179 dinette table size
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7373
Printed Date: 15 May 2024 at 11:21am
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Topic: 179 dinette table size
Posted By: Mike&Sally
Subject: 179 dinette table size
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 8:15am
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Absolutely loving my 179, and wondering if anyone has attempted to modify the dinette table ? I find the size is perfect when serving meals for 2, but when we are just hanging out on the U shaped couch it so fills the space available that it'is awkward to get in/out and we have to move it back and forth repeatedly. I've wondered about either putting it on small wheels with brakes, or cutting and hinging both ends so they fold down when not in use. Would appreciate hearing any experience and ideas. Sally
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Replies:
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 11:24am
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We packed our 179 table out the door and into the barn. I built a pedestal table - there was a previous post here - that we can slide around, and it comes apart into three pieces and lays on the bed for travel. the top is about 2' rectangle . I used the pedestal that is also used in boats for fishing seats. One just has to learn not to push on the table to get up. Next project is a window in the door, and converting the curved cushions in to straight ones.
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Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 12:06pm
We also had a problem with the seating and the table shape. The seating on both ends of the table were a lot like sitting on a soft marshmallow. We decided to keep the table and replace the seating with chairs. I got the folding chairs at Costco.  
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Posted By: CozyPod
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 8:21pm
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We have a new 2016 RP179 and have decided that the supplied dinette table stays home. For inside dining, we will use lap trays with folding legs. We also have the R-dome and will be using a 36"x36" folding leg table outside. We enjoy the extra leg room inside the 179 and the lap trays take up less room (and weight) than the supplied dinette table. ------------- David & Suzanne |
Posted By: PurpleHaze
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 11:11pm
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Funks, how hard was it to take off those ends? I really like the openness it creates. ------------- Barb 2016 R-Pod 179 2010 FJ Cruiser - Trail Teams The mountains are calling and I must go. John Muir |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 11:22pm
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I like the open space too. If you just want to see and feel what its like, just remove the two ends. There only held down with just a couple of srews. If you don't care for having them removed just screw them back down. Enjoy you r-pod
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 11:46am
What did you do to cover the plumbing and wiring that were below the left-hand seat? I hope you covered it. I agree that it is soft, however, I do appreciate the storage bin in the right-hand seat and the storage area I created in the left-hand seat (by boxing in the wiring/plumbing). ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 3:09pm
Stephen, you can see the box under the chair in the first photo. The box is 13" x 15" x 7" with a side extension. I cleaned up and secured some of the wires before covering. The cover is made to come off and the box is secured to the floor. I also put bead board on the wall under the bench to cover the wiring. If you notice I also changed the heater vent so it blows the heat out into the room. Good Luck and have fun with the camper 
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Posted By: Commander203
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 3:30pm
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Nice clean job Funks, we just got our 179 this past September. I can't wait till the weather breaks a bit to get in it to play around. ------------- Mike & Erin 2013 Tundra 4.6L V8 (Tow PK) 2006 Honda Goldwing GL 1800 2005 Honda VTX 1800N |
Posted By: Mike&Sally
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 4:31pm
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Thanks for the ideas - I should have mentioned I need to keep the table and side pieces because we use that dinette area for a bed too. For those of you who are experienced carpenters - do you think that table top would cut well ? If so, would hinges that let the ends, probably about 4-5 inches on each side, fold down be strong enough to also hold the weight when the ends are in the up position and it is being used as a bed ? The problem I can see with my wheel idea is it will raise the table top up so when we lever it down to make the bed it won't be level across. Sure fun to think about when 9 inches of snow is being forecast for tonight ! Sally
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Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 5:15pm
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That is the nice thing about the chairs, they are the same height as what I removed. So the two chairs with the table make up the sleeping area.
