Excella Front kitchen model questions??

[CBWELL]

I am looking at a 1997 34' front kitchen trailer. The side couch in missing and am wondering what kind of couch could be installed. The wheel wells are right there, so a conventional couch is out of the question. Any ideas on what to get? I don't want to put in 2 easy Chairs. Any other thoughts on this model from owners would be appreciated. I did check the frame and the extra metal weight has been installed. Thank you for any and all suggestions.

[skyguyscott]

You could build and install a gaucho there. While this is most commonly found in the front of AS trailers, you could build one there.



This is basically a frame (optional slide out to bed) resting on a front frame and the rear is secured to the wall above the wheel well. You can access storage bins underneath. Doors/curtains on front are optional.

Search the forums, many have done this. You can also view plans and instructions here: http://vintageairstream.com/sofa-beds-gauchos/

[CBWELL]

Thanks for the idea skyguyscott. I have done just that for a friend in her '86 Excella as well as converted a rear queen to twin beds in the same trailer. I would like to keep the more "original" look if possible.

[rideair]

CBWELL,

I have a 1996 34' FK that's currently an all original trailer.

Not sure about yours, but mine has the built in dinette, and next to it is the "76" R.S. Deluxe Lounge". The back of the couch pulls forward via a hinged device on both end allowing the back to come forward and lay next to the bottom cushions making it into a full size bed. It also has a blanket drawer below the lounge. Due to the dinette, my lounge does not have arm rest, were as the ones with the table and chairs option I think do (don't hold me to that)

Not sure if this helps, if you want more detail pictures, happy to take a couple tomorrow when I'm at the trailer.

Let me know,

[TMeeker]

We have the 1995 Excella FK with the sleeper couch and fold down table with 2 dining chairs.

The bottom of the couch was attached to a frame that held the sitting portion. The back folded over to make a bed. We never slept on our sofa sleeper, the metal rail from the fold over support frame laid right under your spine! Poor design. There really isn’t much to this sofa. The pile of parts doesn’t look like they are sofa parts! Any custom design you come up with will be better.than what is there. If you don’t need sleeping space make a really comfortable sofa using closed cell foam. Part of a frame could be installed on the shirt wall and the exterior wall. We liked the fold down oak table and chairs much better than any dinette booth.

[CBWELL]

Thank for the idea's on the sofa. I went back and looked at the trailer again, and the more I looked, the more I can see that there is a lot more "wrong" with the unit. Opened the rear compartment and was nearly sick from the mould smell. One of the interior walls has pulled away from the inner shell by about an inch and a half. There is a tremendous amount of rust under the trailer, so I suspect that it has been pulled on salt covered highways a lot. Think I will pass on this one, as I can see a lot of money will need to be invested to make it "right"!!

[TMeeker]

Those 34’ FK units are a bit tricky to keep balanced just right. I carried the removed and replaced brake wheel disks from our Excursion all the time. I would lay them down on the kitchen floor when rolling. The added weight gave me more nose weight for our trailer. Much better.

Also, I purchased 7 new tires and aluminum wheels from the factory but NOT in the original 15” size.

I installed 16” regular TRUCK TIRES and the 16” aluminum wheels from the factory.

With the 16” wheels and 16” TRUCK TIRES the FK trailer pulled like a dream! The 15” original SPECIAL TRAILER tires and 15” wheel combo sucked for handling. Too many times I had to recover control with those 15” tires and wheels. I would have one hand on the steering wheel, one hand applying trailer brakes for drag weight, one foot on the accelerator and one foot hovering over the brake pedal.

I pulled ours with the 2001 Ford Excursion XLT 7.3-L 4x4 Diesel engine. And with that rock solid truck Thais 15” wheels and the SPECIAL TRAILER TIRES combo had me very nervous too many times!

I also installed CERAMIC BRAKE PADS AND DISKS on the Excursion and that are a tremendous difference in stopping power! The FK unit USA great design and is roomy. Towing it you should set it up like I did our Excursion. After my improvements it towed like a dream. And NO SPECIAL TRAILER TIRES AT ALL. Only 16” TRUCK TIRES ON 16” wheels, PERIOD.

And DO INSTALL CERAMIC PADS AND DISKS TO MATCH.

Ceramic pads alone WILL WARP NORMAL BRAKE DISKS!

[JayTheCPA]

Seeing as the balancing act was brought up. Double check the recommended ball height per the owners manual. I have seen it as low as 16".

Agree with Tmeeker about loading the front with some weight and the 16" wheels. If yours has lots of storage under the forward dinette, consider putting some tools and spare heavy items like a 30Amp extension cord in that location.