Owners Manuals for old trailers?

[Martlet-SUN]

I've always camped with pop-ups, and love my current one. I wanted a larger trailer to leave at the dropzone, though so I bought one off craigslist. It's a 1983 32' Sunline, but that's all I know. I have the VIN #, but can't find a model number anywhere on it. Can I tell what model it is from the VIN? Do they have owner's manuals online for these?

It seems to be a great trailer, and I looked at a bunch. I've already found a ton of information on this forum browsing. There's enough reading here to keep me busy for quite some time.

 

[Sunline Fan]

Welcome Martlet!

Your VIN won't tell you that much. It'll tell you the length, model year, # axles, production plant, and sequence number. That's about it.

If you would like to PM me with it, I would love to add it to the Sunline Registry. I also track the RVIA seal number, interior color (if original), and build date on outside sticker (if the sticker is still there).

Here's a link to the '83 brochure for the larger coaches:

http://www.sunlineclub.com/docs/83l.pdf

If you can't figure it out from that, send me some details of the inside (pictures are a plus) and I can see what I can figure out.

Jon

 

[Martlet-SUN]

I won't be picking it up until the snow clears, and it's over an hour away. I have the pictures that he took when he advertised it last fall. I can post or email those. I'll wait to get an ok, since I'm unsure what the picture posting rules are here. I have quite a few.

He said it was a 32'. It's absolutely not a 27', but when I look at the brochure you posted (thanks!) it has the floor plan of the T-3350.

 

[Sunline Fan]

I have the pictures that he took when he advertised it last fall. I can post or email those.

There's probably a 99% chance that I already have them. What city/state was it in?

Jon

 

[Martlet-SUN]

It was in Pepperell, MA.

 

[Sunline Fan]

This?

Jon

 

[Martlet-SUN]

Those are them. I have a ton more that he sent me. Can you tell what model that is by looking?

 

[Sunline Fan]

It certainly is a 3350, but it's an '84. IDK why I missed that before. The striping and hubcaps indicate it's an '84, and the model was available in both years.

My guess is either three things:

- The dealer titled it wrong in the first place
- The owner took a pretty good guess
- The sticker on the outside of the coach says it was built in '83 but the VIN should indicate it's an '84.

If it's a true '84, the VIN should look like:
1LC2S2R2_ED33_ _ _ _

It could also be 1LC2S1R2_ED33_ _ _ _. I don't have enough evidence with the older ones to know which way it goes for the long coaches. All the shorter (and more common) ones (12-28') were automatically the second version.

Jon

 

[Martlet-SUN]

I'm always amazed at the information people have on message boards. The VIN is the first number. Nice to know that it's an '84. Now I'll have to find all the information I can on it. I've never had a trailer like this, and there are no manuals. I have zero idea how everything works. I have a few months to read up on it, providing I can find the info.

 

[Sunline Fan]

I've never had a trailer like this, and there are no manuals. I have zero idea how everything works. I have a few months to read up on it, providing I can find the info.

They never really had a true "owner's manual". It typically was a binder (or possibly paper envelope in early years) that contained the appliance operation manuals as well as some coach specific paperwork like a build sheet and warranty card from Sunline. If it doesn't come with this binder, go around and collect the make/models from all the appliances and Google them or post them here. Most manuals are somewhere on the internet.

A lot of it shouldn't be too much different than your PUP, that is the stuff that is common. If there's anything you can't figure out, post it here and one of us can probably explain how to use it. Despite the large age difference, the appliances in a new trailer aren't that much different than your '84, and in some cases, it might be the exact same.

Jon

 

[Martlet-SUN]

I think I'll just have to wait for spring, set it up, then "dig into it". I just get concerned, because I see BIG and think COMPLICATED.

 

[Sunline Fan]

One thing you might not want to put off is the roof seams. While the trailer isn't snow covered, you may want to put a ladder up next to the trailer and check them out for cracks. Most likely with that age of coach, you will want to reseal them no matter what, unless you have confirmation from the previous owner that it was just done. Once you get a leak in the ceiling, it makes a mess of everything and since the ceiling panels aren't available in that pattern now, modifying will be necessary, plus it's a lot of labor intensive work. The few bucks for a can of roof sealant is well worth the investment.

If you don't want to tackle it now, I'd suggest covering the roof in a tarp or RV cover until spring.

Jon

 

[Martlet-SUN]

I wish I could. The trailer has a foot of snow and ice on it already. The owner is a great guy, and he called me tonight to assure me that if anything is wrong when we set it up in the spring, he'll make it right. I was concerned because I couldn't try many things out due to the snow.

It had a leak at one time, he said, but he repaired the damage and had the entire roof re-sealed last year. If it isn't leaking now, it should be OK. This spring I'll go poke around up there, seal anything that appears to need it, and give it a general overhaul. Next winter I'll cover it before it snows.

 

[GreyWolf4]

Looking for owners Manual for 2001 T1950

Hi, Just purchased a 2001 T1950. ITs great! Cant wait to take it out. Does anyone now how I can get my hands on an owners manual? "We may need it"-it will be our first TT adventure.

Thanks David& Sheila

 

[chuck & lori]

The owners manual is actually just a 3 ring binder with all of the manuals for the various appliances and devices. You can find much of the info on this site, at least the contact info for Dometic, etc. so you could create your own. There is virtually no Sunline specific info in the manual.
Good luck with your 1950. We had one for 5 years before trading for our 2075. Loved everything except access to the bed. And welcome to the group. this is a very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful group of happy campers

 

[GreyWolf4]

Thanks Chuck & Lori

Seems like I wont be missing to much not having a manual."hopefully"..and with this site every one is helpful! Yes I agree the bed could be eaiser to access but it beats that "mat" I was sleeping on in a pop up- Lots of info to take in....Ok-talking about info -I have another question if I may-
Hot water heater- Gas/Electric -how do I turn it on? Dont want to damage anything, we just got this thing last Friday and want to test out everthing before the "maiden voyage".

Thanks
David & Sheila

 

[chuck & lori]

In ours, a 2002 model, the electric switch is one of the switches in the breaker panel, the gas function was controlled by a switch near the sink. We usually used the electric option because the water heater is under the head of the bed. It always woke Lori when it fired up in the middle of the night

 

[GreyWolf4]

Water Heater Info..

Thanks again for the water heater info Chuck..I thought maybe thats the way it was. And "good advice" I hadnt thought about the thing firing up under the bed HMMM..Yep- I can hear the wife now.
If you ever come to the Shore you'll have to give us a shout.
Thanks again
David & Sheila