Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Odd space under rear sofa??? (Read 380 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Odd space under rear sofa???
Well, after my posts exclaiming how well constructed our Lazy Daze is, we found a surprise this morning. When Cyndy was making the rear port side bunk and I was preparing to break camp, she found a section of the wood paneling missing between the bunk and the outside compartment beneath it, and sunlight shining through the gap
Is this space normally present in the 27MB, or did someone cut the paneling too short and just install it anyways?  Since the space connects to a storage compartment that is normally shut and is beneath a cushion, it shouldn't  be a problem, but I hate to think that  there are other shortcuts and glitches that I just haven't  discovered yet.
Photo fortcoming.
Grrrr....
HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #1
Maybe the previous owner started a 'project' and didn't complete it?
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #2
From the edge of the cuts, the square angle of the two wooden pieces,  and the location of the wood support beneath it, it appears to be original.
Sorry, photos taken but won't  load.
HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #3
I think you are seeing the slot for the bed to slide in/out.
There are no shortcuts.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #4
I think Don is correct.  I’ve seen daylight through the gap for the “bed slide” on our MidBath.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #5
There should be plywood underneath the entire couch/bed cushion. I don't know why a piece would be missing, but I would replace it, in any event. However, that is all that would separate the coach cushion from an outside compartment that extends above floor level. In our FL, that compartment also extends below floor level, so I added foamboard insulation to the top of the outside compartment, filling the space between the couch frame studs.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #6
Steve, how did you attach the foam board to the framing studs?
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #7
My '88 MB has a gap for the TK wooden sliding bed guide.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #8
Steve, how did you attach the foam board to the framing studs?
Joan, I cut the board for a press-fit between the studs with the plywood removed, then used a styrofoam-compatible glue (applied to the foil side of the foamboard) to attach it to the underside of the plywood when I screwed it back in place on the studs.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #9
Got it; thanks. 1/2" foam board so the additional height of the base still allows the couch cushion to be held in place by the lip (on the front of the base)?
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #10
My '88 MB has a gap for the TK wooden sliding bed guide.
Our FL has that too, but it's function will be obvious unless the guide is missing. Is that slot over an outside compartment in the MB? In ours, the space underneath the slot is occupied by the water tank, so is within the insulated perimeter.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #11
Got it; thanks. 1/2" foam board so the additional height of the base still allows the couch cushion to be held in place by the lip (on the front of the base)?
No, the foam is strictly between the studs, so the plywood screws back down to the studs as before. I used two thicknesses of 3/4" foamboard, so it fills the gaps between the 1.75" studs, in the ceiling of the outside compartment. I don't have a finished pic, but here is a pic of what it looked like before the foam was installed.
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #12
Of course; between the studs, not on top of them. Duh. Thanks, Steve! 😉
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #13
Blueox, the 1x slide board attached to the bottom of the couch base fits between the plywood panels so when pulled out or pushed in it stays in the correct sliding position. If the outside compartment is open, you will see light as it is open into the compartment.
Also, great idea for the insulation!
Paul
1992 Lazy Daze 26.5 Rear Bath - Red and Cream

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #14
After posting this morning, I looked under the port side couch and found a small 1x2 about 2-3 inches long with a set of staple holes in it on the floor. When we get home, I'll remove the sliding couch base and see how it works and if it is all intact.
Thanks again for the replies and good ideas. I always appreciate the expertise and helpfulness of the members of this forum.
HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #15
Same here for our 98~MB, I have had both couches out, one on the port side to expand it longer to fit our touring skies, they slide under the shower unit now.  The starbord side compartment under the couch I made deeper into the coach so we could store wider chairs and a folding table we have and would not fit in the compartment before modification.  I thought about changing the way they do the couch with the plywood sliding gap when I had both couches out but it worked well so I put it back the way it was.  I am trying to think of a way of improving the port side couch without removing it because we need the compartment space below.  We almost never use the back space as a lounge but I would hate to loose that function if you did want it, we have gone wine and bar hopping with 12 friends and a designated driver with most everyone wanting to be in the rear lounge.

            Karen~Liam
               26 ~ MB
                 Sirena
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #16
No, the foam is strictly between the studs, so the plywood screws back down to the studs as before. I used two thicknesses of 3/4" foamboard, so it fills the gaps between the 1.75" studs, in the ceiling of the outside compartment. I don't have a finished pic, but here is a pic of what it looked like before the foam was installed.

Hey Steve, there is a big hole in your rig.  You really ought to fix that!  :D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #17
No, the foam is strictly between the studs, so the plywood screws back down to the studs as before. I used two thicknesses of 3/4" foamboard, so it fills the gaps between the 1.75" studs, in the ceiling of the outside compartment. I don't have a finished pic, but here is a pic of what it looked like before the foam was installed.

Insulating the insides of the exterior storage compartment, where there is only a thin layer of plywood paneling, can make a big difference in wintertime camping comfort.
We had noticeable drafts along the floor that were eliminated after sealing all the seams and then adding polyisocyanate foam insulation, the same as what Steve has done.
Under the couch, I found seams, with see through gaps, that allowed cool air, from the exterior compartments, to pass into the interior. An commercial window and door sealant was used to deal the seams.
If you camp in cold weather, sealing and insulating the exterior compartments will help keep you warmer and more comfortable .
Some model, such as the 31' IB have an abundance of open gaps and passages, around the bed and bedside tables, it it certainly worthwhile to seal the gaps and insulated the walls on this model.
The RK has an big open passage between the driver's side exterior compartment, into the kitchen cabinet. If the exterior compartment doors are loose fitting and the seals are ineffective,  when it is windy, a breeze can blow into the interior.
Every floorpan has places for improvement.

While it is hard to believe right now that winter is coming, don't worry, it will be here soon.

91 @ 9:00am, with a predicted high of 100,along with 30 MPH winds. Fall fire weather in SoCal.
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Odd space under rear sofa???
Reply #18
Does the RB have this issue also?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264