Was wondering... how happy are folks with 7' wide trailers (okay, it is really just 6'9" wide) with LQ?

My Silver Star dealer has given me reason to believe that my trailer will bring about $12-$13k in trade.  It will cost me about $10k to have a professional put LQ in the trailer.  Limitations: 7' width, 7' short wall.  Assets: trailer has a known history, and only about 3250 miles on the clock.

I suspect an LQ trailer comparable in size to what I have now would be about $30,000 to start.  I'm not sure I want to sign on to be in debt for the trailer purchase price minus my trade-in allowance.  My current trailer is almost mine, my truck is the bank's, and there's no reason lose an asset that is very nearly mine, is in good shape, and will continue to provide years of reliable service.

So... it seems that having professionally built LQ would be my best option if I choose not to do the job myself.  I've posted elsewhere what I want: separate shower/potty, microwave, fridge, and built-in reliable propane heat that can be safely run at night.  Is there any reason this cannot be done to a 7' (or 6'9") wide trailer?  Extra space isn't really a big deal--I don't need a dinette but do need some floor space for the kids to sleep.  The thought HAS crossed my mind to convert the trailer to a 2-horse and use the first stall as "overflow" space, which would give a 10' short wall and 14' long wall... but I'm trying to avoid that thought because I like the utility of 3 stalls.

Just wanting to know if I can expect to be happy with converting this trailer... or if I need to win the lotto and buy something new.  Not really interested in a used trailer with an unknown past.  What do you folks with smaller trailers think?  Got pictures?

Mike

I think that the 7' wide trailer will work fine.  I have a 4' short wall and I packed a lot of items in that amount of space.  The boot box is the dinette, seat, storage unit, water tank holder, and more.  The one thing I do not have is Shower and permanent stool.  I shower outside and use the porta potty.  The large closet houses the potty and a unique double door expands the private space when the potty is in use.  Make a list of everything you think you want, and a second list of what you have to have.  A lot of people here have a cowboy shower in the first stall, which makes sense as you probably not be showering while you are on the road.  You may want to use the stool, however.

Check out my site http://home.earthlink.net/~dheismann/ and let me know if I can answer any questions.

Turfa

Very nice!!  What thickness insulation did you use?  Seems the only thing we have out here in the Southeast is 3/4", tops.  Looks like you used 1.5"... or whatever your support thickness is...

I'm wondering if I should double up my wall insulation, or if 3/4" will be enough...  Grrrr....  I've heard from several folks that the 3/4" will work fine, but when I see you folks with thicker insulation I have to wonder...

Looks like you screwed plywood directly into your studs, then covered with paneling.  Correct?

Very nice conversion!!

Mike

Mike

I used 1" insulation from Lowe's because my supports were 1".  The best part is that the insulation supports the panelling.  With out the thickness being the same, the panelling would have no support.  The only place that I used plywood was behind the base cabinet as I knew that I would be attaching a lot to that area.  I believe that 3/4 inch would be enough insulation, if your not concerned about the support.

Turfa

What I was thinking was to use plywood as a backing for the panels.  The insulation says it works best with 3/4" of space between it and the wall, so I would have some air space between it and the plywood as things stand now.  Very good information... thank you again.

Mike

I don't know if you have a Home Depot close by or not but they have 1/2 Plywood that is finished very, very smooth on both sides, cost about $25 a sheet. That's what I line the walls with, then I fill the seams with bondo like you would fix a car with, doesn't take that much due to seams are very tight and every four feet. Sand that back down smooth and apply wallpaper just like you would in your house works fine looks better than anything else out there. You don't get the mobile home look this way. Both of theese trailers were done that way. The Kiefer is 4 yrs. old and still looks like new. I wouldn't worry about doubling the insulation in Texas but you will need to put a vapor barrier (plastic) over all the walls Just tape it at the top and trim it at the bottom. Same thing on the ceiling.

http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=48

Thank you...  What is the vapor barrier for?  What purpose does it serve, and what thickness are you using?  I believe I've seen this stuff at Lowe's...

Mike

If you are refering to my trailer it has ducted air.