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Sunline Travel Trailer
Written on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 by That's Camping
Article Categories: Camping-Tips • Equipment
This is a follow-up to the article "Buying a Travel Trailer."
Okay what can I say, we love our Sunline Travel Trailer! The model #2553 is a perfect trailer for us!
I didn't want to make any comments too soon, just to make sure the trailer was in good working order and there were no major problems. But now we can admit we made a great choice in purchasing this trailer.
There were a few minor problems that required a trip back to the dealer, and all were repaired except for an ongoing problem with the front door. It appears to be off center, and doesn't close correctly. The door "latch" has also broken, but we switched it with the bedroom door for now.
Now for specific comments on the #2553:
First off, going from our smaller [1992] #2051 travel trailer to this model, is like moving into a palace.
Living Room
The living rm/couch area is large and there is a cabinet to place our television. We have a 13 inch, but I believe it would accommodate up to 19".
The cabinets above and below tv area has lots of room for board games and CDs/DVDs/tapes. The cd/radio stereo is built into the cabinet.
The sofa pulls out to a bed - great for one shorter adult or a couple of kids. The couch is not as "long" as a normal bed or sofa, and it might be uncomfortable for a tall adult to sleep. Their feet would have to hang over the edge if they wanted to stretch out. And no matter what they tell you, that sofa is not a comfortable sleeping arrangement for two, unless you are talking about two kids!
There is a large picture window in back of the sofa with a small crank out window. Not a huge window, but it let's in a nice breeze.
A large overhead storage cabinet is located above the sofa. There are so many cabinets all over this trailer, we are amazed, but we can fill them all!
Kitchen/Dinette
I love the kitchen area. The dinette is right by the sink/stove area and it feels cozy and comfortable. We keep our little parakeet Jack on the shelf behind the dinette. There is a neat little storage compartment behind the back dinette cushion. We store extra utensils, plates, cups, paper towels there.
There is so much storage space - cabinets and drawers. The refrigerator/freezer is large, but we stock it full very easily!
The dinette is right by a huge picture window, with a slide-opening. It is a wonderful feeling to eat our meals by the window and look out at the activity passing by us on the road or in our site. I love having a front kitchen. I don't think we would be as happy with a back kitchen/front bedroom unit. We love to people-watch and enjoy seeing the campground activity.
We very rarely have to use the overhead lights in the daytime because there is so much light from all the windows, and ceiling vent. It is amazing how bright and cheery it is. Actually, sometimes it gets too bright, and the blinds have to be closed slightly to keep the hot sun out.
A small complaint is that there is not much ventilation in the very front area of the trailer by the stove/sink. The front window doesn't open, so the air gets a bit stagnant in that corner. There is a ceiling vent above that area, and we added a "Maxx-Air Vent" - this is a great little vent cover that allows the vent to be open even in the rain. We hope to add a "Maxx-Air Turbo Fan" either later this year or next season. I think this will help with venting that area considerably.
Oh, one more thing to mention, we had one or two water leaks in the front window counter area, when traveling in heavy rain. It has not happened every time, but once or twice. It is a slight problem, that we will keep an eye on. This is another reason I would not like a front bedroom. If there is ever a water leak from the front window, your bed will get soggy. Not fun.
Under the refrigerator, there is a "constant" fan to air cool the power converter. It seems to get louder at different times, and at first I found it to be highly distracting and annoying. But I got used to it and have come to ignore it now. Thankfully, we cannot hear the fan in our bedroom area.
My advice to anyone purchasing a new trailer, is to find out where this fan is located, and if it will affect a peaceful sleep.
Bedroom
Having a separate bedroom is just the best. Lots of storage closets, drawers, and cabinets. We added shelves to the two closets on either side of the bed, to make it easier to store our clothes.
The queen size bed takes up most of the room in the bedroom, and there isn't much room to walk around, or much floor space.
There is a sturdy sliding door to separate the bedroom from the bathroom. The bathroom/living room door can be closed as well, so there is plenty of privacy. Keeping the living room door closed, you can dress in the whole area of the bedroom and bathroom comfortably.
The bedroom has three windows, a ceiling vent, and a door. Lots of great ventilation. Once we get a new Maxx-Air turbo fan for the kitchen, we will move the vent cover into the bedroom.
We took out the venetian blinds and installed pull-down shades. I didn't feel enough privacy with the blinds - I never felt they could be closed properly. And besides, the early morning light would shine through the slats. We purchased the shades at Lowe's - they cut the shades in custom sizes for us for free! It cost us less than $30 for all three window shades and extra hardware.
There is a lift-up shelf attached to the wall, that accommodates our 9 in TV/DVD. It is nice to be able to watch tv in the living room as well as in the bedroom.
Bathroom
The bathroom is large with a small window and ceiling vent. The vent also has a fan.
Our old model had a small shower/tub with a "bump" from the wheel well, which was sometimes irritating. This new shower area is larger and I like the accordion type shower curtain.
A good amount of counter space in the bathroom, and there is a "medicine cabinet" - nice to store bathroom items when traveling. There is a small under sink cabinet with two doors. Storage for small towels, and T.P.
Summary
We are very pleased with our purchase and feel we really made a great decision. We highly recommend this travel trailer. We are so happy with it and feel like it is really a fantastic "home away from home!"
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Article Categories: Camping-Tips • Equipment
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