Replace Jackknife Sofa - 21FBRS

[seawolfjc]

We have a 2018 Flagstaff Micro-Lite 21FBRS in which we would like to replace the jackknife sofa with theater seats. In doing the research we have not been able to find any specific instances of this mod on this particular TT. Has anyone done this changeout on a 2018 21FBRS? Thanks in advance. Jerry

[marinerjoe]

I tried the same thing with our 21FBRS and ended up trading up to a 2205S. Good luck.

Joe

[seawolfjc]

Joe,


Were there issues with the 21FBRS and putting in theater seats? My wife is from Virginia Beach. First graduating class of the current Kempsville High School (not the original build in 1924).

[Coevers]

Do a search here. There are good threads with pictures. The jackknife sofa is mounted on the slide platform itself. If you remove it, theater seats will sit much higher than most people want. The sofa has no bottom. The cushions rest directly on the slide. I gave up this idea an added foam inserts under the cushions which made them much more comfortable. It is the biggest downside of this model for sure.

[marinerjoe]

Jerry, because the jackknife sofa contains the slide mechanism below it for the slide, we were unable to locate anything that could be installed while maintaining the space needed for the slide.

We saw the 2205S, and loved the theater seating, the larger slide, and the fireplace. Plus many other upgrades over our 2018 21FBRS. Dodd RV in Portsmouth gave us a great credit for our trade, and we got the show price for the trailer.

I’ve been in Tidewater since 1979, but didn’t grow up here. My stepsons and daughter all graduated from Kempsville High a bunch of years ago.

[seawolfjc]

Thanks Joe. That is what I was afraid of and why I have not pulled the trigger on a theater seat purchase. We plan a trip to the VB area later this year. Take care and appreciate the info.

[wnelsonfl]

We tried but it is not feasible due to the mechanical stuff under the couch.

[seawolfjc]

wnelsonfl,


Thank you for the feedback!


Jerry C.

[kawboy01]

Yes the old jack knife sofa sits on the slide platform which is about 12" high. Putting theater seating would result in dangling feet. We removed our over stuffed uncomfortable jackknife in out 21FBRS and replaced it with what they now call a Futon, it really is a folding sofa. Anyway did not use the leg kit and screwed it directly to the base. Much better seating surface and it will fold flat for a small person to lie down on.

[seawolfjc]

kawboy01,


Excellent! May I ask where did you purchase this particular futon? TIA.

[kawboy01]

The wife picked it out from Walmart. She wanted fabric not vinyl. The opening measured 70" WITH the old cup holders in place. I didn't remove them because it left an opening that I would need to cover and we did not hard cover the front opening where you can access the mechanism. We will just hang a soft fabric in front. I think the sofa measures 66" wide so there is room on the DW's side for her "stuff" . Also in the upright position there is still storage room behind, but would need to be moved if you want to lay it flat.

[kawboy01]

I also suggest putting you "rear" onto one before pulling the trigger since some as is with this one no as thickly padded as the old sofa. For us it is fine but.others my want.more.padding and there are a plethora to choose from.

[Coevers]

One very easy improvement we found is buying three correctly sized 3” cushions. They fit perfectly under the existing sofa cushions and made them much more comfortable. Made the trailer really good for us, before we were thinking of trading it. Total cost on sale at Joanne Fabrics was under $20. Better than trading for us! Much cheaper and easier. Might be worth trying?

[seawolfjc]

Coevers,



Thank you for that information on the cushions. We are going to try removing the jackknife sofa and putting in a Futon but as kawboy01 says we may need to add some cushions underneath if the seat is a little hard so your idea may come in handy! Thanks again.

[bwag1961]

So here's what I did to help the jackknife sofa be a little more comfortable:
Added a 3/4" piece of cushion foam then on top of that placed simple lawn chain cushions. Also slid in some short sections of pool noodles in the slot at the front of the seat.
Not too bad and will fully test this coming weekend while camp'in!!

[seawolfjc]

bwag1961,


Thank you for sharing these great ideas. The pictures are especially helpful. Please let me know if this works out in a "live" setting!


Jerry

[bwag1961]

Originally Posted by seawolfjc

bwag1961,


Thank you for sharing these great ideas. The pictures are especially helpful. Please let me know if this works out in a "live" setting!


Jerry

Will do!

[kawboy01]

For us it was not the bottom cushions being think enough.or firm enough it was the poofy back cushion..yes you can unzip and remove batting but it seemed to us to have no support and when flat.it was.lime a mountain.
There are a lot of great ideas so yes tey.andndo turbines that work for you. That is what.makes this forum so good, people sharing ideas!

[bwag1961]

Originally Posted by seawolfjc

bwag1961,


Thank you for sharing these great ideas. The pictures are especially helpful. Please let me know if this works out in a "live" setting!


Jerry

So after one full evening.....I believe putting the additional cushions underneath made the most improvement. Still not like our couch at home but definetly improved it. As for the pool noodle....I like it but it really depends on how long your legs are. I like it but the wife .....not so sure

[seawolfjc]

Thank you all for the excellent feedback. We will repost when we finish the changeover to the futon. It is on the project list but there are a couple items ahead of the pack.