Our construction of the Exiss 4' weekender has, for the most part, been completed. It has been used on each of the last few weekends, for two shows and a trail ride. The owners are enjoying the comfort and utility the conversion has made to their trailer.
All of the appliances have worked well with no issues. Surprisingly, there are no changes that the owners wish they had made to the layout or construction. They were able to fully study our Sierra interior before we started their construction, so they had a good idea of what the finished product would look like. While the wood choices and trim details are different, and they use a cowboy shower, there are few differences.
The best part of the project is the savings. A new Sierra 4' weekender now costs ~$10 K. Even while using all new products and some upgrades compared to ours, the final costs were a little over $3500. The major construction took a little over a month of part time work, with mainly two workers. The quality of the mechanical work is excellent. The owner is a certified aircraft mechanic, and installed all the components, gas and electrical, with the understanding that his family's safety depended in his skills. His work ethics and skills are first rate.
The construction is basic knowledge and within the range of many first timers with some tools and incentive. If the various steps are made in a logical order, the trailer can remain in service while the modifications are being effected. Because not all of the steps have to be completed at once, many can be done piece meal as your budget allows.
The weight of an equipped LQ, adds approximately 700# to mostly the front of the trailer. Empty, our trailers weighed about 4800#, now they are ~5500#. The axles are rated at 5200#, so we are well within the trailers' over all capacities.
A 4' weekender can be a fully equipped, comfortable, respite. It completely transforms an open area into a functional living space, in which you can sleep, cook, be cooled or warmed, and have your necessary personal bath needs. If this change is of interest, it is a project you should seriously consider undertaking.
EXISS DIY WEEKENDER #6 ENJOYMENT
