When we got our airstream (1975 31' Land Yacht Soverign International), we found out (after getting it home) that the 1980's (non-airstream) couch that was installed did not fold down flat, and rubbed on the coachwork inside. Bad deal
So, after looking at many options, I decided to build/upholster a simple fold down gaucho couch/bed like the one we had in our 1973 Prowler (just sold a month ago). Called the local foam shop and got a quote for about $300+ just for foam
. So, scoured ebay, and got 2 slabs of 5" thick foam (24" x 80") for $106. delivered. Wheeew. That's better. We were looking for something that was budget concious, and fit in with the "1975 era motif". That lead to some basket weave brown vinyl. Kind of reminds me of a Little Debbie "Nutty Bar" (hence the post title). So I proceeded to cut some plywood bases, sew up the vinyl covers (gotta love industrial sewing machines) and staple the vinyl covers to the plywood bases. It's all together, and works REALLY SLICK. Takes about 5 seconds to fold the bed up/down, doesn't have cracks, and is perfectly flat! With 2 kids and a yellow lab, it's nice to be able to wipe it down with a wet rag as well! All for the grand total of $150 +- a few bucks. Now I need to go camping to try it out.
The old couch:
The new couch:
Folded down into bed:
Sewing up the covers:
With accents:
Outside shot: