Towing Vehicle?

amann10602 · 04-20-2010, 08:32 AM

We just purchased a 1995 Solaris 2363. What vehicle will pulll this trailer? Will a 1/2 ton work or do we need a 3/4 ton?

kanyonkitty · 04-20-2010, 08:55 AM

Welcome to the group. Glad to have you join us. WOW, a new member from Texas.

A 1/2 ton truck should be quite capable of towing your 2363. Your trailer has a GVWR of 5500 #'s, and once loaded to camp will probably have a tongue weight of approx. 660 lbs. A good weight distributing hitch with sway control would offer the best hitch-up. Reese dual-cam or the newer Reese Dual Cam HP (High Performance), or the Equalizer. If you need a brake controller, I strongly recommend the P3 Prodigy, it' top of the line, but the price is not.

We are a very loyal, informative group of Sunline owners, so if you have any questions, concerns this IS the place to ask.

Also, we love to see Sunline, so if you have or take any pictures, we'd love to see your rig.

OH, Sunline Fan is our resident Sunline Historian, he has so much information on Sunlines it's unbelievable. He has a data base of model, year, floorplan, VIN #, etc. So, I'm sure he'd love to add your coach to his collection, there is even a chance that he might already have it.

Kitty

Galaxiedriver · 04-20-2010, 10:27 AM

I agree with Kitty. We towed a 2475 with an Explorer so a 1/2 ton should bo well with your new Sunline.

One exception to what Kitty said. I have the Equalizer hitch for our 276SR and don't like it near as much as the Reese we used with the 2475. To me the chains on the Reese are far better than the sliding bars on the Equalizer.

amann10602 · 04-20-2010, 12:45 PM

Thanks for your prompt reply. We are excited about our Sunline. We had to take it into the shop today to check the wiring because we didn't have any lights. The man said that our roof is not in good shape. As far as we know there are not leaks. If we get up on ladders and look at the roof what should we look for as far as damage. Would coating it help? How can you tell when you need to coat a roof? He may have just been interested in selling us a new roof to the tune of $2,000, so we're a little leary of his assessment. It's great to be part of a group of people who are so willing to help us. When I have some time, I'll send in VIN number, etc. Thanks for your help. Audrey

kanyonkitty · 04-20-2010, 01:49 PM

I agree with Paul about the preference of the Reese Dual Cam over the Equalizer. HA, I was trying to be "politically correct" and not show any favoritism to one brand or the other

But, now I will, I really prefer the Dual Cam, but that is mainly because it is what I am used to

Kitty

**clueless campers** · 04-20-2010, 02:26 PM

Welcome to SOC, Audrey!

We have a 1997 T2363 that we pull with an F150. For the first year that we had it, we pulled with a 6-cyl. Explorer. The Explorer was ok but I wouldn't have gone long distances or through mountains with it. The F150 pulls sooooo much better. As Kitty said, a brake controller, weigh distributing hitch and anti-sway is a must.

The T2363 is a comfortable floor plan for two (plus a dog). Enjoy!

MACK C-85 · 04-20-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

I agree with Paul about the preference of the Reese Dual Cam over the Equalizer. HA, I was trying to be "politically correct" and not show any favoritism to one brand or the other But, now I will, I really prefer the Dual Cam, but that is mainly because it is what I am used to

Kitty

Ok, I'll jump in,

Chains are for the birds! Give me the bars any day.

I've never been accused of being Politically Correct, but I agree with Kitty, They both are quality units and do the job well. It's really personal preference and what your used to. Except, as I believe JohnB has said, some of the lower profile models have clearance issues with the DC.

The_Painting_Teacher · 04-20-2010, 02:55 PM

I'm not sure of the specs for your model, but I have an '06 2363. We pull it very nicely with an '05 Dodge Dakota 4.7 and 5-speed auto trans with a 3.91 r/e. Our trips are mostly on Rte 95 from Cape Cod to Fla, and we averaged 10.8 mpg on our most recent trip doing 62 on speed control in tow mode. Assuming your 2363 is typical of the later models, any properly equipped 1/2 ton should have no trouble with it. FYI, I have an Equal-i-zer hitch and a Prodigy brake control and am happy with both. Camp on!

**JohnB** · 04-20-2010, 08:10 PM

Audrey

1st off, Welcome to Sunline Owners club. We are glad to have you with us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACK C-85

Except, as I believe JohnB has said, some of the lower profile models have clearance issues with the DC.

Yes Mack has remembered this well.

If the height from the ground to the top of the trailer ball coupler with the TT level is around 17 inches or less, then the Equalizer is a better choice for that lower trailer if you are now buying one. The problem is the Reese cams hang down to far and you can have very close ground clearance issues.

However on 18" or higher, the DC will work well. and that is still a low TT in the big picture of things. I had one on my T2499 which is 18 1/2" and when adjusted right you have 6" ground clearance that works. See here

We can also help you when the time comes to adjust your WD hitch or jsut about anything else on the camper.

Good luck and happy camping.

John