From what I have read and learned when I was looking for a mid-profile trailer (copper canyon, jayco eagle, cougar) is that the sundance has a better build in these areas:
-aluminum roof walls and floor
-central docking with hose for both sides
-side windows that open in slide (note cougar does this too)
-The eagle didn't have a bedroom slide. (however maybe able to get as option)
-The r-value was better than the eagle
-The sundance tends to use more wood trim between walls and ceiling
-protective sheath around the wireing
-fiberglass has gel coat (cougar did to) however sundance is suppose to have a double layer of board to hide seams. However I still see the seams, I wonder if other sundance owers see the seams or if its just me.
Another trailer that I liked and seemed to have the same build specs. Was the durango however could not convince the dealer to sell for the price that I wanted.
My suggestion would be to go to a dealer that has mutiple units of the sundance model that you want and do your own inspection. Here are some issues that I found with mine that you should check.
-look under wheel wells where the slide is see if you can see carpet sticking out. If so stay away this will draw water into the trailer. I think that this was not intended however I ordered two trailers from the factory and that is how they came. Sent an email to Scott and I'am waiting for his reply. I will be fixing this by ordering slide rubber from the factory and using it to cover the exposed carpet.
-take your shoes off and rub your feet along the vinyl floor to feel for lumps. These are most likely screws that werent placed properly. I found four spots. I don't know how to fix and pray that they won't wear through.
-go on the roof check all the seams and look for bumps. I found one which is due to a screw sticking up. I figure that this will wear through and eventually I will have to tighten and patch.
-inside feel around each window. I had two of mine where the inside frame was sticking out about 1/4 inch from the wall. This was due to the window opening not being the right size and the installer trying to force the window in as best as he could. One of the windows has hammer marks from his efforts.
-If I can I will go to the dealership when it is raining and check all the doors and compartments for leaks and water stains. To me this is the most important test the sundance seems to have a good seal.
-Check each compartment door and make sure each latch will hold the door closed. When the second trailer arrived one of the door was held closed with a bungy cord. ( the dealer has fixed this by bending the trim around the door however the problem is from the frame around the compartment area not being the right size or them failing to use shims)
Even with all this the styleing, build specs, price, types and sizes of windows, features were unmatched from what I had too choose from in my area. The problem was I could not choose a good one from a fleet I had to keep ordering and was under pressure because I was nice enough to let the dealer sell my old trailer. So I decided that I didn't want to wait anymore and accepted the trailer with its issues. I have complete faith that the dealer will do what they can to fix these problems. And that heartlandrv will also respond to my issues with solution ideas of there own.
The fact that they have this form is good I just hope they act upon what is said, I will let you know.