convert sofa to dinette?

Larryjb · 12-01-2016, 11:10 AM

Has anyone converted a sofabed style to dinette style in a 3124 or 2720? How easy or difficult would this be? I think I'd want to do this with local parts as much as possible, as shipping a dinette could be costly.

Larry

**Bill** · 12-01-2016, 12:53 PM

Larry -

I think the first question we would ask is this. How handy are you? Do you have (or have access to) tools such as a table saw, drill press, and router? Or are you hoping to do this with pre-built components from places such as Ikea? Either is a good approach, but we need to know before we try to guide you toward an answer.

Bill

Larryjb · 12-01-2016, 03:18 PM

Thanks Bill,

I am quite handy and have the tools you listed. It's usually time that gets in the way for me.

I think making the dinette table itself wouldn't be too bad. Making the seats might be another matter.

Larry

**Bill** · 12-01-2016, 04:57 PM

Glad to hear it. I love to see things being made, though that is not always the quickest route.

OK, folks! Let's give this guy some ideas!

Bill

Larryjb · 12-01-2016, 05:27 PM

I only hope we can afford a trailer now. The kids and I are getting excited. DW, conditionally excited (she wants a trip across Canada).
Larry

LoveToCamp · 12-01-2016, 09:14 PM

I think making the supports for the seats would be easy. Setting the heater (if it is currently under the sofa) may be a challenge, depending on where it is. The challenge would be making the seat cushions and backs, I think.

I could supply pictures of the inside structure of the seats, if desired.

Don't know what is under your sofa that may need repositioned or re-wired.

The table-to-bed hinge would be a purchased item, but may be had at an RV salvage yard (we have one in the Denver area, so I imagine there are some in your general vicinity). The table is foam-core, which keeps it light. There is a leaf, so you would want the guiding tabs for the leaf aspect. Not much hardware, but important to get the right equipment.

Good luck!

Larryjb · 12-02-2016, 05:52 PM

I noticed that the furnace is located under the sofa at the end. Is that just a vent? Or is the entire furnace located there? Is it propane and electrical?

lf all that needs moving, it could be better to wait for a dinette version.

Larry

Shane826 · 12-02-2016, 06:01 PM

That's the furnace. But why move it? Just build the dinette around it.

Larryjb · 12-02-2016, 06:20 PM

I guess it depends on exactly where the furnace is. If it's located in the center of the existing sofa, then it would likely be where your feet would be if you were sitting by the rear window of a dinette configuration.

Larry

Craigrrr · 12-02-2016, 06:37 PM

on our dinette the furnace is under the curb side seat and blows out from that end.