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 10:37pm
Beautiful job. I prefer to retain the storage of the existing seats, but will do something about the cushions to firm them up so they aren't so soft. Would you post some detail pictures of how you rerouted the heater vent? I would like to do that also. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 11:24pm
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Stephen If you go back to HEATER VENT Jun 1 2015 in the Podmods section I posted pictures of how I made the heater vent. Good Luck
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2016 at 9:24am
I've been searching the forums and have not yet found your heater vent modification. I would appreciate a more specific reference or search term so that I can find it. I searched on furnace mod, heater vent, 179 furnace, and other variants, and came up with everything but your mod. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2016 at 9:35am
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Good Morning Stephen Go to the Podmod and maintenance section and go to page 33. Look for heater vent. Jun 1st 2015Let me know what you think
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2016 at 9:52am
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Thanks funks. I'll ask a couple of questions there since it will be more appropriate.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: robapperson
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2016 at 4:35pm
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I swapped my table out for a $30 folding one from office depot. Folds totally flat, 30" long, weighs almost nothing. Not really pretty, but you can move around it to get into the dinette.. ------------- Rob |
Posted By: densmorema
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2016 at 11:38am
| My wife was thinking of that sort of a mod. but on second look I think they support the weight of the slide out when retracted I would definitely would contact forest river on that one to be sure. For now my table is in my basement and I found a real nice one on amazon that's slightly smaller and folds flat and I can use it out side. The factory table seats are in the way but they make good foot stools.lol |
Posted By: R&J
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2016 at 3:47am
I find the concept of removing the end seat boxes interesting but what did you do with the battery? in our 179 the battery is in the box!!  ------------- Rhona & John POD: 2015 179 'OzPod' Tow: 2014 Holden Colorado |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2016 at 7:43am
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The battery in the seat box must be an Australian thing. In our 179, the battery is on the tongue. There is a picture of the t http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712&PID=79193&title=our-escapod-mods#79193 - wo six-volt batteries I have on my 179 here.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: R&J
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 1:17am
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Thanks StephenH now I know what the 2 angle cross bars were used for!! ------------- Rhona & John POD: 2015 179 'OzPod' Tow: 2014 Holden Colorado |
Posted By: Swann
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2016 at 5:26pm
| Hello, Hope all is good with you. When took the ends out and made it a couch have you had any problems with the slide out. I have a 179 and am wanting to take the ends off but wonder if the ends help support the slide out when it is in? I do know that sometimes they have trouble with the slide motors not staying balanced when coming in and out so I wondered what you thought about just taking one end off? Thanks for any information. Any problems with the slide since you removed the ends? What do you think about taking just one slide out? Thanks and have a great day. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2016 at 7:54pm
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As far as I can see, the slide-out does not rest on the two ends. There is not much room though, so there is no access to the compartments while the slide-out is in. That could be remedied by adding a door though. As for taking off the ends, you could easily do so with the one close to the bed. The other end next to the refrigerator contains too much to simply remove. You would need to find a way to cover the wiring that would then be exposed. I don't see there being a great deal of benefit to removing the one next to the refrigerator. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Swann
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2016 at 8:57am
| Thanks. Do you think that by taking just the one by the bed out that it may get the slide out of balance when it in going in and out? Have a great day. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2016 at 9:47am
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I don't think so. Since the seats do not perform a support function, they are not affecting the slide one way or another. Removing the one by the bed should not affect the performance of the slide.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: rkleim
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 10:11am
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re. Rpod 179 (2016 ½) I'm just wondering if anyone has spoken with FR about this? I really hate the dinette and would rip it all out if I could. Dinettes are one of the things many people seem to hate in modern RVs, I don't know why they force them on us. A double recliner would fit there just fine and be just what we need. That dinette is horrible to sit in and relax. If I could go back and undo our decision to buy the Rpod and get an RV with a double recliner I would. And I love my RPod other than that. Either I figure out how to fix in the next year or we will be forced to look for a more comfortable RV. If you are still looking to buy, look closely at this. ------------- - Richard 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with Factory Tow 2016 FR R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 2:40pm
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The problem with the idea of a double recliner is that there really isn't room. If the wheel were not in the way, the slide-out could be made with a full floor to ceiling length that would allow it. However, the reason we have a dinette is that the long bench seat sits on the bottom of the slide-out which can't be lower because of the wheel. What we have is really the only viable option unless the kitchen were put there. Then there would be room to put a couple of recliners where the kitchen is currently. However, you would lose the storage. Everything is a trade-off. Some people re-do the cushions to make them more comfortable. That might be something you could try. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 2:44pm
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An IKEA futon makes a world of difference in comfort. No matter how many pillows we tried to use, we could never get comfortable with the factory cushions. The futon also makes setting up and tearing down the bed a piece of cake. We opted for the shorter, less expensive one and added storage on the ends. My wife can sleep quite comfortably on it while I take the bed.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20262901/ - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20262901/ It was only something like $87 when we bought ours. We also ditched the factory table for one of these: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-20-x-40-Table-Black/54571383 - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-20-x-40-Table-Black/54571383 It's a good size and folds very compactly to get it out of the way when just lounging. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 5:11pm
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I tried going to the Ikea link, but it takes me to a Balkarp Sleeper Sofa, not a futon. My wife and I were looking at the tables, but she wants to stick with the one we have. She says that it is better for her sewing machine because it is more stable than the folding one would be. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 5:39pm
| They call it a sleeper sofa, but it's really a futon. It has the spring latch at two positions (upright and reclining) as well as flat. We've found that it's much easier to raise up the seat to change the position than pull on the back. The metal base is unused when putting the futon in the Pod. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 7:40pm
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Okay. Thanks. How thick is it without the base?
