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Topic: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)? (Read 653 times) previous topic - next topic
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27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Hi All,
Any carpenter types out there besides me? Newbie here with bad back, eight spinal surgeries, four fusions, still alive, and kicking. Often need to get my feet up without lying horizontal on a bed. Wondering if this might work. Remove 27MB dinette and replace with 2 decent recliners. Repurpose the dinette table, kind of like a 24TKB table between the rear beds. Hopefully wouldn't mess up the corner weights. Any thoughts?
Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #1 –
If it were me, I'd prefer to remove one of the rear couches if you don't mind losing one. 

Andy's website might be a good source of ideas.  He put in a desk, but you can put whatever you want where the couch used to be. 

Upgrade frenzy

Rich
2003 MB
Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #2 –
I have seen on utube where someone to used a set of 2011 Toyota sienna limited or top end mid section reclining seats w/flip up type foot rests ( these were leather in like new condition)so they could be mounted to a base. This keeps them from moving while driving or becoming death causing flying boulders in an accident. I have seen high end custom van seats used, also the same recliners in a born free. Will take some research into high end Rv salvage yards or calling factory for model number of recliners they use. Look at Foretravel units to get an idea of quality seating.
2017 Casita Spirit Deluxe
2016 Twin King 24ft
2017 Casita Independence Dlx
2004 Midbath 26.5
Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #3 –
Quote from: meljer  - 
Any thoughts?
I’d have one serious concern.  The settee benches provide significant structural support to that section’s wall.  A close examination of the construction shows that the benches are extremely well secured to the floor and sidewalls.  In fact, all the furniture in a LD are designed to add strength to the house. 

I’d call the Factory and explain my health issues and ask for guidance before removing any of the built in furniture. 

Hope this helps. 
Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: rich  - 
If it were me, I'd prefer to remove one of the rear couches if you don't mind losing one. 

Agree, removing the driverside rear couch is enough destruction, the dinette removal is even more involved.
LD builds their motorhomes to be driven, not taken part. Anything you remove will come out in pieces, do not expect it to be easy, clean or to have anything to reinstall in the future..
After removal, the area will have large areas of unfinished framing that will need covering, matching the paneling can be a challenge.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #5 –
Thanks everyone for the sound advice.  It always pays to ask.

Years ago, a woman wanted me to remove a custom built-in booth from one corner of her kitchen.  It was L-shaped with a huge movable tabletop.  That booth was so heavy and attached to the floor and wall with so many lag bolts I quit counting.  Once loosened another guy and I tried to lift it.  Our plan was to resell it.  We ended up taking the Sawzall to it and hauling it out in pieces.  No wonder I have back problems.  With my luck LD construction would be of like fashion.

I certainly wouldn't consider anything but bolt down RV designed recliners like those I've seen at Dave and LJ's.     (Not for the weak stomached)  An uncle of mine was decapitated when he hit the brakes in his pickup truck sending a loose winch he'd just bought that was sitting in the bed airborne through the back window. 

Here's what one reclining unit I saw looks like:
Lambright-RV-Elite-Theatre-Seat (1).jpg (26.81 KB)

I noticed however the reclining love seat styles are 68" wide while the LD specs show the 27MB dinette at 67" wide, give or take I imagine.  While I could probably stuff those padded armrests into submission, LD probably did this to keep idiot retirees like me from trying. 

I hadn't considered to much how each component is integrated into the structural integrity of the coach's frame.  That's what happens when I'm thinking without seeing what I'm thinking about in person.

My wife suggested why not just buy an inexpensive padded ottoman and set it between the two twin beds.  Along with some sofa pillows for back support I could "get my feet up" when my back goes south.  While certainly not a massage with heat power recliner like in those Grand Design RVs, lol, it would probably work. 

Another one of the many reasons I married her 40 years ago.

Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #6 –
I did it in my '06 because LD wouldn’t build one without. Not a huge problem until you get to the sidewall attachment, then it became a HUGE problem. Do-able, but not for just anyone.
20 + MH's since 1977 incl...
Past
FMC, 2x GMC's, Foretravel, 2x LD
Present
1996 LD RB under restoration, my project to keep me off the streets.
 
Re: 27MB Replace Dinette w/Recliner(s)?
Reply #7 –
I have sturdy "study buddy" that I use in our MB.  It acts as a recliner.  Cheap and easy
2007 MB