Upgrade or no?

ScottK · 06-15-2010, 02:30 PM

So we are thinking of upgrading to an '0X t-1950 from a '88 T-1550. We would like a bit more space than the 1550 offers, but we love the smaller size for towing and getting into smaller parks. We really love our little 1550 and hate to see her go. Am I going to regret having a "big 'ol camper" if I upgrade? Or will I wonder why I evened questioned the upgrade once I have it? It's just my wife, dog, cat & me (so far). But that gets a little cramped after a couple weeks. We have taken the 1550 on the road for 4+ weeks each of the last 2 summers. I know many of you have gone through the progression of campers, so....what do you think?

**Tweety** · 06-15-2010, 03:05 PM

The 1950 is a really nice choice for someone who wants to get into small sites but still have all the amenities of a full sized trailer. We had a QUE (17') and went up to the 2753 (28') and we do miss the flexibility of that little trailer. One time we pulled into Sherando (a Forest Service Campground in VA) and while their trailer section was full, they were able to accomodate us in their tent section because of our small camper. I won't be telling any stories like that with what we have now! To get the dry bath and sofa/chair combo I'd surely move up to the 1950. That's still a very small unit.

kanyonkitty · 06-15-2010, 03:30 PM

After many years & miles in a 1986 T-1661, we moved up to a used T-1950 and the move was more than worth the slight loss of access to smaller sites.

At times I find myself thinking about our beautiful BIG 5th wheel, but once I'm inside, heck no I don't want to go back to a little camper.

In fact we have a Sunline 17 1/2 sitting in the yard waiting to be over-hauled, and every once in a while Gary will say "Hey maybe once we get the 17 finished, we'll take it for a weekend"

I just give him that "Not in this lifetime look" and tell him to have a great "SOLO" weekend

Kitty

Honda03842 · 06-15-2010, 03:56 PM

We loved our 1982 12.2 foot SUnline and have spent as much as 10 months out of 12 traveling about in it. We have no pets, a rule we decided on when we took up RVing. We love always fitting in and being able to pull into any Dunkin Donuts.

We had modified our 1550 for the two of us, even adding a dry shower.

On the otherhand, we totally disassembled our trailer and are now making something akin to a 1950 on the former frame. We started this with sadness but look forward to the fun of the build out and the resulting trailer. Our major goal is to accomplish this with out significantly increasing the weight since we tow with a Honda CRV.

In conclusion we love the 1950 but it's too heavy for our tow vehicle.

pwb01 · 06-15-2010, 04:29 PM

We see out T-1950 as the small unit that's easy to tow and manuver. You won't regret the upgrade. We love ours, it's just the right size.

ScottK · 06-15-2010, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda03842

We started this with sadness but look forward to the fun of the build out and the resulting trailer.

Yes, I think that is my biggest problem here, I just don't want to let the little one go! Maybe I'll just keep her parked in the driveway for a while until I'm ready (and my wife scream loud enough to get it the hell out of the driveway). I know we'll love the 1950. Thanks for the therapy session.

Honda03842 · 06-16-2010, 05:20 AM

We're a two rig family. My wife was wild when I bought the little Sunline, now she loves it. Yes we have two rigs in a yard that is only 60 x 100. The neighbors don't seem to mind and we're happy with the flexibility it offers.

I will say you'll be easily able to sell the 15.5. We have had people ask to buy ours all the time, particularly big rig 5th wheelers who realize RVing joy is not proportional to the size of the rig.

Outside of the weight I think the 1950 is a great design.

awellis3 · 06-16-2010, 06:00 AM

I'm keeping our pop up for boondocking because of its flexibility. If the Tundra can make it, the Pup will follow.
The Solaris is for extended trips where we stay with hookups to explore new places. Skidaway Island SP outside of Savannah is one example.

AW

Diane · 06-16-2010, 11:43 AM

We had a t-1950 and one of its best features is the front living. Sitting on the sofa and being able to look out the front and sides was a real pleasure. During the short time we had this TT, we towed it about 8,000 miles with absolutely no issues.

**Sunline Fan** · 06-16-2010, 12:40 PM

Diane, I know this is a bit off topic, but I had forgotten that your Heartland was a North Trail.

About five miles or so away from us, there has been a Sunline at a house ever since we got our very first one. It's the same year, a 1997, and is a 2053. The owners are also into dogs (though I'm not sure what kind) and appear to travel to dog shows often. I've never met them, but they have a big white van and there's been dogs running around there before. Their coach must also be a very early '97 based on how long they've had it.

Since they live on somewhat of a main road, I was hoping if it was for sale some day that I could go look at it.

Well, just about a week and a half ago, I went by there and no more Sunny. It's now a North Trail too... I don't know the model (it took a few years to figure out what model Sunny they have because of trees), but it might be the 22 RBS. It has a small slide, so probably couch only.

Jon

Diane · 06-16-2010, 01:44 PM

Very interesting! I'm on the Heartland Owners list and there are a few folks who have moved from Sunline to North Trail. I'm hoping that means that we former Sunline owners have chosen well.

Our 1950 is still for sale at Leo's RV in Maryland and I hope it goes to someone who enjoys it as much as we did.

People who show dogs are very much fans of RV's of all types and sizes as many show grounds allow camping and for professional handlers (make their living showing dogs), RV's are many times the only way to go as there are usually limits on how many dogs can be in motels/hotels. Unfortunately I've never seen another Sunline at a dog show but I do know two dog show people who started in Sunlines many years ago, one with a 2499 and one with a 1950. Now both have moved on to large toy haulers.

ScottK · 06-17-2010, 09:13 AM

About 500 miles to our new T-1950 Sunline! Hopefully she'll be in tow and our first night camping by tonight! And our T-1550 will stay put in our driveway...for now.

kanyonkitty · 06-17-2010, 10:08 AM

Pictures, pictures, pictures, did I MENTION that you need to post pictures of your n-used Sunline. We just LOVE SUNLINE PICTURES.

Have a safe trip !!!!

Kitty

Poppy & Nana · 06-17-2010, 10:35 AM

Hope all turns out well for you!!! Safe trip and may you enjoy your new to you 1950 as much as your did your 1550......

Oh by the way love to see PICTURES!!!!!

ScottK · 06-20-2010, 04:34 PM

It's home! Here are those pics you asked for! We hauled it back from lower Michigan to Minnesota. We'll give it a good test on a 4-6 week road trip in a week or two. The 1550 goes up for sale soon. I'm sure I'll have many questions about the 1950 coming. Actually I have one now...I noticed after I got it home that the shower floor is a little soft around the drain. Bad sign? I'm thinking (and hoping) it could be just an area in the subfloor that was cut out to accommodate the drain plumbing, but I can't be sure unless I start tearing into things...

<p>

**Tweety** · 06-20-2010, 05:03 PM

Boy that looks really nice. I noticed the same about our shower floor in the last 2 Sunline...it's a very localized area right around the drain, so am thinking you're right that it's just the way it's made.

ScottK · 06-20-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweety

Boy that looks really nice.

Thanks! It's has been taken care of very well. Considering the $8000 price tag, I feel we got a fair deal. I've seen a couple others for a bit cheaper, but they sold before I had a shot. This has lots of extras too: like a very nice awning mat, camper mounted gas grill with quick propane attachment, weight dist. hitch, new tires, and lots of other little stuff. I think it had some factory upgrades too, but I'm not sure...stuff like: rubber torsion axles, black water rinse, deluxe propane cover and I think the grill and propane attachment might have been a factory upgrade too. Anyone know if those things were standard, upgrades, or after market?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweety

Boy that looks really nice. I noticed the same about our shower floor in the last 2 Sunline...it's a very localized area right around the drain, so am thinking you're right that it's just the way it's made.

That is a RELIEF with a capital RELIEF!! I REALLY don't want to have to worry about leaks on our brand new (to us) trailer! Anyone else notice that?

EMD_Driver · 06-20-2010, 05:22 PM

Sweet looking coach Scott!

Do yourself a favor and replace that hand-crank tongue jack, with a power one.. Once you go electric, you'll never go back!

Poppy & Nana · 06-20-2010, 05:27 PM

We had the same "feeling" in our 1950...we never found any problems with it. Your unit looks like ours did when we traded it in.....brand spanking new!

As far as "standard" & "upgrades" go to the files section and print off the brochure for your year/model.....did you TT come with the owners manual the brochure MAY be in there, if not Sunline Fan scanned most of the brochures for our use (thanks again Jon).

May you make many happy memories with your new to you Sunline 1950!

kanyonkitty · 06-20-2010, 05:29 PM

Scott,

Your Sunline looks great. Your axles, grill, black tank rinse, hinged propane tank cover are all options. Plus the other stuff the seller included made it sound like a good deal. Looks well taken care of, but you might still want to check out ALL of the caulking and do the wheel bearings before you head out on your long trip. While driving, any rain could seep in a poorly caulked area, and trust me(been there, done that) you sure don't want a wheel bearing to go on ya on the road, they seem to like to do that in the most horrible places. If you don't do them before you go, I would highly recommend getting a set or two and the grease to have on your travels.

Where is your trip going to take you.

Kitty