it). (2) Calculate a sales price by subtracting 20 percent from the list price. Keep this price in mind. (3) Make an initial offer. What your starting point is depends. My own experience and an inclination to get to the bottom line with a minimum of fuss says to offer something a little over 20 percent off list. Others will tell you to start as high as 30 percent off list. It's up to you. (4) If the dealer accepts your initial offer, you've probably made a good deal. If not, then continue negotiating with the 20 percent off list price in mind. No matter how you get there, the final price should be around 20 percent off list, either a little above or a little below depending on your particular situation.
The situation gets complicated when the dealer starts throwing in extra goodies at "dealer cost" like a hitch, or a brake controller, or extra options. My advice is to keep the price of the trailer separate from the goodies when you negotiate. Otherwise you'll lose track of how much you actually pay for the unit. This strategy is based on my experience purchasing several trailers and it has worked well for me. Others will have different strategies.
I can't help you with a dealer outside of Indiana. However, I'd try emailing several of the dealers closest to you to see what's possible (use the dealer locator on the Sunline web site). Some RV dealers are willing to make good "internet only" deals by email and others won't give you the time of day. You should find out pretty quickly which dealers would be worth making a trip to visit. While you're at that dealer, don't forget to look at other brands of trailers just to confirm for yourself that Sunlines really are a superior trailer.
Hope this helps.
Don
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Don Reitz
2005 Sunline Solaris SE T-2499
2006 Chevy 2500HD D/A
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