Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Lazy Daze Forums => Lazy Daze Renovations & Improvements => Topic started by: ChristineDM on July 27, 2021, 01:00:36 pm

Title: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: ChristineDM on July 27, 2021, 01:00:36 pm
I'm looking to replace the doghouse engine cover, as it's currently carpet and only has 2 cup holders - need something with more trays & cup holder space.. ideas? this would be for a 2002 24' rear bath.
does anyone know if there's simply a replacement doghouse cover?
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: Larry W on July 27, 2021, 03:12:00 pm
The problem with the bigger trays is they make it's hard to move from the captain chair into the rear of the coach.

Larry
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: Chris Horst on July 27, 2021, 03:36:02 pm
I'm looking to replace the doghouse engine cover, as it's currently carpet and only has 2 cup holders - need something with more trays & cup holder space.. ideas? this would be for a 2002 24' rear bath.
does anyone know if there's simply a replacement doghouse cover?
Welcome to LDOG, Christine. I'd like to update your signature line. Does your '02 24' have a couch/chairs or dinette up front?

Chris
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: Joan on July 27, 2021, 05:04:15 pm
The “console” of the E-450 has had several changes through the years; my 2003 has the same dumb design, wimpy little “two holer” that the OP inquired about replacing.

I made an “apron” with two large pockets from heavy  denim and attached it to front edge of the cupholder. A small plastic tray to hold incidentals is velcroed between the cupholders. A simple  and inexpensive “fix”.

There are also many “automotive storage”aftermarket products available that could be adapted; some impede access from the cab to the main living areas of the rig. ( Any between the seats “access” from front to back  in my rig is already  taken up by a dog bed and its occupant.)

I suggest exploring simple solutions to increase storage before considering replacing the doghouse  cover.

YMMV, as always.
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: Steve on July 27, 2021, 06:36:25 pm
We have what is basically a medium plastic storage bin with a flat bottom on the floor between the seats. For access, it can be easily pushed back into the coach and pulled back forward when seated.

Steve
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: ChristineDM on July 27, 2021, 07:38:21 pm
Welcome to LDOG, Christine. I'd like to update your signature line. Does your '02 24' have a couch/chairs or dinette up front?

Chris
it's  couch & chairs up front
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: ChristineDM on July 27, 2021, 07:39:58 pm
Great - these are wonderful solutions & I was hoping for simple! thank you
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: Chris Horst on July 27, 2021, 09:10:53 pm
it's  couch & chairs up front
Thanks. In the Lazy Daze vernacular, you have a 24' Front Lounge.
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: HiLola on July 27, 2021, 09:25:37 pm
We have what is basically a medium plastic storage bin with a flat bottom on the floor between the seats. For access, it can be easily pushed back into the coach and pulled back forward when seated.

Steve

Even with our newer console, we find ourselves in need of more storage space up front.  Like Steve, we are going to put a basket in between the seats for more items to be handy to the cab.
Title: Re: anyone replace the doghouse engine cover?
Post by: Andy Baird on July 27, 2021, 10:08:10 pm
My 2003 midbath had the same minimal two-hole cupholder as Joan's rig. I improved on it by adding a multi-pocketed storage thingummy. It was originally intended to hang behind a car seat; I cut off the bottom row of pouches (which made it too long) and used large snaps to fasten it to the doghouse cover, as shown in the first attached photo.

Later I found a 2014-vintage Ford console and doghouse similar to HILOLA's on eBay and substituted that. The lower part is recessed so that you can get your feet past it without a struggle, but the upper part has plenty of nooks and shelves. For me, this was the best possible solution.