first sunline purchase

[twocarkeys]

I have just purchased a 1982 sunline travel trailer that has been sitting around a few years. The only major issue is a leaky roof, and some minor repairs. I am planning on gutting the entire interior and rebuilding with new materials. Too cold in Illinois right now to test out everything, but from what I can tell everything looks in good shape. This will be my 2011 project, so as I progress I will share photos. Any help or suggestions would be very appreciative.

 

[JohnGB]

Welcome Twocarkeys!

Sounds like you have a rebuild project their. They can be a lot of fun.

A leaky roof, by your comments it sounds like you are prepared for a rebuild which is good as water leaks let go for a few years can infect a lot. A lot you may not be able to see until you start taking it apart. If your handy with wood everything is rebuildable. I do not know where you are located however there are some RV surpluses near Elkhart IN, southern MI that have a lot of stuff for not a lot of money if you hunt some.

When you get to this stage, take out a post in the repairs and maintenance forum and show your progress. Before, during and after pics really help and are very interesting. If you come upon needing info, post away as we can help point you in the right direction.

With your rebuild, think about the axles and brakes too. There is not that much to them if you work on cars but something that is for sure needed to be checked, re-greased and make sure the wiring and all works before starting up camping.

Good luck with your rebuild project.

John

 

[poppyandnana]

Hi TwoCarKeys....wanted to say HI and welcome to the forum....with a rebuild in the future, this is the site to be on....as JohnB said....post pictures - lots of pictures.....also if you have any questions when you get into the project...post here...someone will surely chime in with suggestions!

 

[farnellb]

I just purchased a C951 and find my 2002 Dodge 2500 (4X4) seems to handle the weight alright, but the sway and top-heavy feeling is uncomfortable. What can I do to my suspension to make the unit handle better?

 

[Sunline Fan]

Bob, the best product for your situation would be air bags. They bolt in between your frame rail and rear springs of your truck. Inflate them to +/- 50 PSI when you put the camper on, and you should have a much more stable truck. Then, when you take the camper off, deflate them to about 5 PSI (you don't want to go lower or it may do damage to the bags) and the truck will ride just like it always did before when empty.

Air bag kits can cost as little or as much as you want. You can get just a simple rear bag kit, or you could get the kit plus fancy compressors and pressure controls. I consider an on-board compressor and simple control to be essential because you'll want to deflate the bags if you drive the truck around solo at all when you're out somewhere. Unless you have a compressor that you carry with you, this can really make it much easier. In most cases, you should be able to add a compressor/control afterward if you'd like, if you would like to test out the system first.

You can purchase front air bags, but I doubt that you'd need them for the camper. The beauty of a rear system and control too is that you can adjust your pressures while you drive, if you feel you need a little more on one side. Sunline truck campers are fairly well balanced, but an air bag system will help you adjust each side individually if you feel it needs more on one side.

Jon

 

[henryj-SUN]

If you still have OEM shocks they may be tired as well. Shocks dampen unwanted movement and a good set of Bilsteins or other high quality shock should reduce fore/aft bucking as well as the tendency to sink side to side.

I agree with Jon that the air bags are also needed. Also, if you don't have a factory anti sway bar, aftermarket ones are readily available and not difficult to install either.

All of this costs $$ so I would not necessarily do all at the same time although when you have the shocks off there might be better access to do air bags and sway bar. I think I would change the shocks first. I changed to Bilsteins and have been very happy with them although they do ride a little harsher empty.

Henry

 

[Bugle Boy]

I just got a set of Firestone Air Bag for my truck and as soon as the garage is a little warmer I will be installing them.

 

[no job]

Hi, I have a 1982 151/2 ft SB I bought it last summer and fixed everything. It was not used much so most everything needed to be replaced. So I`am waitting for spring to take it out. If you need to know something let me know I may be able to help you . PS I even had to fix the refrig.
no job