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01-07-2014, 09:11 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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removing couch and other remodeling
It turns out the guy who I've been talking to about some remodeling of my FR3 can't do anything until May. I'd really like to move faster than that. So, I have two questions:
1. Is there any reason I can't remove the couch myself and just place a couple of appropriately sized free-standing recliners on the slide? Primarily my question is whether or not the couch is performing some kind of structural function such that it will affect the operation of the slide to take it out?
2. Does anyone know any RV remodelers in southern California? The main things I'm looking to have done are:
- remove couch, replace with two free-standing recliners, install small end table/cabinet that would sit between the two chairs
- remove dinette and replace with a desk/table that has a cabinet along the window with the desk coming out much as the dinette table does, but with no bench seating
- replace carpet with either matching vinyl flooring or something complementary
- a few other minor things like installing shelves in the closet by the door and the bathroom cabinet and adding a dropdown counter piece to the kitchen
Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Barbara
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01-07-2014, 10:15 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bronston, KY
Posts: 734
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I have never heard of the sofa having a structural purpose. I replaced mine with a custom reclining sofa as have lots of others. Look for threads on the forum.
I had mine done in Indiana near Goshen. Others have done it themselves. The Amish fellow that did mine was in and out in 30 minutes. Lazy boy styles where the backs come off are the easiest to get in and out.
Bill
__________________
Life is a journey, not a destination.
2005 Georgetown 359ts
Bill & Virginia, Kentucky
Nights camped in 2011...78 , 2012...73,
Nights camped in 2013...123, 2014 ...101
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01-07-2014, 10:16 AM
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#3
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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#1 - none that I'm aware of.
#2 - why not look at general handyman/contractors? I don't think that you need anyone who is a "RV" remodeler.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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01-07-2014, 10:34 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 449
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My sofa is a free standing jack knife unit that I could take out. I would say yank it out!
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01-07-2014, 11:29 AM
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#5
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NELA
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,221
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DH and I were considering taking the sleeper sofa out of our V-Lite before we traded it in.
I contacted this guy: FRAcessories
He's on the forum here from time to time. He gave me prices and other info on those more narrow free standing rocker/recliners they use in their RVs.
Take it for what it's worth coming from a still wet behind the ears RVer, but my main concern would be to not put back in something that weighs more than I take out since we're talking about a slider modification.
P.S. I like your idea of the desk set-up.
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Flagstaff 5er 2014 8528 IKWS, Platinum Package, Regency Interior "Buffy"
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Days camped 2014: 30
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01-07-2014, 07:34 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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Thanks
These responses were really helpful. I am thinking seriously about going ahead with removing the couch since I don't know how long it will be before I can get the other remodeling done.
Regarding a general contractor, I guess I thought there were some issues or tricks specific to RVs that a specialist would know. However, there don't seem to be that many in San Diego and those few are very busy. So, I might talk to some general contractors to see what my options are.
Weezer, Yeah, I can't say the desk setup is my idea. I saw it on a website for one of these remodelers. I like sitting at the dinette facing forward for doing my computer work, just don't like the dinette or seating. So, the desk would have the same orientation and I'd have the cabinetry along the window for books, files, hiding numerous cords, etc.
Regarding the weight, I will definitely keep that in mind.
Thanks to all.
Barbara
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01-07-2014, 07:53 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 147
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In my first trailer, an outdoor storage compartment opened to the bottom of a jack knife sofa. In my second trailer, the sleeper sofa was free standing and I was able to remove it and replace it with a residential reclining love seat. Poke around a bit and try moving it. You will want to find some way to attach it to the floor while you are traveling so it won't fly through the camper while you are in it.
__________________
***********************************************
2006 Palomino Puma 27FQ Bunkhouse
2007 Gulfstream Innsbruck 36FRS Park Trailer
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01-07-2014, 08:04 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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I just took a look at how the couch is attached. Pulled the bed out part way and poked around. Looks like there are L-shaped connectors on each side toward the front and the back that screw into the couch and the slide floor. The rest of what is underneath there is just all carpeted floor. Can't see how the back is attached. Will probably have to take it apart to see that.
