Okay, did some digging around and seems like there are a lot of bad opinions on both trailers.
I understand that Sundowner had floor issues that have been resolved in the all aluminum trailers.
I know 2 people that have relatively new Sundowners (all aluminum) and they seem quite happy with them.
I don’t know anyone personally that has a newer model Exiss. Is the quality still bad in these trailers or has there been any improvement in recent years?
What year do you consider “newer”?
I have a 2006 Exiss 4h slant gn w/8’ shortwall LQ, Harmar Elite interior and every bell and whistle :). Love it! Comfy and safe for the horses in every way. Very efficient and comfy for me! It’s been a blessing to me to have my potty, shower, and coffeepot - and room for other humans large and small as well :). No unexpected maintenance issues and it hauls like a dream.
Sadly, my ancient gimpy body can no longer safely access the gn bed or storage space and the dinette/fold out bed doesn’t fit my expanded butt :(. I’m searching for other options as I don’t haul kiddos to show or haul out for trail rides much anymore. 
But the trailer has been awesome and we’ve enjoyed having it. Not really looking forward to giving it up. :(. Much sadness in this post about me, but the trailer has made us happy 
Doing a “consumer reports-type” check is a Good Thing, but the real way to assess a trailer’s quality is to wear your “grubbies” to a trailer dealer and take a flashlight.
First, walk around and look at the fit and quality of what you can see. Are seams well aligned? Do the welds look professional? Are gaskets properly fitted? What’s paint job like? Do you see any corrosion? Just be really “picky” and don’t be afraid to write up a “punch list” on stuff you find that doesn’t look right.
Then get under and around the unit in places “where the Sun doesn’t shine.” Look at the same indicators of quality and professional workmanship. One thing to pay particular attention to is workmanship quality in these “hidden” places as compared to open places. Are the welds are professionally finished? Are the seams as well done? Does the wiring look proper (tacked up vice hanging loosely)? If you see similar quality (and that quality is at least “good”) they you’re likely OK. If the hidden places quality is inferior to the open places quality then “run away.”
If there’s an LQ then evaluate it like would would any dwelling house for fit, finish, and overall quality. Use the flashlight here, too, to look behind the scenes and see the manufacturer/seller might not want you to see. 
Even a “quality name” can produce a “lemon” and a “lower end name” can turn out a product that is consistent with price. The odds are, however, that the “name” will reflect the rep. of the company (as that is, afterall, how they got the “name”). And the low end unit will reflect it’s status as a “low end unit.”
Put another way, reputation is an indicator of probable quality but the flashlight is an indicator of actual quality!!!
G.
Aren’t Sundowner and Exiss both produced by Universal Trailer now?
Isn’t that Featherlite and Exiss?
Just googled and it is actually Featherlite, Exiss and Sooner. Interesting…
Remember that Cadillac, Buick, and Chevy are all made by GM.
Lots of companies have divisions with different quality standards. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You still need to evaluate the trailer in front of you.
G.
Have you looked at 4 Star trailers? Lovely trailers, aluminium, high quality build. I have one now for 3 years, lots of miles and no problems. Definitely recommend.
Sundowner has always, yes always, made a sturdy, quality trailer. They pull amazingly. I recently visited a dealership to look for a new 2+1 and the Sundowner was by far the best product on the lot.
Just sold a Sundowner that had served us well with no problems. It was a '98. bought a 4Star 2+1 and glad to hear good reviews on it. We had traded in a 2002 Trailet that also served us well
I love my 2014 2h straight load Sundowner. My daughter is also very pleased with her new Sundowner 2h gooseneck. She had several custom options such as an extra foot in dressing room length and a door to the horse area, and is happy with the way they were done.
When I was looking at new trailers last year, the Sundowners on the lots were definitely better constructed than a couple other brands I was considering. Including Exiss. Welds were better, things opened and closed better, etc.
When I was looking for a trailer (got an Eby), I looked at a Kieffer. OMG…the welds were horrid and were actually just the tack welds used to hold the metal in position and you then come back and do the real welds. They didn’t do the real welds. Even the saleswoman was, “What the heck is this?!” over their quality.
Didn’t Sundowner have a problem with doors falling off a few years back?
Thanks everyone! I really do like the Sundowners I have been looking at. And the rear door set up should prevent doors from falling off (unlike the Kiefer set up that is really scary looking.)
I have a 4Star that I LOVE. Custom ordered it in 2001 and after it’s been acid washed, it looks brand new. Definitely a superior quality trailer. However, I priced out what I am looking for in a 4Star and I just can’t afford the additional $12K. I am keeping an eye out for a used one but it’s hard to find what I am looking for.
I am keeping my 4Star to go to the vet, haul to lessons, etc. The new LQ trailer will be just to go to shows in.
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