dinette bench ends

I'm looking for an idea to replace the cheap dinette ends (the things that keep the cushions from sliding off) with something sturdier. One if the screws is pulling out of the wall after just a week and they're pretty flimsy. I'm thinking of having someone make a wooden equivalent but I'm curious to see if anyone here already has some great ideas.

I replaced the wood screws with bolts, washers on the inside and nuts.  No more trouble.  The fabric covered caps on the screws pop off easily with a flat screwdriver and pop right on.

Wow, I was impressed when I saw the 2013 version of the end caps,,as our RPod is a 2011. Guess no matter what year,,,they are flimsy. Ours are also uncomfortable,,want to replace them with more paddding,,,or possibly wooden molding.

I removed the dinette bench ends, and lowered them about 1 1/2" so that you can sit on the end of the bench and face the rear of the R-Pod (for example, to tie your shoes). Or sit on the end and swing your legs in to sit at dinette.  There is still enough endcap to hold the seat cushions. Makes a huge comfort difference not having the end cap press into your thighs.  I used 1 1/4" #8 stainless wood screws (which are heavier than the originals) with a shoulder-shaped finishing washer. Stainless looks good. Did not worry about covering the screws heads. There is plenty of wood in the benches when you lower the endcaps to hold the screws. I used three screws on each in addition to lowering and re-attaching the L-bracket at the top of the endcap. Total effect was much sturdier than the original install.

Also I removed the sockets that are along the front of each bench to hold the table when in the down position. We eliminated them completely and have not had and issues with the table moving while underway. Got some annoying gashes from those sockets when the were there. We always connect the strap that is acorss the top of the table in the down position.

It's a quick mod worth doing. Nice improvement.
Tom Wagner

We've noticed the end caps being uncomfortable, just as you have mentioned.  One of ours came off and I planned to remove the other, but your idea of lowering them may be what I will do.  Thanks for posting the solution. I also planned to remove those other things under the table.