2014 27FB Remodel

[Pat Cassity]

I am considering a remodel of my 2014 27' FB. I Would like to replace the the dinette with either a sofa or 2 recliners. I will not be doing the works myself. Any ideas as to where I should start? I live in the Houston area. Thanks!

[JFScheck]

Post some pictures please if you do perform such a mood!

[dkottum]

The headache of a recliner or sofa conversion on the 25/27 front bed models is the furnace location. I would start by seeing if the recliner would fit in the street side corner, it would be very close. The furnace could be moved forward, perhaps with an outside access for to cover the opening but that may be somewhat extreme.

For reference here is a Flickr photo stream of our remodel at Airstream Service Center in Ohio on the other 25 model with the dinette in the front and the furnace under the sink. With new recliners, center console, and fold out table from the 30 recliner model, and custom cabinet over the converter, it's roughly $4K parts and labor. Easily worth it to us because we are traveling from home at least six months every year and need comfortable seating.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/398600...7637145551816/

[JFScheck]

WoW - that turned out GREAT!

[Pat Cassity]

Originally Posted by dkottum

The headache of a recliner or sofa conversion on the 25/27 front bed models is the furnace location. I would start by seeing if the recliner would fit in the street side corner, it would be very close. The furnace could be moved forward, perhaps with an outside access for to cover the opening but that may be somewhat extreme.

For reference here is a Flickr photo stream of our remodel at Airstream Service Center in Ohio on the other 25 model with the dinette in the front and the furnace under the sink. With new recliners, center console, and fold out table from the 30 recliner model, and custom cabinet over the converter, it's roughly $4K parts and labor. Easily worth it to us because we are traveling from home at least six months every year and need comfortable seating.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/398600...7637145551816/

This is exactly what I am looking for!
How long did this remodel take to complete?

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by Pat Cassity

This is exactly what I am looking for!
How long did this remodel take to complete?

Our FC 25 rear bed model is not an exact comparison to your FC front bed because the furnace on ours is located under the sink. Your furnace is located where the fold out table would mount, and may restrict movement of a recliner.
Maybe Airstream Service can work around this.

I made the appointment two months ahead to ensure Airstream Service would have the table and console from the production division next door. They have plywood, trim, and hardware are on hand to exactly match my interior, to build the storage cabinet over the converter. The recliners are the same Villa Recliners (Google them) Airstream uses but I bought them myself from Villa International.

I removed all of the original bench seating before I went, about an easy two hour job with a screwdriver. The only wiring was to wire the center console side outlet from the outlet below, which they did quickly. One technician took maybe two days to fabricate and install it all. He has been there many years, worked in production on cabinets before service. He discussed our plan beforehand and in process to get it just the way we wanted.

We are both very happy with the work and factory appearance, probably what a FC 25 Recliner model might look like if Airstream offered one. Great improvement in comfort for long term use, and it makes the living space feel larger. The table can be configured to accommodate four with two more chairs in a pinch. I find the recliners easy to nap in, maybe longer. Grandchildren can still visit.

[sequoyah101]

To put in two recliners, as others have said, you would need to relocate the furnace. AS didn't make remodeling easy since they sort of randomly scattered things around that have vents through the outside wall.

At least the water heater is out of the way.

You can look at my remodel by searching postings under my name.

[dkottum]

For the record, the Eddie Bauer has the furnace located farther ahead than the other 25-27' front bed models. I think recliners would fit decently on both sides.

[Aggie90]

Hi pat. Here are my conversion pics. I didn't touch the furnace. I removed only the roadside banquette. I wanted a stationary desk and a multifunctional table, a recliner and to retain sleeping space for one. I have an Eddie Bauer so the table by the chair is on wheels so it roll out of the way when the hatch is open and can be rolled over by the counter for more kitchen work space. It also raises up and down.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[sequoyah101]

You can see my remodel here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f46/...el-122489.html

I don't know what happened to the pictures but you can see them here: - Photo Gallery

If I had it all to do over again I would just take the propane heater out. Especially if I were living only in the south and mostly summer. I find now, after having owned the thing a couple of years that the heat pump does just fine even down in the 20s.

There is just no good way to move the furnace without messing up the outside. I'd just take it out, insulate and cover the hole and let it go at that. The only reservation I might have is the heat for the water and sewage tanks that goes into the floor.... how does that heat while underway though? It doesn't.

With the heater out you can put two recliners in. Otherwise, probably not and moving it is not easy. Not only would you have to move the vent to the outside you also have the holes in the floor and the floor gussets to get around.

With one recliner you at least keep sleeping space for one or two very skinny persons. The rather neat part of making the L-sofa is that you get a bigger slide out auxiliary bed.

The layout we have is working out really well. We take turns in the chair as you don't always like just sitting up but might like to prop up on a pillow and lie down to read or watch TV.

We use some nice TV trays for meals. Works fine and they store nicely in the closet.

[sheriff1]

This is how I moved the heater on our 27FB, I think it came out as good as factory!


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

[sheriff1]

Inside view.


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"