Remove dinette, install sofa?

[PapaU]

We have a 2018 23FB Serenity. I find the wrap around dinette uncomfortable. Has anyone replaced the dinette with a sofa or recliners...?

[skyguyscott]

Yes. If you use the search function in the forums here, you will likely find a number of threads about this very topic.

One funny thing is that many who have gauchos wish they had dinettes, and vice versa.

The grass is always greener.

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by PapaU

We have a 2018 23FB Serenity. I find the wrap around dinette uncomfortable. Has anyone replaced the dinette with a sofa or recliners...?

After our first trip, I knew the dinette had to go. Part of the challenge is the narrow body of this model and interference with the fridge door and what looks on paper like 4 place seating really isn't because of the huge wheel wells. On the other hand, the narrow body makes towing a lot better. So, I tried a few mods such as adding a long table top and office chairs, which worked well for sitting with the wonderful view. Always being in the way of the other person, not so much. So, I bought a jackknife soft (Thomas Payne) and after the second and successful mounting method, that is what I have settle on. Its ironic (??) that the foam in the sofa is too soft and that is the main reason the dinette didn't work for us in the first place. The foam could be denser for a heavier person, but if under 180# (MOL), it should be okay. Also, since the factory frame couldn't possibly work with the massive wheel well; I removed the wheel well box completely and fabricated supports on both ends that allow the sofa to be at the right height to be comfortable for sitting.

So, in hindsight would I have done all this? Or, could the factory dinette work? Maybe I should have considered "can it be improved to work" rather than "it has to go". If the foam was upgraded, such as with Luxfoam of a good density, plus reduced the size of the table... and especially adding the Lagun table swivel system to that smaller table(??) (that I now have) it could work.
WW

[PapaU]

I have taken the table out and have been using TV trays. Better than the dinette table because they fold up and give us more space. I really like the sofa look. Your post on the foam has me looking into a custom build one. I will post the final outcome when complete. Many thanks!

[Heb]

We found the bed/dinette every uncomfortable and too much of pain to set up/take down 2x per day for the 3 year olds nap. So I bought a 5 inch twin size memory foam of Amazon for $100 and took the table top off to trace it on the bottom of the mattress. Then used a router to take out the thickness of the foam so everything lays level. Super comfy, very easy big lounge that my wife and son hangout on… does not fix the problem of the fridge door though!

[Colossus]

Originally Posted by Heb

Attachment 417235Attachment 417236

We found the bed/dinette every uncomfortable and too much of pain to set up/take down 2x per day for the 3 year olds nap. So I bought a 5 inch twin size memory foam of Amazon for $100 and took the table top off to trace it on the bottom of the mattress. Then used a router to take out the thickness of the foam so everything lays level. Super comfy, very easy big lounge that my wife and son hangout on… does not fix the problem of the fridge door though!

Nicely done. Do you have plans to cover/upholster the mattress top?

[Heb]

Originally Posted by Colossus

Nicely done. Do you have plans to cover/upholster the mattress top?

Eventually, we are near the end of potty training. Had to make sure it survived first. Right now it has a white sheet, we put 2 pool noodles under to act as his bed rails. Then a Pendleton blanket covers everything during the day.

Dennis C had a custom cushion made by ultimate airstream. But, for us the mattress was a better solution so we no longer feel the bump up of the table top where it rests on the benches.

We ironically only live 10 minutes from ultimate airstream and I have debated asking for a custom ultra leather cover to match. The cost/benefit/functionality analysis it wasn’t worth it for us.

[PapaU]

I like the table down - large couch look. Another consideration before going for $$$ custom built sofa. The drawback is the lack of floor space and the refrigerator door issues. I guess it’s a matter of appreciating what Airstream managed to put into the small 23’ trailer and living with the warts. Thanks for the great picture and yet another take on our mutual “problem”.

[GlobeGX]

I removed our U shaped dinette (falling apart). Remodel it into a couch. I shortened the backs and had upholstery guy cut and resew the seat cushions. Use snack tables that fold up and travel on the beds. Two inexpensive small foot stools for relaxing time. Much more room to move about.

[barnhawk]

The dog looks pleased so that is really what counts.

[GlobeGX]

Yes indeed he is happy and mommy is also. Even though we do not have as close of a relationship while passing in the night on our way to and from the bathroom. Easier for four adults to dine with the snack tables and a couple small stools.

[SimRunner]

GlobeGX, you did a terrific job...very nice!

[GlobeGX]

Thanks! I was a cabinet maker and a machinist in my working life.

[ChrisWild]

Me and the wife hate the dinette in the 23 FB Flying Cloud, but didn’t want to make any changes that couldn’t be reversed to factory. So I came up with this solution and we love it. We ordered an RV couch and disassembled it from its frame, then mounted the seat, back, and arms to the original dinette frame. Took one day and it’s awesome 😎