It has come to my attention that there is a serious design flaw in the powder-coated steel frames on the "Valuelite" models of Sundowner Trailers causing these frames to rust at an accelerated rate. Further, I understand that the manufacturer has not alerted the owners of these trailers to the damage occurring and the danger of a major frame failure.

In 1999 Sundowner began building "Valuelite" trailers using power coated steel frames. There is an inherent design flaw in the engineering of this type of frame. Powder coating does not flex with the trailer, and what happens over time, as the trailer travels and vibrates, the powder coating over the steel frame splits apart at the frame joints. Moisture is then trapped between the frame and the powder coating, causing the steel to rust at an accelerated rate, as it has no way to dry out.

Sundowner is aware of the problem. However, to my knowledge, I have never heard of any type of factory recall or even any type of notice of concern being sent from the manufacturer to all affected customers. It is reasonable to assume that almost every "Valuelite" trailer presently on the road has this problem, and that most owners are blissfully unaware of the problem.
The only solution I know of to "band-aid” the problem is to have the entire frame sanded with a power sander, then a "metal cleaner" should be applied, then a "metal ready" product applied, and finally at least 3 coats of "POR 15" should be applied to stop further deterioration. POR 15 will need to be applied every few years to insure full rust prevention.
If the trailer is still under warranty, Sundowner will do the work, although the trailer owner should make sure that all of the above procedures are done. It is interesting to note that this winter Sundowner announced that they have stopped making Valuelite trailers without any explanation as to why they were discontinuing the model.

I hope this information is helpful to any owners of Sundowner "Valuelite" trailers.

It has come to my attention that there is a serious design flaw in the powder-coated steel frames on the "Valuelite" models of Sundowner Trailers causing these frames to rust at an accelerated rate. Further, I understand that the manufacturer has not alerted the owners of these trailers to the damage occurring and the danger of a major frame failure.

In 1999 Sundowner began building "Valuelite" trailers using power coated steel frames. There is an inherent design flaw in the engineering of this type of frame. Powder coating does not flex with the trailer, and what happens over time, as the trailer travels and vibrates, the powder coating over the steel frame splits apart at the frame joints. Moisture is then trapped between the frame and the powder coating, causing the steel to rust at an accelerated rate, as it has no way to dry out.

Sundowner is aware of the problem. However, to my knowledge, I have never heard of any type of factory recall or even any type of notice of concern being sent from the manufacturer to all affected customers. It is reasonable to assume that almost every "Valuelite" trailer presently on the road has this problem, and that most owners are blissfully unaware of the problem.
The only solution I know of to "band-aid” the problem is to have the entire frame sanded with a power sander, then a "metal cleaner" should be applied, then a "metal ready" product applied, and finally at least 3 coats of "POR 15" should be applied to stop further deterioration. POR 15 will need to be applied every few years to insure full rust prevention.
If the trailer is still under warranty, Sundowner will do the work, although the trailer owner should make sure that all of the above procedures are done. It is interesting to note that this winter Sundowner announced that they have stopped making Valuelite trailers without any explanation as to why they were discontinuing the model.

I hope this information is helpful to any owners of Sundowner "Valuelite" trailers.

How do we know if a trailer is a valulite or not?

I'm looking at a used 1999 740 sundowner to buy, can I assume this is a valulite?

There are several ways of knowing if the Sundowner has a steel frame:
Use a magnet on the underside of the trailer. Check the cross members that support the floor.

Look at the axles. If the axles are bolted to the frame of the trailer(Not a subframe), it's a steel Valulite.

Look inside the trailer, the wall framing will be steel.

Look around the drop windows with a magnet. The window frame will be mounted to a steel member.

Becareful not to detect a fastener (Bolts, screws, rivets) with the magnet.

That said, I have a 1999 Valulite, There was some rust on the undercarriage. Sundowner repainted the rusted areas. I'm keeping the trailer and have no issues with it.

This is so funney, Sundowner will repair or replace any trailer frame if it rusts out in the first 5 years of ownership. This is a known fact! I deliver Sundowners from factory to dealers, and endusers back to the factory. they will repair the fraim or replace it. ( free ) give them a call, don't take my word on this.

Raymond.