Bambi L-Sofa Transformation

[tinbender]

Yes, placing wide body parts in a non wide is possible, but it will take some work… For quite sometime I wanted to make a change to the sleeping arrangement in my ’01 Bambi. It came from the factory with a front pullout bed/sofa assembly, no permanent bed as the newer ones have. The new style of pullouts, that are incorporated in the “L” sofas, are easier to use than what was in it and seemed to hold the answer to the quest for an update. The trend of replacing the L sofa with recliners presented an opportunity to buy the parts to make the change. The only problem, these parts were in a wide body. After much thought and some trial and error, a way was found to make it work without losing any sleeping or seating area from the main bed/pullout platform.
The height and width dimensions of the original streetside part of the “L” drove the project as they had to be maintained due to the water heater being under there. The curbside armrest width was reduced by almost half to allow the bedbox to be modified, on the rear bottom corner, so it would slide all the way to the curbside wall. The armrest basically serves to fill in the wall curve as the bedbox/pullout, has a straight edge and butts up against it. This leaves a fairly big, empty space next to the curbside wall.

I wasn’t able to get all the cushions with the parts from the donor trailer and had no luck in matching the ultraleather that was on them so I had to have all new foam and cushion covers. This part of the changeover was certainly not cheap but the quality of the replacement is way above what was there before. Also, I removed the International dark laminate and put on the lighter laminate to match the rest of the interior. Finishing touches will include new window coverings, to come soon.
I had some help with many phases of the project and would like to thank those forum members who were quick to answer my PMs with requests for photos and measurements of the layout of their L sofas. All this info really helped make the finished product work out well. It has taken awhile from start to finish but I think my Swee’ Pea is good to go for many more years of travel. Love my shortie…….
Before and after:

[mutcth]

Very, very nicely done. I remember that back when we looked at a 2001 16' Bambi, the couch arrangement wasn't the best. (To be fair, that was the least of that particular trailer's problems.)

Looks like a fabulous upgrade. Glad the dimensions helped.

Tom

[BAB]

...and it feels really good to look at what Pam did and to see that she was able to recycle the "hated" L seat from my 2012 28' Intl CCD and make it work a LOT better in her Bambi than it ever worked for me. Totally professional redo with those gorgeous light mocha cushions...into which she (oh so) wisely had some high quality foam.

[sunnygirl]

Pam,

The remodel looks fabulous. The cushions are gorgeous. We are looking for a resource in the Winston-Salem area to re-upholster the cushions in our trailer. Did you use someone local? I would really appreciate any information you have on the foam you chose. We are planning on replacing the foam and it seems there are many choices. I sure don't want to use the same grade foam Airstream uses -- ugh!

Thanks for your help.

Susan

[Rollster]

Looks gorgeous!


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[mocus]

Great job...looks much more comfortable than ours. Our Bambi came with a leather couch that is anything but comfortable; sitting or laying. I would really like to replace with a couple recliners if they would fit--that's a good idea.

[tinbender]

Thanks all for the nice comments.

Sunnygirl, there are a multitude of foam choices out there. I had no idea really until I started shopping. Yes, I used a local upholestry shop to do the work.


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[tinbender]

Hit send too quickly.... It looks like a different trailer now. Should be around for a long time. I always wanted a "vintage" Bambi. She's halfway there.



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[rodsterinfl]

That is REALLY nice.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, what a fantastic job; I like the pillow too.

[SilverGate]

Originally Posted by tinbender

...
I had some help with many phases of the project and would like to thank those forum members who were quick to answer my PMs with requests for photos and measurements of the layout of their L sofas. All this info really helped make the finished product work out well. It has taken awhile from start to finish but I think my Swee’ Pea is good to go for many more years of travel. Love my shortie…….
Before and after:

Beautiful! Nice job and glad I could help with the measurements.

Bill

[mattwils77]

just curious, what is the difference between the two pullout styles? I have the original in mine and sure think it could use some improvement......

[saintp]

Originally Posted by mutcth

Very, very nicely done. I remember that back when we looked at a 2001 16' Bambi, the couch arrangement wasn't the best. (To be fair, that was the least of that particular trailer's problems.)

Looks like a fabulous upgrade. Glad the dimensions helped.

Tom

Just purchased a 2001 16C Bambi and curious to learn of the problems you encountered with it. "(To be fair, that was the least of that particular trailer's problems.)"

If there is anything you can share. Thanks