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VickiK's avatar
VickiK
Explorer
Feb 16, 2015

looking to buy 2006 itasca sunrise....but....

Hello to everyone - I've enjoyed coming into this forum for awhile looking for info. It has always been very helpful. Finally registered because of a specific question and to come out of the shadows :)

We are thinking about buying a specific 2006 Itasca sunrise 38J. It has 15,000 miles and appears very clean. We are guessing that in use it was long-term stay and then supposedly under cover when not in use. Our concern is that there is an indentation above the seam line (on the roof). It looks like a branch or large ball hit it (just a guess). We haven't been able to go on the roof to look more closely because of the weather but wanted to know if we should continue to look at this unit or move on. I know it isn't a lot of info. We really liked the interior space and fulfilled everything on our list of wants. But we don't want to find we have to replace the entire roof either. It is currently sitting outside at the dealer's lot and is in northern Indiana and didn't see any signs of leaks inside the closet but wasn't sure if that was a reliable gauge.

Also - can anyone tell us how this unit falls in the line-up of Itasca products - I have found the same floor-plan in a Suncruiser and Adventurer line. So I guess I am slightly confused. The real question is does it make a difference in value which name it goes under?
  • the suncruiser and adventurer are twins. the suncruiser bears the Itasca name badge while the other has the Winnebago name badge, similar to ford and Lincoln mercury. at one time the Itasca line had a bit more frill and trim to it but where it counts they are identical.

    the sunstar is one step behind the suncruiser and the difference will be in options vs. std and in the trim level.
  • is that dent in the area that curves around from roof to side or in the roof? at least it is not a rubber roof.
    bumpy
  • The roof is a sandwich of 1/16 inch fiberglass, 1/8 inch luan plywood, styrofoam, 1/8 inch luan and ceiling covering material.It is all laminated together with contact cement. There are aluminum rails and studs embedded for the frame.
    It sounds like something hit the roof hard enough to compress the foam. If the compression isn't too severe and the aluminum rail wasn't damaged and if the fiberglass isn't broken through I don't think I would be too concerned about it.

    Here is across section showing the roof construction at the edge. The white area on the right is styrofoam.
  • The Winnebago or Itasca name doesn't make any difference any more, as mentioned. But the model is the difference. Suncruiser/Adventurer are the top of the line gas engines. Sunrise and a few others are below that.

    When I was looking for my current MH, I also looked at a few of the next in line models. They just did not look and seem as good in fit and finish, even though the floor plan was basically the same. After looking at the Suncruiser, the others just looked cheap (well, not really cheap, but just not as nice). I'm sure they were all fine....I just got spoiled after looking at the Suncruiser. If you're concerned, maybe try to find a Suncruiser/Adventurer for sale nearby to look at.
  • Inspect the roof dent carefully for cracks. If it is minor depression without any cracks, it should be alright. The roof can be repaired without replacing the entire roof.

    Not much real difference between Winnebago and Itasca these days. Just minor trim appointments. You can view sales for both lines at the Winnebago Industries web site. They will have brochures and other info on the exact coach you are inquiring about. The Sunrise is one model down from the Suncruiser and will have trim and base (standard) fixtures and furnishings. We have a Suncruiser, but the Sunrise is a nice coach.
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    is that dent in the area that curves around from roof to side or in the roof? at least it is not a rubber roof.
    bumpy





    Thank you asking. As far as we can tell it is both. There is an indentation on the top concurrent to an outward buckle on the side above the seal to the sidewall. We haven't been able to get a closer look due to the inclement weather.
  • Thank you all for responding. It has been somewhat of an adventure thinking about jumping to the a-class. The question about the difference between the sunstar and suncruiser had more to do with future value. It appears their values are pretty close looking at classified ads for the voyager, suncruiser and sunrise.
  • If there is no signs of leaking your good to go IMHO! I own a 04 Adventurer my 11th year and I've had very little problems with my coach! Love it and still not interested in trading it in! Welcome to RV.Net and you asked a great question.
  • If a dealer has it, they should be able to bring it indoors for a closer inspection, I would ask them to leave it in over night and inspect it the next day indoors, if they won't I would get suspicious
    Rich
    pauperspride.blogspot.com