Extra support for the jack knife couch.

[Griff02]

Has any one done a mod to add seat support to their couch? I have a 2018 shamrock 19, and the center of the couch has started to give too much. I haven't broke it down yet to see what my options are, so I thought I might reach out and see if anybody has done something already. No sense in recreating the wheel if I don't have to.

[Griff02]

Sorry, just noticed this is in the wrong catagorie

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Griff02

Sorry, just noticed this is in the wrong catagorie

It's fine here.
Not seen any posts about this being done. But maybe someone has and just didn't post about it.

[Bama Rambler]

Most people just replace the jackknife with something better. You could potentially put a "leg" in the middle under the frame to help support it when it's in the sitting position.

[rbq]

Are you using the fold down leg that is in the center of the jack knife sofa?

[Griff02]

Originally Posted by rbq

Are you using the fold down leg that is in the center of the jack knife sofa?

The part that seems to be sagging is the middle of the sitting portion. It's not so noticeable when made out into a bed, in that case we are using the support leg.

[Griff02]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Most people just replace the jackknife with something better. You could potentially put a "leg" in the middle under the frame to help support it when it's in the sitting position.

That's not a bad idea. It would also keep me from having to open up the cushion to get to the frame. I rarely access that storage area from the couch anyway.

[2015 Flagstaff 21DS]

The sofa in our 2015 21 DS started sagging in the middle. I put a block of wood in the center and bounced on the ends to bend it back then added a piece of 1" box tubing from arm to arm across the front to support the center of the seat. There were brackets that appear to have been made exactly for this support. Ours did not have footrests or a center leg. After a while the seat cushion started to break down so I pulled the sofa out and replaced it with a cheap click clack futon. Not very comfortable but a better quality futon would be pretty nice. It folds flat to allow the Murphy bed to fold down.

[tonys]

my issue was bed sagged when in use, we were traveling and using it every night. Bought a piece of 3/8" ply wood, had it cut couple inches narrower than folding bed sections. Worked perfectly, folded up nicely and gave more support to the cushions.

[Griff02]

I unzipped the cushion to get to the metal frame last night and discovered the issue. They used plastic strapping that is (identical to what you would see on a box being shipped) between the frame to support the cushion. The two in the middle are broke, which is not suprising being they are thin straps. Haven't decided which way I want to repair yet. Might just use some mega tie wraps that I have on hand....at least for now.

[Bama Rambler]

Those ty-raps may be a good idea. If they're the ones for A/C ducting they're probably rated for 100 lbs or more.

[Chuck_S]

How much weight are you putting on this?

-- Chuck

[Griff02]

Just body weight......which I guess is reletive. I'm 230. While repairing the seat portion, I found that those straps would give way just by kneeling on them. They don't break exactly, they just pop loose where the straps are glued. Just like when opening a box with straps on it, you can flip the joined section over on the strap and just peel it apart to pop the strap off. It's the exact same thing across the metal frame.
So far the tie wraps are working great. It was just a pain to pull the couch to fix it up.

[backon4]

I just finished upgrading the foam and support on our 21DS couch. The springs are only supported by one wire through the middle, and some of the fasteners had fallen off, so the spring could twist making the couch sag. The foam isn't very firm either, and I had upgraded the foam on the dinette which made a huge difference already, so I did the same with the couch. I used a Italian Juke String made for tying springs. There are only 4 nuts holding the bottom cushion so it is easy to remove and work on. You can see by the before and after pictures there is much more support now. The couch is firm but comfortable.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by backon4

I just finished upgrading the foam and support on our 21DS couch. The springs are only supported by one wire through the middle, and some of the fasteners had fallen off, so the spring could twist making the couch sag. The foam isn't very firm either, and I had upgraded the foam on the dinette which made a huge difference already, so I did the same with the couch. I used a Italian Juke String made for tying springs. There are only 4 nuts holding the bottom cushion so it is easy to remove and work on. You can see by the before and after pictures there is much more support now. The couch is firm but comfortable.

I'll be checking this out; my sofa is pretty poor.

PS: Anyone looking for this stuff, it's "JUTE," not "JUKE."

[backon4]

oops, so it is... Here's what I bought, just called Ruby Italian upholstery twine.

[hobienick]

I really like the upgrade Backon4. Waht knot did you use with the jute. Also, how hard was it to stuff thicker foam in the cushions?

[backon4]

Putting the foam in the zippered cushions is a little like wrestling with a pig, but it's no problem if the foam is the right size. I ordered mine from the foam factory and they did a great job. I found it easiest to get both ends in first letting the middle bow, and then press it down to force the foam to the ends while getting the corners aligned with the seams. The couch is easier because the whole bottom is open. There are three sections, and I used spray glue to connect the front lip and also to fasten the batting to the foam.

[backon4]

As far as the Jute, if you wrap it around and then over itself, putting tension on it, you don't have to tie it until you run a new section. It's very strong and not slippery like how nylon string would be against metal.

[Bulafan]

Thank you backon4 for the info and pics. We have exactly the same situation so I'll attempt your remedy. Am I correct in assuming that you took loose the cover and removed all the springs to access the foam? I was considering just adding foam under the springs and tying the jute but worry that I'll be trapping old foam inside which will continue to deteriorate.