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qqq · 07-22-2003, 12:27 AM

After a week in my Safari I came to the conclusion that the front area sofa & folding table make me feel I'm punished & must eat and sit facing a wall or the interior while my back enjoys the scenery & can see what goes on

The sink & shower make it near impossible to shave or wash without bumping into the rear window frame and making a mess

Has anyone transformed the front to a U shaped lounge?
Any suggestions?

Hart

Pahaska · 07-22-2003, 05:29 AM

about Airstreams is that the furniture is independent of the structure. Rip out the couch and replace it with the lounge of your choice. I morphed my trailer from dinette to couch. You just take a deep breath and start.

A while back, there was a great series of photos on this site showing the construction of a sliding dinette. Not what you are looking for, but the construction methods should give you some ideas.

Dbraw · 07-22-2003, 09:13 AM

I replace the couch in our 71 Safari with a dinette that I built. You can see photos on my member page.
Dan

Silvertwinkie · 07-22-2003, 12:24 PM

Photos are down right now.

Eric

Safari Tim · 07-22-2003, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dan Brawner
I replace the couch in our 71 Safari with a dinette that I built. You can see photos on my member page.
Dan

Dan,

Can you post a picture since the photo site is down? I'd love to see it.

thanks

Safari Tim · 07-22-2003, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by qqq

The sink & shower make it near impossible to shave or wash without bumping into the rear window frame and making a mess Hart

Hart,

What I really hate is having to squegee the bathroom dry after the showers. Otherwise the dirty shoes create mud.

The next rig I get will have a seperate shower/bath.

Dbraw · 07-22-2003, 04:46 PM

Safari Tim,
Attached is a photo of the dinette that I built for our Safari. Under the seats is storage. The table drops down to make a platform for a bed, using the cushions that my wife covered. I hope the photo loads.
Dan

Safari Tim · 07-22-2003, 08:41 PM

That looks great Dan! I really like it.

I am curious what size dimensions the bed is. The couch makes a double and I still would need that size since I have a family of 4.

It looks like yours may be a single now?

Looks good though...

eikel1we · 07-22-2003, 10:14 PM

Hello Hart,

Sorry you weren't able to enjoy your maiden voyage. I hope you will be able to find ways to adapt to meet your needs and comfort. If you go to the Vintage Airstream Photos and click on the 1963 Tradewind box you will see it's "Route 66" interior with a curved front lounge. Double click on the picture to enlarge. Has that "living room" look, it's cool and looks really comfy besides. Perhaps this will give you an idea for the Safari and you may even be able to contact the owner through the VAC for more info.

Good Luck,

suz

qqq · 07-22-2003, 10:14 PM

Looks great indeed, but the space under the front window seems lost, & my taste is to be able to spread out (couch patato style) Thats why I think a U shaped couch would be perfect.
Appart the throne ,the bathroom is unusable , I'm seriously considering a complete remodel, but will have to get the work done by a professional as I'm no good at DIY.

Hart

qqq · 07-22-2003, 10:25 PM

Suz,

Great link and congrats for finding that pic ! Its exactly what I had in mind, EXACTLY

Thanks

Hart

ps: I enjoyed my maiden trip all the same

qqq · 07-22-2003, 11:01 PM

Safari Tim

Suz indicated a good pics source,
At vintage Airstream photos , click on 69 Safari & you can see a nice dinette where the space under the window is not lost.

Hart

eikel1we · 07-22-2003, 11:52 PM

Hart,

Look at the picture again. I don't see the space under the window as lost. There is a seat there. Can you see Rt 66 fabric on the seat base under the table? (The table is on a pole and independent of a wall rail.) Did I interpret your comment correctly? Also, what might a remodel compare to upsizing to, say, a Tradewind? We found one that was ready to go. There were others costing far less but to get what we now have would have cost way, and I mean WAY, more in the long run. And that little bit of extra space might get you where you want to go. Not much for DIY here either, besides, we wanted to use it now and didn't want a money pit! Yes, there are some things, mostly decor, I would have done differently but the trade offs are fair and I can live with them.

suz

Dbraw · 07-23-2003, 03:58 AM

Hello Tim,
Yes, our dinette does make a single bed. It is for grandkids. One at a time.
Dan

qqq · 07-23-2003, 01:33 PM

Suz,
The lost space applied to Dan's dinette, you can see it higher up in this thread.
The one you indicated is PERFECT

I wouldn't want any longer Airstream, 23 is real easy to handle & I have feelings for my old aluminium friend...

Hart

Dbraw · 07-23-2003, 03:46 PM

Hart,
I agree that a 23 foot Airstream is ideal. We love our Safari and don't want anything else. It is only 32 years old.
Dan

eikel1we · 07-24-2003, 09:46 PM

Oh brother did I miss that one - even though I read it several times. It's too late (early) in the day when I get on here!! I too would have liked a curved lounge like that but the reg. sofa is just fine. Years ago, my parents had a couple of motorhomes, both w/dinnettes. Not all that comfortable for tv watching and little to no room for lounging 'tater style. How things have changed.

suz

LuminumTraila · 06-09-2005, 03:09 PM

I'm thinking of changing the front bed in our '76 Safari to a lounge seat/dinette. Is it okay to put the dinette seat right up against the side of the cabinet that holds the range? There is a little access door there now to get in behind the range, but that would remain since it is higher than where the dinette seat would be. Or does that access door even need to be there if I change the cabinet around the range and sink? I'm just wondering if the space that is there now between the bed and galley can be used to make the seat longer.

Let me know if this doesn't make any sense at all (

not unusual when I'm talking) and I'll try to explain it again.

-J