convertible couch

[projector]

After camping our Argosy MOHO for a couple of nights we've decided to replace the dinette seating with a couch with storage underneith. The seats that are there are not original and don't suit us. We'd prefer something to stretch out on and a place for the dogs to ride and sleep.

So the plan is to build a low box with a pull out trash can on one end, and drawers underneith the seat cushion. There will be a vented compartment for the power converter and a storage cubby hole on the end by the entry door.

The questions are is it worth having it convert into a bed and how do we do it? Does anyone have pictures with the cushions off so I can see the cunstruction?

thanks.

[Splitrock]

This was the frame in my antique trailer.



Gary

[projector]

Here's what we're thinking.



The forward end is raised to fit a narrow kitchen trash can that will be cut down a bit. the top is arm rest height and wide enough for a book, drink or laptop. A pillow or cushion on that end would make a chaise lounge. Undernieth is 2 drawers. Finish will be teak veneer, we haven't picked a fabric or countertop material yet.

I started building it Saturday but didn't get very far. I didn't plan on the inconsistancy of the moho's shell, more fitting than I thought. The trash bin cabinet is mostly finished and the other components are rough cut. I should be able to finish it this week...construction anyway.

More photos coming.

[st.stephan]

Hey, we were excited to see you have the exact same MOHO we have. We have refitted the inside and are very happy with the outcome but have also wished for a couch or place to stretch out in the forward part of the coach. Interested to see your final outcome.

[projector]

St.stephan, congrats on owning such a fine rig, we love ours.

The base is mostly finished except for, well, a finish. We camped Friday night with it in place as a trial and it worked out great. Our dogs had a place to be without being in the way and it served as a good place to sit while the other was still in bed. The size and scale seem perfect, comfortable but compact. Hopefully I'll get the finish on and get it perminently installed this week, then build the drawers.

[st.stephan]

Love to see photos of the completed project. We are discussing the pros and cons to trying something like that.

[projector]

Finally got a chance to give you an update. The woodworking is complete and it needs hardware, cushions and a countertop. For now we've been using it with scrap foam wrapped in a quilt. Here's the "box". It's teak veneer over plywood with a satin wipe on poly finish.


The power inverter is in the aft end. The compartment is vented through a stainless grate and an opening in the toe kick, and has a hinged lid. I'm thinking about adding an exterior step light and putting the switch next to the vent. A stainless button so the get allong.


Here's the storage. There's a large deep drawer in the center and a shallower one forward, smaller to clear the gas fill. At the very forward end is the trash can. The can came from Home Depot and was shortened to fit. Everything is on bearing slides.


Notice the veneer runs continuously through the piece.


So far it's worked out great! More to come, thanks.

[Aage]

Superb craftmanship, thanks for showing it to us!

[John H.]

very nice. thank you for sharing

congratulations

[Splitrock]

You got some good lookin' drawers there.

[st.stephan]

Thanks for the photos. Congrats on doing such a nice job. Looks great and we are really considering making some changes.

[Octane]

WOW !
Your work look absolutely brilliant.

It's a pleasure to watch such great craftsmanship!

Thanks for posting

[projector]

Thanks everyone for the compliments. As usual it took longer than planned but was fun and worth it in the end. Of course now the rest of the interior isn't so nice. I'm tempted to go clock-wise arround the interior and redo everthing. Refer cabinet, closet, curbside bunk, aft cabinet/gen. box, roadside bunk, closet, head, galley. How long could it take?

[John H.]

Originally Posted by projector

Thanks everyone for the compliments. As usual it took longer than planned but was fun and worth it in the end. Of course now the rest of the interior isn't so nice. I'm tempted to go clock-wise arround the interior and redo everthing. Refer cabinet, closet, curbside bunk, aft cabinet/gen. box, roadside bunk, closet, head, galley. How long could it take?

A Life time projector
or until you sell and start a new project.

[projector]

Originally Posted by John Haggard

A Life time projector
or until you sell and start a new project.

Did I tell you about my antique Jeep, antique truck, boats and hobby shop? That would be the "Project" in "Projector".

[Keyair]

Looks awesome!
You look like you are pretty handy with the woodwork!

What program did you use to do the rendering in the first posts?

[projector]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Looks awesome!
You look like you are pretty handy with the woodwork!

What program did you use to do the rendering in the first posts?

It's a shaded view for the CAD software we use at work. It's calle Rhino, a full surfacing software that's relatively cheap and very capapble.

thanks.

[Keyair]

I know Rhino, but have never used it.
I have used ALIAS tho.... but cant afford that!

[ddstech]

Do you have something to keep them shut when traveling? Do they have any sort of positive latch?

[projector]

Originally Posted by ddstech

Do you have something to keep them shut when traveling? Do they have any sort of positive latch?

The trash bin has magnets to keep it closed, the others don't have anything yet. With ball bearing slides they will come open while going arround a corner. It's on my list to add some sort of catch and handles. For now I lean a soft brief case against them and work on my boat and jeep.