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Topic: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS
Yahoo Message Number: 85705
2004 26.5 RB I know this topic has been discussed (usually replacing 2 chairs with a sofa), but here is a new twist(ed) idea--feedback appreciated.
Here is the constraint (necessary working assumption) as I understand it: one should not eliminate the plywood frame and bin storage and convert it to interior, carpeted floor space on which to mount the chairs. The structural integrity of this model and floor plan depends on bin framing remaining in place.
Also, we currently sleep in the cabover. When we are too old to climb up, we want to sleep on the sofas.
So, here is the idea: remove the sofa cushions and wood backrest.
Install two Flexsteel captain's chairs with manual foot rests by running the pedestal stems through created holes in the plywood surface of the sofa frame/bin and bolt the pedestal foot to the bin floor (pedestals available in a range of heights), with access via the exterior bin door for mounting--being careful to seal the floor mounting to prohibit entry of carbon monoxide into the coach interior.
Recarpet the interior floor and exposed surfaces of the bin for a finished appearance.
This would yield an unorthodox appearance, but would it work? When we are older, we would remove the chairs and restore the sofa to its original condition.
Note: these chairs would never be occupied while the coach is in motion.
Thanks--Ted
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85707
Quote
So, here is the idea: remove the sofa cushions and wood backrest.
Install two Flexsteel captain's chairs with manual foot rests by running the pedestal stems through created holes in the plywood surface of the sofa frame/bin and bolt the pedestal foot to the bin
Remove the sofa support panel and see what is underneath. If it is the floor of the m'home, and you won't be eliminating, say, the water tank - it will probably work. If the bin floor is basement level, forget it.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85709
Good suggestion Steve.  Just checked it out.  The forward half of the sofa space will work for one chair--it can be bolted to the coach floor, which is the ceiling of a basement b
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85729
"Here is the constraint (necessary working assumption) as I understand it: one should not eliminate the plywood frame and bin storage and convert it to interior, carpeted floor space on which to mount the chairs. The structural integrity of this model and floor plan depends on bin framing remaining in place."
 Oh, I really don't think so. I've removed a complete sofa in one Lazy Daze rig (my own Skylark) and 60% of a sofa from another (Bill Haas's Green Thumb), and I didn't see any evidence that the structural integrity of the coach depended on that plywood box being there, nor did I see any ill effects from the surgery. You need to insulate the inside of the former compartment door, of course, and provide replacement carpeting... but that's about it. No big deal. :-)

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85733
Andy--

See msgs. 39937 and 52781.  I realize that
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH TWO CHAIRS
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85734
"Also, do you see any need to bolt down the chairs?"
 LD does not bolt down any of the barrel chairs. They use seat belts to hold them in place when moving. Seems to work OK.
 The propane tank can be temporarily dropped if you want to drill and bolt the chairs. It may be possible to to bolt the chairs without removing the tank, it depends on where the holes are drill.

The existing bench is not structural and can be safely removed, as Andy previously said.

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
COMMENTS?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85737
On Nov 8, 2007, at 7:10 PM, Andy Baird wrote:
 
Quote
..."The structural integrity of this model and floor plan depends on bin framing remaining in place." ...
Oh, I really don't think so. I've removed a complete sofa in one Lazy Daze rig (my own Skylark) and 60% of a sofa from another (Bill Haas's Green Thumb), and I didn't see any evidence that the structural integrity of the coach depended on that plywood box being there ...
Pardon me folks -- gotta jump in here on the side of caution.  Ted's coach is a 26.5 Rear Bath.  Andy, Skylark is a MB, and Bill's Green Thumb was a 23.5 RL.  When I asked Lazy Daze in '03 to "delete" the little cabinet between the two barrel chairs so I could build a desk instead, they refused.  I was informed that removing the cabinet would affect the structural integrity of the *RB*.

While I realize Ted wants to trade a couch for two chairs, I can't help but wonder if the midway point on the passenger side of the RB is one of the locations where Lazy Daze strengthens the coach, no matter what the interior configuration.

Frankly, I would contact the factory to get the final answer on potential structural safety issues before tackling any mod on that side of the RB.

Enjoy your Rear Bath Ted.

Lorna Santa Cruz
2003 RB
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH 2 CHAIRS--factory re
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85863
Thanks to all of you who responded.  Collectively, your thoughts lead to the conclusion that this is not a proposal with a straightforward solution.  I spoke with Vince today, who conferred with Steve, and reported the following: the framing under the sofa cushions IS structural.
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH 2 CHAIRS--factory re
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85871
On Nov 13, 2007, at 12:17 AM, rapgroupltd wrote:

Quote
.....
I spoke with Vince today, who conferred with Steve, and reported the following: the framing under the sofa cushions IS structural.  In the two-chair factory configuration, the cabinet is structural and the support for the adjacent big window is reinforced.
So, removal of the sofa and the support framing for the bin underneath on the passenger side of the two-sofa configuration, does not equate to the structural integrity of the factory two-chair configuration.  The framing is there for a reason.  Moreover, the passenger sofa in a 26.5 RB has only one seat belt,.....
...Now think about this in the context of calling in to brand W (or any of the other big guns in the biz and asking a similar question.    ...and folks wonder why we are enthusiastic about our coaches.

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis (working in SoCal this week, hope to get by the store today, just to look)
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH 2 CHAIRS--factory re
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85878
Quote
solution.  I spoke with Vince today, who conferred with Steve, and reported the following: the framing under the sofa cushions IS structural.  In the two-chair factory configuration, the cabinet is structural and the support for the adjacent big window is
I suspect that the structural support of the couch framing is more to reduce lateral flex of the wall. In that vein (learning from SoCal earthquake experience) bear in mind that the thin side panels will also be part of the equation, as just the framing will still flex. The side panels make the side framing into a shear-wall.

Perhaps, if you use LD-type pedestal chairs, you can modify the pedestal support height and attachment to set them on the existing couch support?

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: COMMENTS? NEW IDEA FOR REPLACING SOFA WITH 2 CHAIRS--factory re
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85918
Yes, I think you are on the right track.  An LD expert, (Linley G.), came over today to coach me