Escape 19 bed modification

[sananfan]

We have a standard 2017 E19 with the queen bed in the back. I'm considering a modification to make this a U-shaped sitting area that can also be used as a bed. The bed surface would be completed with a separate piece (s) of plywood to begin with when needed. I've read the threads describing the pros and cons of this set up and I think this has been well discussed. It seems to be a personal preference one way or the other. I'm interested in knowing the best route for the plumbing lines which currently run at the front and just under the plywood of the bed surface attached to the frame. Suggestions for dealing with any other problems that may be encountered would also be appreciated. It looks like a simple conversion and also one that could easily be reverted back to the original. Thanks for your suggestions.

[Ron in BC]

I must have missed those threads but I have previously disassembled the area.

3 choices for the plumbing:
-go underneath like the E21
-go the long way round
-make a false front for the step to create a chase. That would be my choice.

I think that the most work would be cutting and splicing the wiring.

Ron

[Eggscape]

I would put the plumbing and electrical attached to the vertical rise of the step and make an aluminum or wood L shaped cover.

[sananfan]

Thanks for your reply. I'm not quite sure what is meant in the 3rd option. Would this be running the line on the floor and building a "step" for protection?
I was referring to a thread where owners were discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the set up not really the modifications required.

[HABBERDABBER]

"It looks like a simple conversion and also one that could easily be reverted back to the original."

I've got a 2016 E19, so yours may be different, and I'll not pipe in on suggestions.
But simple? It seems to me, a bunch of effort, cobbling, rerouting and conjuring to get it done.
When I hear simple, I head for the door.

good luck,

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by sananfan

Thanks for your reply. I'm not quite sure what is meant in the 3rd option. Would this be running the line on the floor and building a "step" for protection?

Yes, that's what reply #3 is also suggesting. It serves to hide and protect the wires and plumbing.

A hollow space like that is called a chase.

Ron

[sananfan]

Thanks again for your reply Ron. I thought too that that would be the easier route.

Obviously someone with knowledge of my handyman skills has been talking to Habberdabber! I've started more than one "simple" project that turned out not to be. Your "head for the door" may be the best advice for me yet.

[HABBERDABBER]

You can plan it out, design, measure and draw it out, and execute it out. But do you really need a 2nd dining/seating area? I dunno. You do. Your E19 does already have one.

With enough time or a fat enough checkbook you can do most anything. But your mod is one I've never considered or thought about. It does mean eliminating the mattress, acquiring custom cushions and whatnot. Not simple.

There's tons of other practical & useful mods to do instead.

But whatever you do, do as you please.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

But do you really need a 2nd dining/seating area? I dunno. You do. Your E19 does already have one.

When I had my 19 I used to roll my eyes when folks would say that a rear dinette was nicer because it usually had a better view.

Well they were right. More often than not we're backed into a site and the best view is out the rear window.

As far as solving problems doing mods etc., it's part of the project. Very rarely have I ever done a project that went flawlessly. I find solving problems to be an enjoyable part of the process. OK, maybe not during the part where I've just discovered a flaw in my plan.

Ron

[HABBERDABBER]

I guess for me, if I want a view, I go outside to take it in. Looking out a window is just that.....no smells or sounds, limited viewing range, no experience of the outside conditions and temperature, etc.

But, to each their own.

[Selkirk]

Just a thought....but since ETI now offers the E19 with a rear dinette option in place of the bed, it might be worthwhile to contact them directly. They might be willing to share how they route the plumbing and electrical on new-build trailers so you could copy.

You might even be able to purchase components like cushions, table top/hardware, or matching Luan paneling from ETI. That could make the conversion process go a little easier.

[sananfan]

Thanks for the suggestions Selkirk. I did contact ETI by phone and they would do the entire conversion. I didn't get a price from them though. However, they declined to provided any details or suggestions about the plumbing/electrical changes.

Initially, at least I'm looking to make the area a flexible space that is easy to convert from day to night use. I don't think we'll put a table in to start. It will be for our personal preferences and I can see it may adversely affect resale. We may use it at our home though too as another living space.