2014 GT 328TS Driver Side Console

[WayneT]

This is a driver-side console that I finally got around to making to replace the map pocket and drink holder that came in our 2014 GT 328TS. It is made in two sections, with the rear section narrower than the front, to allow clearance for the driver's seat to be turned around to face the living area.


This has better storage for things I like to keep handy while driving, as well as better drink holder options. It provides a stable mount for my GPS compared to the bean bag mount I had been using. It also provides a mount for my Android tablet to play MP3's or stream internet music through the existing in-dash radio. And to make it easier to control the radio, I added a wired IR remote sensor so I don't need to hunt for a good angle for the remote control IR beam to hit the radio's sensor.


The console has 4 USB charging ports to power the GPS, tablet, and my wifi hotspot. It adds another 12v aux power socket, and two 12v Anderson Powerpole connectors to power VHF and HF ham radios that I am planning to use in the future. Power comes from a dedicated 12v line from the chassis battery to a new fuse panel on the sidewall, under the dash.

[Goatdog]

That is a practical and well-made mod. Love it

[wrapperman]

Always love looking at others modifications.
Good job, you're very talented.

[Goatdog]

What color stain is that? It looks like it matches the cabinet in my Sunseeker.

[WayneT]

I used General Finishes Brown Mahogany Gel Stain. It is not a perfect match for the cabinets in the Georgetown, but it is close enough given the separation.

[bubbles]

With all the distractions surrounding your captains seat do you have to sometimes remind yourself to peek out the windshield?

[WayneT]

Bubbles, yes I do make sure to peek out the windshield periodically . I actually have the same reaction when I look at the driver's position in some of the new diesel pushers.

Let me better describe what might look like my distracting environment.

I have two rear camera monitors. The one from the factory changes to side view when a turn signal is on. The one I added on top of the dash stays on my toad full time, which I find to be a lot safer when changing lanes in traffic.

The GPS has a permanent mount now so the bean bag mount doesn't "walk around" on the dash on rough roads (and that was a distraction!)

The TPMS monitor is on top of the steering column close at hand if an alarm goes off.

The Android tablet is only used to play music through the in-dash radio while driving. Kind of like adding some Android Auto capability to the existing radio. With the gesture controls and voice commands it enables, you can change artists, albums, etc. without needing to look at the screen for literally more than a second.

It is all a matter of looking at the right things at the right time when it is safe to do so. And of course, remembering to peek out the windshield once and a while

[EricNJ]

Looks fantastic. Selling them too? :-)

[WayneT]

Thanks, but no, not looking to make any more.

[mikel68]

I've been contemplating exactly what to put there.



Does it affect turn the chair around?


Thanks,


mk

[WayneT]

Being able to turn the chair around was a must for me. That is why I had to make the rear section narrower than the front section. When figuring out the dimensions for it, I mocked up different sizes with cardboard and duct tape to see what size I could make it and still turn the chair around. I ended up with the rear section coming out 5 1/2 inches from the wall (after removing the Forest River side pocket). That gives me about an inch of clearance at the closest point when turning the chair.
I doubt that every Georgetown has identical seat placement, so you just need to do some mock ups and see what works for yours.