^^Thanks!---> IMO, I think the front gaucho is best removed for dinette as for my height(6'1") is less comfortable due to the more restrictive length as a bed and secondly, sitting at dinette in the very front of trailer feels better overall to me.
Of course when the center bed is pulled out there is less room to get by cabinets but it feels bigger and I will have 4" foam cushions on it for comfort.
Personally I really like a dinette and we like board games, eating and just hanging at a table.
Fellow forum member
Seawaatty contacted me and sent photos/measurements of nice dinette he built in front with water tank on the curbside(starboard side). I'll be installing new water tank on the street(port side).
When I construct the dinette I will enclose the front middle side of seating running port to starboard 2" in depth to run the water fill hose and my
12v positive lead for the water pump.
They sell a nice 20 gal fresh water tank on Icondirect.com which is 24"Lx18"W"x12"H and will fit nicely under the port side dinette seat with plenty or room for the
12V pump. Tank comes with water fill fitting and 1/2" fitting at bottom for connecting to plumbing.
**Did run into an issue yesterday - I tested the water drains and waste tank valve and unfortunately the waste valve leaks - I removed the waste holding tank which surprisingly was very clean inside and in excellent condition.
VTS sells an aluminum plate adapter for these Globe Trotter and
Caravel tanks so you can use the updated Valterra waste valves - The biggest challenge is when removing the old valve, 3 of the the 4 mounting bolts were frozen and I had to grind off those 3 heads - having the one bolt was very helpful because I was able to dig thru my stainless bolts and fine the same 3/16th's bolt pattern - I very carefully drilled out the very center of the remaining bolts using a small bit and slowly moving to bigger bits - I then used a 1/4" stainless steel bolt with same thread pattern as the old bolt to chase the threads - The brass fitting on the tank makes this easier than if it were steel - All 4 threads are now ready for the new adapter.
I'll post more photos when I install the adapter and new valve.