A Little Different U-Shape

[stephen99]

Not sure where I got this idea. Maybe something said in another thread. We had decided on a U-shaped dinette in our 21 due next spring because we liked the smaller table and the enhanced lounging aspect of the U-shape but we knew we would likely never sit in the rear part of the U. Also, I didn't like having the batteries all the way in the back part of the U for access reasons mainly. So I presented this idea to Sarah and she said it's doable. We will get the standard dinette with the large table. Escape will cut the rear end off the table to yield a U dinette table and the cut off end will function as a filler board resting on the bed rails at the rear of the trailer. Sarah said she would get a quote for a custom cushion to fit the board and we can just use some throw pillows for the back. Throw in a Springfield pedestal and all's right with the world.

 

[Jim Bennett]

This is an idea I have been tossing about too, but am now thinking to keep the bench but have it real narrow, but allow the electric/electronic stuff to be mounted in there. The cushion on it (as would be the one on your filler board) is nothing but a footrest anyway.

 

[Rossue2]

Have thought about the same thing. You will need to pin the table end used as a filler board to the rails so it won't go flying but that is a good alternative and gives you flexibility.

 

[Karen H.]

Although I have a standard dinette which I love and wouldn't change, I think that this different U-shape dinette is a better design and at least as functional as the standard U-shape dinette.

Congratulations!

 

[stephen99]

The cushion on it (as would be the one on your filler board) is nothing but a footrest anyway.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[stephen99]

Although I have a standard dinette which I love and wouldn't change, I think that this different U-shape dinette is a better design and at least as functional as the standard U-shape dinette.

Congratulations!

Thanks, Karen.

 

[stephen99]

Have thought about the same thing. You will need to pin the table end used as a filler board to the rails so it won't go flying but that is a good alternative and gives you flexibility.

Yeah, there's really no reason not to permanently attach the board.

 

[Karen H.]

Yeah, there's really no reason not to permanently attach the board.

Or you could just use a couple of Velcro strips to keep it secure during transit as you may have a reason to remove it at times.

 

[escape artist]

Hi: stephen99... I cut a 12" filler board for our U dinette. I remove the back table leg and the front one has to be lowered through a round hole I cut at the front of the board. I cut the hole before I cut the board so it fits around 3/4ths. of the leg under the table. The table top now swivels and is very stable and secure. The two 12" corner cushions fit snug over the board. Nice foot rest for $10.00 Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

 

[maurerl]

. . . thinking to keep the bench but have it real narrow . . .

That's sort of what we ended up with by default. Our (purchased used) 17B had the gaucho bunk option, which we didn't need and so removed. We were left with a narrow bench across the front of the trailer, in the two-seater dinette, which makes a short-term serviceable, if too shallow for comfortable longer-term use (it's only around 30 cm deep) extra seat if the table is removed.

In our case, not too practical, but I can see the attraction of the idea if scaled up for the regular dinette.

 

[LeonW]

Not sure where I got this idea. Maybe something said in another thread. We had decided on a U-shaped dinette in our 21 due next spring because we liked the smaller table and the enhanced lounging aspect of the U-shape but we knew we would likely never sit in the rear part of the U. Also, I didn't like having the batteries all the way in the back part of the U for access reasons mainly. So I presented this idea to Sarah and she said it's doable. We will get the standard dinette with the large table. Escape will cut the rear end off the table to yield a U dinette table and the cut off end will function as a filler board resting on the bed rails at the rear of the trailer. Sarah said she would get a quote for a custom cushion to fit the board and we can just use some throw pillows for the back. Throw in a Springfield pedestal and all's right with the world.

I think this is a good idea. We have thought about adding a 1X12 board between the seats, just to put our feet on, or perhaps to use a book shelf. We are also thinking of cutting the front end of the table off a bit just so it is a bit easier to slide in and out of the dinette.

 

[Jim Bennett]

..... or perhaps to use a book shelf.

This is Lisa's only reason for wanting a U-shaped dinette, is a place to put stuff in use on, stuff that does not always very put away.

 

[AKCamper]

We are picking up our 19 this month. We had a filler board made with cushions to make a U-shaped lounge area with the standard table removed. We had the flush mount table bases installed in a raised dinette. I am hoping to be able to make a small round table mounted on one pole to use with the lounge area.

 

[Fox hunt]

I'm having a hard time picturing this change it sounds like a u shaped dinette? whats different?

 

[Jim Bennett]

I'm having a hard time picturing this change it sounds like a u shaped dinette? whats different?

No bench under. Just the filter board and cushion.

 

[katzam29]

We are picking up our 19 this month. We had a filler board made with cushions to make a U-shaped lounge area with the standard table removed. We had the flush mount table bases installed in a raised dinette. I am hoping to be able to make a small round table mounted on one pole to use with the lounge area.

When you get your trailer, can you please post a picture of this change? Thanks!

 

[Steve Clark]

When you get your trailer, can you please post a picture of this change? Thanks!

matzam29, Picture the standard dinette. Remove the tabletop and pedestals. Now picture a board 12" deep and cut to the width necessary to span across the back, from bench lip to bench lip. Cover this board with foam and fabric, and you have created a 'Lounge' that can be converted back to a standard dinette. The factory installed U-Shaped dinette has a permanent rear bench and the tabletop has been shortened to make room for the permanent rear bench.
Also, in a 21 and 5.0TA the batteries are placed under the rear bench of the factory installed U-Shaped dinette. In the modified U-Shape described above, the batteries remain under the curb side dinette bench. Hope this helps

 

[float5]

matzam29, Picture the standard dinette. Remove the tabletop and pedestals. Now picture a board 12" deep and cut to the width necessary to span across the back, from bench lip to bench lip. Cover this board with foam and fabric, and you have created a 'Lounge' that can be converted back to a standard dinette. The factory installed U-Shaped dinette has a permanent rear bench and the tabletop has been shortened to make room for the permanent rear bench.
Also, in a 21 and 5.0TA the batteries are placed under the rear bench of the factory installed U-Shaped dinette. In the modified U-Shape described above, the batteries remain under the curb side dinette bench. Hope this helps

Yes, people have to decide which they want. With the standard U, we have our batteries, inverter, electrical and more at the back in the bench. We, therefore, have empty space in our side benches where we have many other items. Depends on whether you get various options as to whether you "need" the back bench space.

 

[Ginger-ESC]

When you get your trailer, can you please post a picture of this change? Thanks!

Is your filler 12 inches? Would a larger one work? Guess i need to know how long the standard dinette is.

 

[stephen99]

Is your filler 12 inches? Would a larger one work? Guess i need to know how long the standard dinette is.

On my build sheet Sarah shows the filler board as being 15 inches wide. This is on a 21 foot. BTW, the cost of doing the this type of U is $100 to cut and finish tabletop/filler board and $150 for a custom cushion so a total of $250. At least that's how it plays out on my build sheet.