Flagstaff Micro Lite 21 firs couch

[fixedwing2]

We are thinking about replacing our jack knife couch with a RecPro double recliner, but we are wondering about any weight difference and potential problems with the slide-out. Anyone know what the weight difference is? Or, has anyone done this? Thanks

[tdiller]

Originally Posted by fixedwing2

We are thinking about replacing our jack knife couch with a RecPro double recliner, but we are wondering about any weight difference and potential problems with the slide-out. Anyone know what the weight difference is? Or, has anyone done this? Thanks

A couple of things .
1. the jacknife sofa in the trailer is made so that it fits on the lip of the slide out.

2. replacing this with a recliner type unit will mean that the seating area will 30+ inches off the floor. Kind of like a barstool
3. Forest river confirmed to me that the difference in weight would not affect the slide operation.
4. you would have to do some fabricating of something to replace the front of the sofa as that covers the area for access to the slide motor.
5. the end arms of the sofa are not connected to the sofa and would either have to remain or be removed.


Yes I've considered doing exactly what you are thinking of. for now we bought two folding footstools.

[fixedwing2]

Thanks tdiller. I haven’t looked underneath the couch, my bad. I’ll take a look tomorrow. We’re trying to find something a little more comfortable than the couch and we don’t need the extra sleeping space. As you have obviously already explored this option, we may be stuck. I really appreciate the informed reply. Thanks

[tdiller]

I even went so far as to get fabric swatches from recpro. Dimensions of the recliner also means front to back space will be tight.

[wnelsonfl]

Originally Posted by fixedwing2

We are thinking about replacing our jack knife couch with a RecPro double recliner, but we are wondering about any weight difference and potential problems with the slide-out. Anyone know what the weight difference is? Or, has anyone done this? Thanks

I traded mine in to get a recliner. The couch is only a top half. The bottom is a box for the slide mechanism etc.

[joe1141]

we have a 2017 21fbrs with the jackknife sofa as well. I did not find any recliner that would work. I removed the sofa and bought some good quality seat material from pat cantans. I installed it between the spring supports and existing cushions and it made a world of difference. We are now happy with it. Good luck.

[Traveling Circus]

Joe, would you mind sharing a few photos of your sofa upgrade, please.

[rp53]

Originally Posted by Traveling Circus

Joe, would you mind sharing a few photos of your sofa upgrade, please.

X2

[rp53]

Originally Posted by wnelsonfl

I traded mine in to get a recliner. The couch is only a top half. The bottom is a box for the slide mechanism etc.

would you mind showing us a picture

[rp53]

Originally Posted by fixedwing2

Thanks tdiller. I haven’t looked underneath the couch, my bad. I’ll take a look tomorrow. We’re trying to find something a little more comfortable than the couch and we don’t need the extra sleeping space. As you have obviously already explored this option, we may be stuck. I really appreciate the informed reply. Thanks

we have modified ours some so it leans back some and took a lot of the batten out of the back it sits a little more comfortable but still would love to have a recliner

[Traveling Circus]

We also removed a lot of the batten from the back cushions, it is more comfortable. Still, we are considering replacing the JK with a Futon sofa of some sorts. A futon will fit on the platform without adding any height. There are several options that will fit in the slide.

[fixedwing2]

The slide mechanism seems to be attached to the couch in our 21 fbrs. So it seems we’re stuck with the couch. How did you remove batten from couch without destroying it?

[rp53]

honestly I can't remember traveling for work this week, I will look at it when I get home

[Stickmam]

We removed a fold out couch and installed two flex steel recliners (leather) There are no problems with the slide and they fit in the space great. Best thing we have changed in our trailer. We also changed out the cheep matters

[fixedwing2]

There is a rail for the slide-out that is about 6” above the floor under couch that appears to be in integral part of the couch frame. When I get home I’ll look at it closer, but that’s the way I remember it. Which may say more about my memory than what’s actually there. Thanks.

[rp53]

Originally Posted by Stickmam

We removed a fold out couch and installed two flex steel recliners (leather) There are no problems with the slide and they fit in the space great. Best thing we have changed in our trailer. We also changed out the cheep matters

could you send some pictures please

[Traveling Circus]

Originally Posted by fixedwing2

The slide mechanism seems to be attached to the couch in our 21 fbrs. So it seems we’re stuck with the couch. How did you remove batten from couch without destroying it?

Place the sofa in the flat position. Our top cushions (3) have zippers. We simply removed enough batten until the cushions felt comfortable. We removed enough batten to fill, stuff a large trash bag. We saved the removed batten, just in the case we might need to add more later.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be removing the Jack Knife sofa, and replacing with a more comfortable futon this weekend.

[Traveling Circus]

Originally Posted by fixedwing2

The slide mechanism seems to be attached to the couch in our 21 fbrs. So it seems we’re stuck with the couch. How did you remove batten from couch without destroying it?

There is a platform that covers the slide mechanism, approximately 73”w, 34” deep. It looks like the JK sofa hardware is just bolted on the platform. I’ll remove the bolts, the JK sofa should just slide out.

[rp53]

Originally Posted by Traveling Circus

Place the sofa in the flat position. Our top cushions (3) have zippers. We simply removed enough batten until the cushions felt comfortable. We removed enough batten to fill, stuff a large trash bag. We saved the removed batten, just in the case we might need to add more later.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be removing the Jack Knife sofa, and replacing with a more comfortable futon this weekend.

how about some pics when you get this done

[Traveling Circus]

Originally Posted by rp53

how about some pics when you get this done

I will.