Sanibel couch/air mattress bed problem

[usraptor]

Based on my first few posts it may seems like all I'm doing is complaining. However, let me say that my wife and I are very pleased with the design, craftsmanship and user friendly features of our 2012 Sanibel 3500. We only have two issues with the trailer and this one involves the couch/fold out bed/air mattress. When we folded out the bed for the Mother-in-law it was immediately obvious that the foot of the bed was 3-4 inches higher than the head of the bed. I looked to see if there was some way to adjust the angle/height of the foot of the bed (fold out end) and couldn't find any. So for that trip we had the MIL sleep with her head at the foot of the bed instead of the head so she wouldn't feel like she was sleeping upside down. Upon our return I called CS at Prime Time to see if there was any way to adjust the bed. They called me back and advised they weren't aware of any and put me in touch with the manufacturer of the bed. When I explained the problem to the bed/couch manufacturer they stated that they made the "same" couch/bed for several different RV manufacturers and that it was a "universal" bed designed to work best with all of them. In other words, they were no help. So I took the front legs off the couch to lower the foot end and then went out and bought a 3" foam pad and cut it to fit. Now when we have guests, we put the foam pad at the head of the bed (between the armrests) and that makes it relatively level to sleep on. Seems like something we shouldn't have had to do when buying a hi-end 5th wheel. Anybody else experience this problem and if so what was your fix or are we just the lucky ones?

Brad

[BarryD0706]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ped-34435.html

PrimeTime no longer uses that couch.

[usraptor]

Barry,
Thanks for the thread link. I've included this issue in my letter to Prime Time re the water tank straps. Figures they no longer use this couch AFTER we buy one. Problem with buying a new couch is then the fabric won't match the recliners. For now we'll just stick to the 3" foam pad. It works pretty good for a cheap fix. But as was already said, Prime Time should have used a different vendor or insisted that they make a couch that would work properly in the Sanibel.

Brad

[WEMig]

Same issue here with our Crusader 320.

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by usraptor

Problem with buying a new couch is then the fabric won't match the recliners.

I would assume that if you buy a Lane couch from PrimeTime (via your dealer) that it would match just fine. (That's the brand they use since mid-2013.)

[wmcclay]

Just a thought, but when you spend 65,000.00 for a 5er, you would think that you would not have to replace the couch to fix a problem.

Wayne and Donna

[lbrjet]

Got my trailer for 25K and the couch bed is perfectly level. Go figure.

[usraptor]

Originally Posted by wmcclay

Just a thought, but when you spend 65,000.00 for a 5er, you would think that you would not have to replace the couch to fix a problem.

Wayne and Donna

Couldn't agree more!

Brad

[Oldcamp1986]

I had the same problem on my 2012 Sanibel 3500. I took back to the dealer and They raised the back of the sofa. The problem now is that the whole sofa has a slight angle forward.

[Camping Buddys]

Our travel trailers cost half of yours and did have the same problem with our sofa, fixed by taking the sofa out of the camper and "dumped" the sofa in my family room and solve my problem with a futon!!! Kids loved the easy setup.(mom and dad)
And no more leaking air/cushion set up/beddings problems.

[usraptor]

Originally Posted by Oldcamp1986

I had the same problem on my 2012 Sanibel 3500. I took back to the dealer and They raised the back of the sofa. The problem now is that the whole sofa has a slight angle forward.

Easier solution is to buy one of those 3-4 inch thick foam pads and cut it to fit and lay it across the head of the bed, between the arm rests, when you use it as a bed. Then the couch isn't at an angle when you sit in it and the foam pad levels out the bed. We keep the foam pad in the storage area under the main bed or I suppose you could also put it behind the couch between the couch and the wall.

Brad

[Oldcamp1986]

Thanks for the suggestion. We did use a form mattress pad while on a big cross country trip when we first discovered the problem. I was hoping the dealership would have a better solution to minimize a step in setting up the bed. It is already cumbersome with the air mattress. I may go back to this.

[luvdboyz]

I too have the same problem....Roger at Prime Time will not replace the couch....I bought a Sanibel because of the great customer reviews...I am VERY dissapointed.

[wmcclay]

They made our much better when it was at the factory for upper coupler repair. I will try to find out what they did. If not I will give you the email of thre contact at the factpry

[wmcclay]

Do not give up yet, there are people above rodgers pay grade. JEFF RANK is the man. I have fou d him to be very helpfull and a straight shooter.

[BBBlue]

I too would be interested in the fix. While my unit was at Recreational Specialties for the upper flex fix, I was told that if the bed was adjusted to eliminate the angle, it would affect the siting position of the couch. I opted to leave it as is. Was thinking of getting the foam piece as discussed in the forum, but if there is an acceptable fix that would not affect the sitting geometry, I am willing to give it a shot.

[colleengb]

Has anyone actually replaced the hide a bed with a different one and what did you get. We have a 2012 Sanibel 3500

[BBBlue]

My mother in law now refuses to go camping with us due to that angle issue with the hide a bed. Could be a good thing. lol

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by BBBlue

My mother in law now refuses to go camping with us due to that angle issue with the hide a bed. Could be a good thing. lol

Lol I'm wondering why anybody would complain! [emoji12]

TURBS.