Another gaucho to dinette conversion

[pageclot]

The gaucho/foldout dining table combo didn't really work for us.

The gaucho could only seat 2 for dining, and the people on the other side of the table had to press themselves between the table and the cabinet. The table often threatened to collapse, and the single leg didn't seem that stable to us.

So a few weeks ago, I pulled out the gaucho:



Put down some major league 2 X 4's and 2 X 2's:



Cut plywood carefully to conform to the walls:

and


and then set up the table:



We're pretty happy with it. The cushion lady comes over tomorrow to take measurements for seating and sleeping cushions.

Kevin

[sharbours]

Looks good! Love the setup. Can the table be stored under the back bench when not in use? Please post some pictures once the cushions are done!

We're toying with the idea of replacing our current dinette with a u-shaped seating area like yours, although without the extra 3 feet your unit has, we may have to get a little more creative.

It's great to see projects like this; thanks for sharing!

[pageclot]

Originally Posted by sharbours

Looks good! Love the setup. Can the table be stored under the back bench when not in use? Please post some pictures once the cushions are done!

Originally, that was our intention, that we'd be able to lower the table in the back area, but I decided that I needed more support for that back piece (which is roughly the length of the table), because it was so big. So I put 2X4's on either side, supporting the edges.

The table is completely mobile, so we can put it outside if we need room for lounging inside. Or shove it to one side, or turn it 90 degrees for easier access on the side benches. It's a bigger table than we originally thought we'd have, but it was in the As-Is section at Ikea for $30, pretty hard to pass up. The table legs are standard fold down cafeteria table type legs. $20.

It was a neat project. Now for the flooring!

[pageclot]

And the cushions finally came together last week, minutes before we were to take off for Algonquin park. Thanks to a local upholsterer, here is the finished product:

With table up:


With table down:


And with table cushions on:


It makes for a firm bed, but far more roomy and comfy than the gaucho it replaced. We plan to raise the table up about 3 inches, because my legs are fatter than I thought, and I want a bit more space between the top of the cushions and the bottom of the table.

The plywood tops for the storage bins are loose right now. I have no plans to hinge them, but I may cut finger holes in them to make it easier to lift them up. It gives us lots of space for sleeping bags, camp chairs, water jugs, clothing, towing mirrors, etc.

[mkcurtiss]

I did a similar conversion....




Just had cushions made....

[mkcurtiss]

Still a little fine tuning to do but its basically done. Table can be removed for open seating, watching movie or whatever.....bed is big !

[Free range]

Love those ideas, ours still has the very ugly sofa bed, but it is coming out.

with all the benches it give lots extra storage underneath the seats.

[mkcurtiss]

Originally Posted by Free range

Love those ideas, ours still has the very ugly sofa bed, but it is coming out.

with all the benches it give lots extra storage underneath the seats.

I will have to say. that it is surprising that the engineers settled on the original setup in Airstreams, but fortunately it is not real difficult to tear it out and redesign it....I may be crazy, but it sure feels like it makes the front dining/bed area is vastly more usable and attractive.....not o mention, as you said, tons of good storage underneath the seating for things that can just be stuffed into a hole.....we keep our tv, laptop, etc. under one of the benches,,,,,lots of tools, supplies under another, etc.....

[stream3]

We are renovating our 345LE and are replacing the rear queen with a more functional space. Lots of room back there! Hope to finish up before Alumapooluza at JC.

[Kellywriggs]

Please please share your dimensions

[skyguyscott]

I do think it's funny that those whose coaches have dinettes hate them and want to put in gauchos, couches, or recliners and those who have gauchos what to put in dinettes.

Those with dinettes complain that they're always awkward and uncomfortable, especially when trying to watch the TV or just lounge.

Those with gauchos complain they're awkward for dining and have no good working space like a handy table to work on.

I have a tiny 69 caravel that came with the gaucho. (Some came with a dinette) I would like to put in a nice dinette myself but there is a 30 gal tank underneath the gaucho, above the subfloor. So short of a major renovation to relocate the tank, I guess I'll just keep what i've got and use TV trays, which are way more convenient and lighter than the heavy, awkward folding table monstrosity that was original, but a larger table would sure be nice.