sofa/sleeper assistance needed

[0007]

We are the happy, newbie owners of a 1985 29' Sovereign. We have a jackknife sofa sleeper that is in poor condition and we would like to replace it. Do you have* information that could help us with resources/places/types/cost of a replacement ? We are not convinced that a jackknife is the best option.* We have looked at a string on the Forum from 10 years ago, as well as considerable web research, but have not found a good solution. Any relevant* information is appreciated.*Thank you.

[drjudy]

See my new post if this still is of interest to you

[Lumatic]

Jacknife sofas are uncomfortable. I replaced mine with a futon. The high back is a plus. Campers World has other replacement options,

[drjudy]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Jacknife sofas are uncomfortable. I replaced mine with a futon. The high back is a plus. Campers World has other replacement options,

Don’t think you read my post about completely rebuilding

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by drjudy

Don’t think you read my post about completely rebuilding

what post?

[drjudy]

Something we learned from Colin Hyde is that the 80’s airstreams have OSB subfloors which should be replaced before proceeding.

The jackknife sofas CAN BE rebuilt. Is it a jackknife or a fold-over? We got rid of our fold-over and all the tables in the living room area. We added a cabinet to the right of the fridge (the one that was left of the long closet).

We are doing facing jackknife sofas. Then will build a flip-up table for between. I purchased FOUR second hand jackknife sofas: two 72” and two 58” (58” for next to door). Took off all the foam and fabric (trash). Jackknife sofas traditionally have zig zag springs on seat and plastic straps on backs (they break). Used the seats from two to make the backs for two sofas. Used seats from two as seats. Had to have welder add angle iron where folks had bent frames (cheap tubular steel). Old backs went to metal recycling. So sofas will have zig zag springs both on seats and backs.

The joint in the middle will be padded with pool noodle or such when laid flat.

It’s near impossible to bend the zig zag springs yourself. However re-attaching the ties (Amazon) is simple with a pair of needle nose pliers.

Then add 4” NEW foam, batting. I’m having the pleather professionally done. They attach the fabric in back using simple hog wire ties (like on a chain link fence).

[Condoluminum]

Not sure if you want entirely different front end layout or just unhappy with state of couch.. If you want different, you could add recliner love seats or chairs and use TV trays for meals, or build in a dinette instead of a couch/fold-up table.. Some would require outside assistance to perform the work, but not that expensive... (Remember any furniture has to fit through the door...)


We disassembled our jacknife couch in '88 Excella and dropped off at upholstery shop with fabric from local fabric store.. Got pieces back with all new foam, upholstery and improved comfort, and reassembled to make better couch and retain sleep option. For us, upholstery work is not do-it-yourself, but you don't need Airstream shop or dealer either... Couch and end panel/armrests come apart easily with a couple bolts and screws into the subfloor. Front of storage drawer under couch comes off for recovering as well..