Skip to main content
Topic: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion (Read 2278 times) previous topic - next topic

Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Spoke with David Flanagan today re: pulling out the dinette.  I was entranced with a coach I saw here last Spring that had done this exact work ... and they are here NOW!!  What luck!  Jeff and Susan Punches removed their dinette, the remodel shop extended the floor in that area just 6", raised the table height to just under the window and there is plenty of area for 2 nice chairs.  Removing the dinette and the existing 82" jackknife sofa leaves me plenty of wiggle room for a 72" Villa airbed sofa ($$$) and perhaps one of the Miller's Amazing Adjustable tables  Miller's Amazing Magic Table - Raised Table stored nicely alongside.  We are also saying goodbye to the incredibly inappropriate mirrored sliding closet doors in the walk-thru bath ... in what world was it EVER a good idea to be watching yourself while on the commode???  New bi-fold louvered doors will be a blessed upgrade, in my opinion.  Our Kingdome Inmotion Satellite gizmo just tried to adjust itself and jumped off the trace ... again ... for no reason whatsoever.  Boardwalk Empire dissolved into blank screen and thumpthumpthumpthump and I am left in the lurch.  Our original Bose big brick CD/DVD/Tuner crapped out 2 weeks ago.  Looks like the electronic entertainment equipment is getting an overhaul, as well.  Merry Christmas, Nacogdoches!!!!  The Savournin Economic Stimulus is back in town!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #1
Jeff and Susan Punches removed their dinette, the remodel shop extended the floor in that area just 6", raised the table height to just under the window and there is plenty of area for 2 nice chairs. 

OK, now that I have stopped laughing (about the Economic Stimulus) enough to type..

Is that 6" or 9"? We thought David said 9, which works really well - chamfered corners on the extension...

We are thinking of doing the same, but adding a "buffet" type cabinet under the window - existing table top would stick out from it, with leaf if needed.  Still need to design it but it would give us more storage in that area.  John and Linda S. had friends who has something like that done (it's similar to what friends have in their Tiffin as well).  Nice for computer/printer and/or maybe sewing machine use.

Just a thought - making sure you take full advantage of Larry's woodworking skills while there in Nac....

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #2
Looks like the "Harvest Table" option is taking off gangbusters.  We love ours which was an option built into the original MH design by Foretravel for our previous owners.  My brother-in-law liked it so much he retrofitted his '99 U320 the same way.  It opens up the Kitchen are quite a bit.
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #3
I've decided to move to Parson's chairs like yours for the dining room seating as the factory swivel chairs are beyond dated. Far cheaper to replace them than have them recovered.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #4
Ron's table looks great, what a nice modification.  It's amazing how much it opens up the space.

 

We are thinking of doing the same, but adding a "buffet" type cabinet under the window - existing table top would stick out from it, with leaf if needed.

Michelle

Another great idea, I can see it useful for office type functions.  Have you considered using a "pull out" type leaf that would slide under the fixed top?  That would seem to be pretty functional, no storage required for leaf and a folding leaf would block access to cabs below.  Years ago I installed one in a kitchen that used hardware that allowed it to pull straight out and then pop up at end of extension to make it level with fixed top. 

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #5
Here's an image from Tiffin's site of what Steve and I would like to do (or have done)

The selected media item is not currently available.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #6
Michelle, I recall a mid-entry 38 ft (green exterior and interior colors) - maybe '02 or '03 - that was on the MOT awhile back that had just this style of credenza/cabinet with a pull out table.  It was for sale for an extended period.  IIFC, it was for sale in 2009 when we first started looking.  It may have even moved over to the FOT lot when I saw it come up again.  Perhaps MOT has the image in their archives.....
The selected media item is not currently available.Pat Hatfield
2000 U295 3600 #5666 WTFE (sold 1/7/20)
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
previously: 2003 U295 3610 #6228 (sold 5/29/14)
previously:  2009 Honda CRV (sold 6/9/14)

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #7
Michelle, I recall a mid-entry 38 ft (green exterior and interior colors) - maybe '02 or '03 - that was on the MOT awhile back that had just this style of credenza/cabinet with a pull out table. 

IIRC it was the Harmer's (?) coach that Linda S. had sent me the computer dinette photos of (and we later saw at MOT).  On that one, the desk was the full depth of the slide (all the way to the face of the slide), which is much deeper than we're thinking of doing.  It was basically a full desk; we're looking for more of a console/credenza look like the Tiffin photo.  Just deep enough to hold the toaster oven that's currently under the fridge (in the event we end up doing a residential fridge at some point and losing that storage).  And maybe the printer.