I'm planning on getting two free-standing recliners (Lazy Boy has a narrow model that is only 29" wide). The couch is 69" wide, so that leaves 11" to spare, or for a small end table between the two chairs. I would get wall-hugger models that I think will work, but need to double-check my dimensions. The slide is 36" deep, so I need the distance from the front of the base to the back when reclined to be less than that.
I wasn't thinking the chairs would need to be bolted down, but I could be wrong about that. I'd like them to be movable, so maybe it would be a matter of finding some way of securing them for when I'm on the road.
Barbara
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01-07-2014, 08:13 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
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The two recliners that I have are not bolted or screwed to the floor because they need to be moved so the slide can be moved in.
Will yours be sitting on carpet, if so then they should be fine.
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2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
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01-07-2014, 08:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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For the time being they'll be on carpet. I'd really like to get rid of the carpet eventually, at which time I probably need to devise a way to secure the recliners.
B
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01-07-2014, 11:21 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 141
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbaraG
For the time being they'll be on carpet. I'd really like to get rid of the carpet eventually, at which time I probably need to devise a way to secure the recliners.
B
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Try Final Touch Coach Works, they are expensive but do a good job. Finaltouchrv.com
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01-08-2014, 09:28 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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Thanks. I'll check them out.
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01-08-2014, 10:38 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida & Minnesota
Posts: 116
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BarbaraG, given my history of poor performance in this area I should be the last one requesting this, but could you post some before and after pictures? I'd love to see how your project turns out.
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01-08-2014, 08:07 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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SpicyRV,
Yes, I plan to do that. I really enjoy seeing the before and after of remodels.
Barbara
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01-11-2014, 10:03 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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before and after
Yesterday I ordered two recliners to replace the couch. I've attached picture of what they will look like. The recliner is a Lazy Boy Harbor Town. It's 29" wide. Since the couch area is 70" wide they will fit nicely with enough room for a small end-table/cabinet between. I'm getting them in the wall-hugger model. From the front of the base to the furthest extent of the back when reclined, it's about 34". The slide is 36" deep, so that just works.
The color is something called lemongrass, which I think will go nicely with the flooring. It's not quite as bright as it looks in this picture. The material is like a canvas. I chose this because I need something the cats won't tear up. I previously had a couch covered in a similar material and it withstands their claws well. They would puncture leather and any material with a real texture they like to scratch.
It will take six weeks before I get the chairs. Then I just have to figure out how to take the couch out and what to do with it. This will be the first step in my remodel. The one I can do myself.
As for before and after, well, the before looks pretty much like the standard 30' FR3. I've attached a picture. Note that I use the dinette primarily for a desk, hence my desire to modify. Also, I took the extra cushion and put it atop the regular cushion to elevate me so I have better ergonomics for the keyboard. I have since moved the cat scratching tower to in front of the passenger's seat.
Oh, also note you can see one of my cats, Cleo, just in front of the passenger's seat. Used to keep the litter there, but that didn't work well. Now it's in the shower.
I'm very eager to get my chairs as I find the couch not very comfortable for watching the TV. I'll post pictures when I have them in. Haven't decided if I'll attach them or not. The base is well-suited for that, so I'll just see how it goes.
Happy travels, all.
Barbara
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01-12-2014, 09:17 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 141
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbaraG
Yesterday I ordered two recliners to replace the couch. I've attached picture of what they will look like. The recliner is a Lazy Boy Harbor Town. It's 29" wide. Since the couch area is 70" wide they will fit nicely with enough room for a small end-table/cabinet between. I'm getting them in the wall-hugger model. From the front of the base to the furthest extent of the back when reclined, it's about 34". The slide is 36" deep, so that just works.
The color is something called lemongrass, which I think will go nicely with the flooring. It's not quite as bright as it looks in this picture. The material is like a canvas. I chose this because I need something the cats won't tear up. I previously had a couch covered in a similar material and it withstands their claws well. They would puncture leather and any material with a real texture they like to scratch.
It will take six weeks before I get the chairs. Then I just have to figure out how to take the couch out and what to do with it. This will be the first step in my remodel. The one I can do myself.
As for before and after, well, the before looks pretty much like the standard 30' FR3. I've attached a picture. Note that I use the dinette primarily for a desk, hence my desire to modify. Also, I took the extra cushion and put it atop the regular cushion to elevate me so I have better ergonomics for the keyboard. I have since moved the cat scratching tower to in front of the passenger's seat.
Oh, also note you can see one of my cats, Cleo, just in front of the passenger's seat. Used to keep the litter there, but that didn't work well. Now it's in the shower.
I'm very eager to get my chairs as I find the couch not very comfortable for watching the TV. I'll post pictures when I have them in. Haven't decided if I'll attach them or not. The base is well-suited for that, so I'll just see how it goes.
Happy travels, all.
Barbara
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Barbara G, good luck on you modification work
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01-18-2014, 10:38 AM
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#17
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Tinkerer and Putterer
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 402
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Hey Barbara,
How wide is that couch and how long is the bed when it's pulled out? I might be interested in purchasing it from you to swap out my small jackknife sofa. I've eyeballed that couch and it looks really close to if not a spot on swap. If you're willing to sell, could you please shoot me a PM?
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01-18-2014, 10:59 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Okeechobee, FL
Posts: 175
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We just bought a Sunseeker Class C and I immediately removed the recliner. Just 4 bolts required to remove. Came out the door easy. Installed two European pedestal recliners. Didn't work because the slide in the Class C is maybe 4 or 5 inches high. With the recliners installed, your feet don't touch the ground. Put the coach back in for now.
Has anyone with a Class C Sunseeker put something on that slide thats not too high?
Desk - great idea.
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Bob & Sue Rowan
Okeechobee, FL
2012 Coachmen Mirada 29DS (SOLD)
2015 Keystone Bullet Travel Trailer
2016 F-150 Lariat with Auto Trailer Backup
Dog = Morki (Yorkie-Maltese) - Zoe
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01-18-2014, 11:17 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Bolckow
Posts: 140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbaraG
I just took a look at how the couch is attached. Pulled the bed out part way and poked around. Looks like there are L-shaped connectors on each side toward the front and the back that screw into the couch and the slide floor. The rest of what is underneath there is just all carpeted floor. Can't see how the back is attached. Will probably have to take it apart to see that.
I'm planning on getting two free-standing recliners (Lazy Boy has a narrow model that is only 29" wide). The couch is 69" wide, so that leaves 11" to spare, or for a small end table between the two chairs. I would get wall-hugger models that I think will work, but need to double-check my dimensions. The slide is 36" deep, so I need the distance from the front of the base to the back when reclined to be less than that.
I wasn't thinking the chairs would need to be bolted down, but I could be wrong about that. I'd like them to be movable, so maybe it would be a matter of finding some way of securing them for when I'm on the road.
Barbara
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before we traded campers we were going to buy theater seats with center console to replace couch .
Our new unit has the theater seats and console already in it
Keep on camping
Oak
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1 Surveyor
2015 Silverado Duramax w/Allison transmission
2014 surveyor 293RL fifth wheel
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01-18-2014, 11:42 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 167
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pictures of couch
Here are some pictures of the couch for those who are interested. Note that the mattress has never been used. Full disclosure: the 'leather' has some dings from my cat's claws. You can see in the one picture. They are not quite as visible as in the picture, are quite small, but they are there (main reason I'm getting cloth-covered recliners).
If anybody is in the San Diego area and interested, let me know.
Barbara
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