Vintage getting a new dinette, couch, seating, sleep area.

[Hittenstiehl]

Our 62 Overlander is due for a overhaul and we're keeping the overall layout. Bathroom in the back, twin beds in the center, then kitchen and living area in the front.

Trying to come up with a good layout and multifunction plan for the front end.

This area needs to function as:
A comfortable seating dining area.
A comfortable couch, hangout, nap lay down area.
A sleeping spot for 2 small grandchildren occasionally.

We all know that getting stuck at an uncomfortable dinette on a rainy trip becomes torture. Having just a couch and TV trays is not ideal for long term eating (for us).

Show us your solutions and offer opinions for what works for you.

This is what we started with, it's empty now and it's time to come up with a plan.

[57Vintage]

We did a similar layout with our 58 Overlander, Dropped the gaucho and put in a banquette. Two issues we discovered with usage was the seat bottom should have been wider and the seat back would be more comfortable if it had a slight angle back (~10 degrees). Unfortunately the low window sills didn't allow higher back rests.

The extra cushion towards the front is the filler when we make it into a bed.



To make the seat bottom wider is not difficult, just requires remaking the frame and new cushions. Also, requires narrowing the table (not a big deal).



Also, to make the seat back angled will require us to move the curb side away from the wall a few inches. (Street side is already 4 inches from the wall to accommodate water heater and some other plumbing.)

Another issue I find bothersome is the table is basically as wide as the gap between the sides. Of course, it has to be if you want to create a bed without additional pieces to support the cushions. I am toying with the idea to narrow the table (~5") on each side and hinge them to fold under. That would allow us to lower the table and use it like a coffee table when we're not eating. Our pedestal is from Germany and will slide side to side to allow more legroom if desired.



One other thing we did was build an ottoman that can be used if sitting next to the stove to elevate your feet. The boss requested this to allow a more comfortable position to read or knit. It also gives us an additional place to sit at the table. The pegs go into holes on the edge of the banquette frame and the legs have locking hinges that fold up for storage on the bed.



I liked your style but we have a front FW tank under the front of the banquette so the U shape was required.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thanks 57. Yours is one of the examples we have saved as an inspiration. It is so visually appealing and does seating and sleeping well. Does it couch well on a rainy day.

[57Vintage]

On a scale of 1-10 I'd give it a 7. I couldn't sit there all day, but for a few hours it's fine.

[hairyclive]

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

Our 62 Overlander is due for a overhaul and we're keeping the overall layout. Bathroom in the back, twin beds in the center, then kitchen and living area in the front.

Trying to come up with a good layout and multifunction plan for the front end.

This area needs to function as:
A comfortable seating dining area.
A comfortable couch, hangout, nap lay down area.
A sleeping spot for 2 small grandchildren occasionally.

We all know that getting stuck at an uncomfortable dinette on a rainy trip becomes torture. Having just a couch and TV trays is not ideal for long term eating (for us).

Show us your solutions and offer opinions for what works for you.

This is what we started with, it's empty now and it's time to come up with a plan.

Read some ides online from boat, RV, efficiency apartment, and tiny home design, etc. to get some good ideas. There are 100,000s of pictures on Pinterest and other sites for idea food. Space optimization and multi function are premium requirements for a small space.

[BeemerPilot2]

The table is removable and has sturdy folding legs to drop it down for a bed. Curved base with hatch storage under cushions. Table is smaller to allow access and we basically use it for gaming. Storage drawer near the door for misc necessities (glues, bug sprays, a few wrenches, etc.). Pergo floors are great.

I took several fabric samples to the upholsterer and he only recommended one that was heavy duty, would wear well, and wouldn’t unravel

I agree with the angled back idea. These are fine for a few hours.

Very pleased with the upgrade - enjoy and good luck.

[overlander64]

I have owned my 1964 Overlander International Land Yacht International since 1995, and have found its original arrangement of the front living/dining area to be the most comfortable and versatile of any RV that I have owned. The three previous RVs that I owned all had traditional dinettes with tables on pedestals that either were removed or dropped down to make a bed, and were not comfortable for eating, lounging, or sleeping. My Overlander came with its original front sofa/lounge that pulls out to make a double bed. The compact drop leaf dining table stores out of the way along the streetside wall between the kitchen counter and sofa. The table can comfortably seat four when both leaves are extended. In the photo below, both leaves are extended:



In the photo below the both leaves are dropped in travel position:



I also carry four reproduction Leg-O-Matic chairs that I use for extra seating that often come in handy for an extra guest ir two at the table:



I don't seem to have any photos of my sofa/lounge, but it is the standard Airstream design from 1964 that was reupholstered by Arlene Fowler of Fowler RV Interiors several years ago.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thanks all.

Harry, online photos are indeed a great source of inspiration. Then fellow trailer owners giving their opinions on what's working for them will help us narrow it down.

Beamer we really like your aluminum seating bases and nice table. The upholstery is also very nice especially the curved corners. That radius is very hard to do well and they certainly did.

64, there is something about the original gaucho sofa layout that worked well but ours didn't have it anymore. We also have tow Legomatic chairs we could add to our setup.

Our 62 Globetrotter has the gaucho that's been reupolstered. It is a comfortable seat and couch just not great for eating at.

Here is a example of (someon elses) a layout that's intriguing. It gives you single dinette seating (needs a bit more of an angled back) while one of you is on a seat and one on the couch and could be used for pull out sleeping.