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Topic: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom? (Read 18 times) previous topic - next topic
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Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Yahoo Message Number: 135215
Hi,

I bought a used RV which has an entertainment center over the cab.  Since I will be a solo woman rv-er, and actually prefer a private bedroom in the rear, this probably will suit me.  But I've heard conflicting ideas about whether this construction can be removed to allow for the queen-sized bed up there instead.  i guess some say it can't be done, but the "floor" is still carpeted and it's always possible I might have grandchildrren visiting who could sleep there.  It's not a critical issue for me, but I would like to know my options.

Thanks!  all ideas from you experts are welcome...

Kristin
1997 MB
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135217
Quote

Hi,

"I bought a used RV which has an entertainment center over the cab.  I've heard conflicting ideas about whether this construction can be removed to allow for the queen-sized bed up there instead."

Kristin

Kristin

You didn't say what the length is of your new-to-you Lazy Daze . But here's the word from the factory where it concerns the 30' lengths, all of which have the entertainment centers. They use a different construction technique for those entertainment centers and they will tell you right up front that you are NOT to use it to store heavy items because it's not strong enough to support the weight (as opposed to those which were designed as a cab-over bed).
 If you want the last word as it concerns 'your' coach a call to the factory would be the best way to answer your question.

Steve S.

Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135224
I thought the only LD's that came with the entertainment center in place of the overcab bed (as an option, except for the 30' where it is standard) were those with the living area in front.  Since the Mid-Bath's living area is in the back, it would not have had the option of an entertainment center over the cab.  Was this a conversion by a previous owner?

Linda Hylton

http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135231
My LD is a 1997 MB 26.5 foot, and the entertainment center was factory installed.   The two sofas are
1997 MB
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135232
Thanks, Steve  --

My LD is a 1997 MB 26.5 foot, and the entertainment center was factory installed.   I will call the factory today and see if I can find out how well  reinforced it is.

I appreciate all the advice!

Kristin
1997 MB
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135240
Hi Kristen, I'm not sure where the structural concerns are coming from but most of the over hang or bunk is supported by the van cab structure. A non entertainment center unit or bunk has a flip over plywood section hinged by the fabric covered bed cushion, If your concerned add 1/2 plywood to the entire overhead area. The modification your planning to do should be fine. But by all means ask the mothership and follow your instincts, they may be reluctant to condone any extensive modifications but I can't see why IMHO it can't be converted to a bed.

Sent by wireless
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135242
Quote
"I thought the only LD's that came with the entertainment center in place of the overcab bed (as an option, except for the 30' where it is standard) were those with the living area in front.  Since the Mid-Bath's living area is in the back, it would not have had the option of an entertainment center over the cab.  Was this a conversion by a previous owner?"

Linda Hylton
Linda
 Here's what the LD web-site says about 'Options'...·ENTERTAINMENT CENTER ON ALL MODELS (EXCEPT 27'MB &24'TB) INCLUDES STORAGE COMPARTMENTS, 32" LED FLAT SCREEN TV AND BUILT IN SHELVING FOR YOUR VIDEO COMPONENTS (STANDARD ON 31')
 What construction techniques are used on these 'options' are known only by the factory.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135243
I really wonder if that was factory installed as delivered, or something that was added on later.  I cannot find any evidence of the entertainment center being available on the MB, ever.  I don't have a 1997 brochure, but I do have the 1998.  It shows that the "entertainment center" was an option on the 23-1/2 FD, the 26-1/2 RB, the 26-1/2 IB and standard equipment on the 30 IB.  It was not an option on the 26-1/2 MB.  I wonder if Kristin was the original owner.

Dick
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135246
Yes, and the OP has an MB, which is why I thought the over-cab entertainment center was an after-market retrofit by a previous owner.  However, she said that her 1997 came from the factory that way.  Thus my question regarding when the factory stopped having the over-cab entertainment center as an option in the MB.

Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135248
I would still like to know if she was the original owner.  We know that it was not an option in 1998.  If hers was indeed a factory option in 1997, then we could safely conclude that LD stopped making it an option in 1998.
I am still skeptical because I don't think it was ever a factory option.

Considering how difficult it is to have them make the slightest change to any model, think how difficult it would be to have them install something they didn't want to in the first place.  It would be akin to asking them to install four barrel chairs and a desk in the back of an MB.

Dick
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135256
Update:  I did talk with the factory :"Mothership" today, and learned that my 1997 MB 26.5 MB did indeed have a factory installed entertainment center.  It's pretty easy to tell, because there are no side windows at all above the cab, it is just solid metal body.  I guess there were only one or two of these built that year.
 Apparently there is not a real structural difference, but a sheet of plywood would have to be added to make a bed platform.  Of course they do not recommend any modifications at all, even though the television
1997 MB
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135257
Thank you for verifying that your MB over-cab entertainment center was, indeed, factory built!  That's really interesting, considering how they balk at doing some of the most minor modifications!  Perhaps it was a (failed) experiment on their part.

Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Linda Hylton
 
Re: Entertainment Center in Mid-Bath LD vs. upstairs bedroom?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135263
Kristen, I have a 91 MB very similar to your 97 but I have the overhead bunk, I believe i use my LD the same way you have described. I modified my floor plan to work better for me. I moved the 72" rear sofa forward and modified the Dinette. I chose to remove the dinette back support behind the passenger seat (optional) and placed the sliding base and cushions from the rear sofa on the existing dinette bases, of couse i removed the expansion or sliding seats and it required some basic carpentry skills otherwise it was a very simple change. The rear lounge now has a queen mattress with a short upholstered headboard. I also moved the rear pole mounted table up front in front of the sofa. I mounted a led tv to the flip portion of the bunk. Added straps with snaps that attach to the escape hatch and they hold the tv vertical when in use. The tv lays screen up when folded back for travel, and screen down when the bunk is in use. It works great! Also the sofa makes another bed and a better place to lounge and watch tv. the LD will sleep 6 easily. Fortunately for me 91 was the last year the front seats swivel and can face the living space. I will try to post pics if anyone is interested.

Sent by wireless