Uncomfortable Dinette in 2015 23FB

[Randakk]

After 60+ nights in our 2015 23FB, Lynn and I decided the standard convertible dinette was never going to used as a bed (by us) and it was horribly uncomfortable for sitting and watching TV.

So we made a few tweaks to the arrangement provided by Airstream. Photo attached.

1. The seats / console are from a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado ...modified a bit and the same as in our TV. These are very comfortable.

2. The platform and wheel-well cover is my design.

3. There is a custom wiring harness and fuse sub-panel designed by me after consultation with noted wiring wizard J.R. Luksik of CBX-tras. This powers the electric seats and center console.

4. The tray tables are modified units by PHC Healthcare (originally intended for use in hospitals with reclining chairs.)

5. Net weight change is about 75+ pounds or so. If you opted for manual seats, you would probably find the weight change to be 'nil.

If you go this route be aware that many automotive seats like this have side airbags. These must be removed or de-activated by experts. Under no circumstances should you attach 12V to any yellow wires or yellow connectors under such seats. Otherwise, your risk the chance of a nasty airbag deployment.

We've been on 2 trips with the new config and really love it. In addition to more comfortable seating, we have much more usable storage space and the trailer lives much bigger now.

[FCStreamer]

This looks great! Thanks for sharing.

[SteveSueMac]

I never would have thought of that! Very funky idea! Congrats and thanks for sharing. The creativity of AS users is amazing!

[Hittenstiehl]

What a great modification.

[Moflash]

You can pretend your still driving.Lol


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[PKI]

We don't particularly like the mod. The dinette was one of the reasons we purchased the 2015. Will admit, that there is a mod being done on a 23 from Sacramento. Vinnie is doing the work and we might get to see the result some time. Always appreciate a new idea, but staring at the refrigerator seems a waste. We do enjoy watching the world go by while sitting in the dinette. Some folks object to the door blocking the rear of the two windows. But we like the windows open more than the door so it's not been a problem. Maybe as the backs get stiffer, and the joints tighten up, we'll see the light and come around to your thinking. Unil then, count us as dinetters Pat

[Ste and Bre]

I thought of something like that for our 2008 23fb but was trying to find a swivel chair of some kind with maybe a sliding mechanism of some kind under the chair so if you were swiveled facing the window the chair could move back for more leg room. Haven't got past the thinking stage yet. Your modification looks very well done.

[tatone]

Monte Carlos in the mid '70 s had seats that swiveled ,so you might want to look at what GM has to offer.

[lindaebrewer]

Actually----------- The dinette is now GONE. The work was done by Specialized RV here in Sacto. (awalker@specializedrvrepair.com) Going to Vinnie for new larger diameter wheels & tires this month. Will try and post a photo of new interior.

[PKI]

Linda thanks for the correction. Glad you are happy with the change. Pat

[bigreddog]

Hey Randall; No question this dinette is poorly designed. I think the problem originated when they put the sliders under the tabletop. It raised the entire pedestal to high for the top to sit flat on the cabinet when collapsed. I picked up some high density interlocking foam panels and cut them so that they were flush with the tabletop to present a continuous surface on which to configure the cushions when converting to a bed. So as a bed, it's much better, but I still can't get comfortable sitting here in the dinette.. Something just ain't right.