I believe the Harmer (?) remodel was done in Oregon or Idaho.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #8
Carol,

You said that you would be in the coach for a while then decide on mods.  You sure are jumping in with both feet.  Nac will be welcoming the Santa Savournins with open arms.

I like the table mod.  It's on my possible list.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #9
Michelle - Back in August of 2010 on our first trip to Nac we saw a gold 2004 38' u295 at MOT with a "buffet" type cabinet under the window just like the Tiffin pic except the buffet had a wood top - no Corian.  Call MOT and see if they still have some pics...

Update: found a link to the pics:
2004 Foretravel U295 38' Motorhomes of Texas
The selected media item is not currently available.

Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #10
Have you considered using a "pull out" type leaf that would slide under the fixed top?  That would seem to be pretty functional, no storage required for leaf and a folding leaf would block access to cabs below.  Years ago I installed one in a kitchen that used hardware that allowed it to pull straight out and then pop up at end of extension to make it level with fixed top. 

Chuck,

If you find a photo or link that shows what you're describing, please post it.  I'm trying to picture how that could be installed (like the idea!). 

Michelle

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #11
Mark... from the Motorcade number in the photo (15128) - that's Earl & Shirley Harmer's coach that Michelle mentioned earlier.  It's also the coach that I thought was for sale again... but it's a different 38' (both had green interiors, and both had the credenza table).
The selected media item is not currently available.Pat Hatfield
2000 U295 3600 #5666 WTFE (sold 1/7/20)
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
previously: 2003 U295 3610 #6228 (sold 5/29/14)
previously:  2009 Honda CRV (sold 6/9/14)

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #12
Chuck,

If you find a photo or link that shows what you're describing, please post it.  I'm trying to picture how that could be installed (like the idea!). 

Michelle



It's called a draw leaf table.  As I recall, the one I installed used a metal mechanism that pulled out similar to a drawer slide and at the end of the pull it had a couple of spring leaves that popped the top up even. To retract you would push down on the mating edge of the top to drop it and push it back in place under the top.  I have not been able to locate this exact mechanism but here's something similar (but probably too large) :

http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/page.aspx?c=&p=41856&cat=3

There is another method that uses tapered slides as a craftsman built item but probably not suitable for this application as these slides are normally concealed under a table.

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #13
We additionally have a similar solution designed into our MH that we use for additional seating with guests.  This is the only picture I have at the moment. This is situated right behind the passenger seat on the curb side.  The top pulls out and there is an insert drop leaf extension that expands the table area.  We can sit two on either side using the co-pilot seat turned and an additional chair.  if necessary we can also sit one in front.
I will try to get down to the storage facility to get an expanded picture.
In our case the bottom portion is file drawers and computer printer storage with a slide out shelf.

12/11/2012 -- I added a picture of the Computer Workstation converted for additional table seating. I guess we could actually sit three at this table, but then we would be in violation of the RVers Rule... Entertain-6, Feed-4, Sleep-2 [I'm not that good with table settings, though].  :))
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #14

Is that 6" or 9"? We thought David said 9, which works really well - chamfered corners on the extension...



I am fairly sure David said 6" ... at any rate, it is the number of inches that the booth edges stick out past the existing edge of the present floor. Your '03 booth seats may be a tad deeper than ours. I am considering ergonomic, office type chairs that are infinitely adjustable and have a base that will not be "tippy".  The arms can be removed completely, if you choose, but the swivel allows for easy in and out.  AND ... they are only about $150!!  I am losing some minor storage ... but that only increases my incentive to purge before our Christmas visit to the storage unit in PA.  More "stuff" is being jettisoned!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #15

I will try to get down to the storage facility to get an expanded picture.


12/11/12 -- I added a picture of the Computer Workstation converted for additional table seating. I guess we could actually sit three at this table, but then we would be in violation of the RVers Rule... Entertain-6, Feed-4, Sleep-2 [I'm not that good with table settings, though].  :))
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #16
Here's an image from Tiffin's site of what Steve and I would like to do (or have done)

The selected media item is not currently available.

Hmmm... just found this dining set up in FT's archived coaches (6558).  Very much like we want to do (although we'd like a bid deeper of an buffet so we could put the toaster oven, baking pans, and a printer in it).





It's in an IH-45, so no idea if it would work in place of the standard 2-bench dinette in our coach.  Is anyone familiar enough with this coach (like being or knowing the owner) that could tell us how long (wall space) it is and how deep that cabinet and counter are?

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

 

Re: Carol and Jeff's dinette discussion

Reply #17
We extended ours 9.5 inches and put in a table across the window.  We thought of a setup like the Harmers had but this is cleaner and leaves us more space and room and opens up the coach. It is pretty neat how the extend the floor and it seems to work well.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon