Posted 2007-09-12 9:04 AM (#67730) Subject: Switching from sofa to dinette
Veteran
Posts: 195 Location: PA
I'm wondering if this is even possible. I have a Sundowner 8008 with a sofa. I deeply regret that I didn't listen to the little voice in my head that said to get a dinette instead of the sofa. I'm wondering if its feasible to have the dealer remove the sofa and put in a dinette. Would this be a big expensive thing to do?
Posted 2007-09-12 9:21 AM (#67732 - in reply to #67730) Subject: RE: Switching from sofa to dinette
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
yes you can. And when you do you will gain additional storage underneath the seats. There are a couple of factors to consider. If you want to use the dinette for sleeping make sure the overall length is long enough for you. The length will be shorter than your couch because you will have two back rests.
You can contact your trailer interior manuf for the unit. Be prepared for a large price. If you can get uphostery material to match your interior, the unit can be made relatively easily by someone with woodworking experience. Plywood, foam, countertop material and upholstery are the major ingredients. The supporting hardware can be purchased at most rv suppliers.
If you know a person with a camper or a horse LQ, you can use his as a template and build yours to fit.
Posted 2007-09-12 9:27 AM (#67734 - in reply to #67730) Subject: RE: Switching from sofa to dinette
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
We have the dinette, and the fresh water tank is under one of the seats. Should be an easy move if need be, not far to go, and turn it 90 degrees probably.
Posted 2007-09-12 9:31 AM (#67735 - in reply to #67730) Subject: RE: Switching from sofa to dinette
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You can put it under one of the two dinette seats. And because you will have more space, a larger single tank or an additional tank can be installed if you need more water storage.
If your trailer is new your dealer might give you a credit for the couch in a partial trade for the dinette. A posting on the internet can sell your couch to the many people who are building their own LQs.
Posted 2007-09-13 8:54 AM (#67808 - in reply to #67730) Subject: RE: Switching from sofa to dinette
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
As everyone said, it's possible. But Sundowner does use two different water tanks. So when you make the change, you'll have to replace the tank as part of rearranging the plumbing. Because of the holes in the floor, you'll want to be prepared to address the vinyl floor also. Patch or replace as needed. And when as a sleeper, your dinette will be as long as your sofa because the backrest cushions will come down & out of the way. So don't worry about that.
Posted 2007-09-13 9:15 AM (#67809 - in reply to #67730) Subject: RE: Switching from sofa to dinette
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
the overall bed length will be shorter with the dinette because of the two bench supporting structures that hold the back rest cushions in place. These can each be a few inches wide. They are always in place whether the cushions are vertical or used as a bed. If the couch is presently between two bulkheads this would not be an issue.
Some companies use a raised floor under the dinette to route the plumbing. This would be easy to install and eliminate the need to drill additional holes in the trailer floor.
Posted 2007-09-13 8:33 PM (#67840 - in reply to #67730) Subject: RE: Switching from sofa to dinette
Elite Veteran
Posts: 644 Location: Odenville, Alabama
I just traded my dinette for a sofa. My back cushions WERE removable, those, along with the seat cushions are what made the bed. I had ALOT more storage space with the dinette LQ. But the sofa in the new trailer makes for more "moving around" room. You lose storage under the sofa because your water tank runs parallel with the side wall. The holding tank in the dinette trailer was under one seat, which left the space under the other seat for storage. I could sleep on my dinette (although I never did, thats where the girls sleep) with no problem. Had enough room to stretch out and I'm 5'7". This new trailer was SUPPOSE to have come with a dinette, but there was a mix up, and it has a couch. It's do-able!
Switching from sofa to dinette
