Are you wondering about Sundowner trailer problems? You’ll understand these as you read through this article.
If you’re not yet familiar with Sundowner, then you may be left behind; it’s known for the production of horse trailers. In fact, it’s been a reliable brand, providing various trailers including car haulers, livestock, living quarter, and so on. However, if there’s one brand that stands out when it comes to horse trailers, it’s Sundowner.
But then, not all manufacturers are perfect. So you can expect that each comes with flaws. There’s no doubt why this brand also encounters problems. Perhaps, the most common issue faced by horse trailer manufacturers is the material used in making it.
My friends, it’s not just Sundowner that’s experiencing this; others do too, just like other of your favorite brands such as Featherlite, Sooner, Exxiss, and Four Star.
So here’s something to ponder: Why do you think they would use aluminum for the walls, roofs, frames, and dividers?
On the other hand, why is it that other brands such as Bee, Hawk, and Trail-et would use a combination of aluminum and steel? For me, it’s not really about the benefits, but it’s the past and the development of the industry. There’s so much to talk about these things.
Without further ado, let’s start!
The History Of Horse Trailers
During the 1970s to1980, manufacturers of horse trailers such as Featherlite, Sooner, and Four Star tried to search for steel alternatives. They want to replace this material because the depreciation process is quick, mainly because of rust.
And yes, you can find a lot of horse trailers rusted just anywhere.
So, it’s not that hard to persuade customers to switch to what they think is better than the first produce. In this section, we’ll talk about Sundowner trailer problems and more. Here are six interesting facts that you should know:
#1. Alternative to materials that don’t rust
They tried many materials. For instance, Merhow and Sooner made their horse trailers from FRP; fiberglass reinforces plywood. On the other hand, Bison used fiberglass aluminum.
#2. Dangers were not apparent
From that time on, all-aluminum trailers start to gain popularity. The sad thing about this is that horse owners were not aware of the dangers of this material when used as floor, roof, sidewalls, and frame.
Here are the reasons why:
Aluminum brittles easily. It tends to wear and tear under stress, such as if it reaches beyond its capacity. Much more, it’s a conductor of heat; thus, it makes it more prone to fire.
These things, however, were not obvious. Also, it’s not that easy to find the right construction materials for a horse trailer. So the only thing and what’s important about horse owners is that it’s not easy for aluminum to rust.
#3. Quality and cost
Perhaps, the most obvious negative about this material is its cost; it’s quite expensive, which worries them. The good thing is that they have been given favor. Owners are willing to buy horse trailers out of aluminum, thinking that it’s better.
Since the cost is high, buyers perceive that aluminum is of high quality. I guess you would also agree with me if I link quality and cost. Most of us would think that the relationship between them is directly proportional. Therefore, given its high cost, it should be of high quality.
So, the moment these horse trailers come out of the market, they are perceived as high-quality. That being said, you would not wonder why companies such as Sooner, Four Star, and Featherlite reached the top.
#4. Sundowner trailer problem: the transformation
If your product is not already in demand, will you continue? Generally, the answer is negative. My friends, aluminum horse trailers have market acceptance. With this, manufacturers like Cherokee, Merhow, Bison, and Sundowner shifted to this material.
And for the same reason, many companies, even start-ups, would build their horse trailers using aluminum. There, you may have encountered brands such as Exiss, Adam, Eby, and Gore.
Yes, not all trailers made of aluminum are equal. There will always be greater or lesser than the other. So, we’re already using aluminum. Quality is then measured, basically dependent on the construction. The problem that we should take into consideration is aluminum itself.
#5. Aluminum capacity
Do you know how strong aluminum is? The fact is that its strength is only a third of steel. Just come to imagine if you’ve used it for the trailer’s frame. It’s good news if the frame is made sturdy such that the amount of aluminum therein is increased than usual.
What if the amount used is as it is? You’re sure it will get damaged easily. So, for manufacturers to equal the strength of steel, they would boost its amount. This being said, you’ll expect that such a trailer is heavier or maybe just equal to the weight of a steel model.
Perhaps, the most common issue about all-aluminum horse trailers is their dividers. As mentioned earlier, it easily shears. So, once it’s stressed, the divider will most likely fail in a breeze. If this happens, it poses a major risk to your horse friends.
Much more, it’s just like your cookware at home. But isn’t it that horses need comfort too? Just come to imagine how hot it will be for the horses when placed inside the trailer. Yes, it’s one of the real problems of aluminum.
When it comes to repairing, I doubt it will be easier for you. Once welded, you can no longer re-weld the aluminum again to its original strength. So, do you need to replace it with a new one? That could be expensive.
#6. The alternative
Nowadays, rust is already eliminated, thanks to the demand for steel, especially from the auto industry. They can use many other materials, such as galvanized steel, Galvaneeled steed, and powder-coated steel, to name a few.
This option is, perhaps, the best alternative to the drawbacks of aluminum, as mentioned above. This material is not that costly; it’s easy to maintain, and most of all, easy to use.
It’s A Wrap!
Now, those things are just some of Sundowner trailer problems.
Since they’ve shifted to aluminum to prevent rust, the question is, “is it worth it?”
Let’s ponder this question.
We need to address not just a single issue but the problems as a whole.
Hopefully, we’re on the same side.
Good luck!