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: birderdiane526
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 8:17pm
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Just found this thread and ironically just yesterday mentioned to my husband that not having a table makes a real difference regarding roominess. Interesting to read what others have done! We will live with the table for now. Would like to get firmer foam for the two end seats. ------------- Diane and Michael 2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 9:23pm
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What I did was to take the foam from the mattress that came with the table and use layers of that to replace the softer foam. The more rigid foam from the mattress provides better support. I used the old foam to trace the shape and then cut out the layers. I put them in a plastic bag and then used our vacuum cleaner to suck the air out and collapse the layers down. Then I put the bag with the collapsed cushions into the fabric and released the vacuum, letting the cushions expand. While not perfect, they are so much better than the original cushion foam.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Rodpod
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2016 at 10:54pm
I'd love to see a picture of this on the inside of your Pod. This could be a huge improvement to the comfort of the existing couch. Does the back interfere with the window blind? ------------- 2016 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 9:27am
That reminds me of a sofa my parents had when we were young. One could raise the seat and pull the back flat, then release the seat and it would go flat to match. Raising the seat would engage a catch and then the back could be tilted up again with the seat ending up flat. There was storage underneath the seat, small but enough for a blanket and pillows. This Ikea sleeper sofa sounds like it uses a similar mechanism. How does it work with the seat bases? Since the bottom of the slide-out is a little higher, do you have something you put on the seat bases so that the futon will lie flat? How is it to maneuver into place as you change the positions? Does it ride well, or does it have a tendency to shift? So many questions, I know. I also wonder if the current cushion material would be sufficient to make a cover so that it would match the interior design we currently have. The bright blue shown in the picture just would not go well. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: MoPod
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 11:13am
I would consider the Ikea sofa to be a jackknife sofa. We bought the gray one (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50307936/), which is longer than the blue and fills the space perfectly. We tossed the metal frame and just set it right on top of the slide out. We placed two legs on the frame, one in the center and one on the end closest to the bed. We also put a small "riser" on the kitchen end so it can be supported by the top of the ottoman. We made a wooden topper for the ottoman. We also put a small chain and latch on the bottom of the frame to secure the sofa to a new trim piece underneath the sofa during transport. To protect the gizmos on the bottom of the shades, we put a chair rail behind the back of the sofa. I am able to store all the bedding, including the pillow in the ottoman by the kitchen, after removing the filler and just tacking tyvek over the mechanical stuff. I removed the ottoman by the bed and the table when I bought the unit. The sofa is a little high for my 5'2" height, but hubby has no problems at all. The sofa folds out into a normal twin sized bed. A fitted twin sheet fits it perfectly, so you can make it any color that you can find in a colored fitted sheet. No pictures, because I just stored it for it's winter nap.
------------- Bill & Nancy 2015 RPod 179 Previously 2010 RPod 176 2014 Explorer Sport |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 12:04pm
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Thanks for the additional info.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 12:20pm
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I'd guess the seat on our blue one is about 8" thick. The back is higher than the factory cushions and covers the lower part of the window, but it's easy enough to just lower the shade to the top of the sofa back. We leave it in the upright configuration when traveling and have no issues with it shifting.
We have some decorative boxes with hinged lids as "end tables" in the gaps on the ends. The boxes are not permanently affixed (we hold them in place with Velcro), so we can use them for supports when the sofa is flat. We will be adding a center leg; the sofa overhangs the inside edge of the slideout enough that there's room for the leg with the sofa upright. My wife took some photos and posted them on Facebook. I'll try to remember to grab them when I get a chance (I can't access FB from work). |
Posted By: Swann
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 5:57pm
| When you removed the ottoman by the bed have you had any issues with the slideout? Is it unbalanced at all when you move it in or out with the ottoman on one side and not the other? Thanks and have a great day. |
Posted By: MoPod
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 6:19pm
None. It is not integrated into the side in anyway, just screwed into the floor with two screws. Dozens of us have removed one, both, or 1 1/2 of the ottomans. ------------- Bill & Nancy 2015 RPod 179 Previously 2010 RPod 176 2014 Explorer Sport |
Posted By: Swann
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 8:08pm
| Thanks. Will wait for my warranty to run out and then try it. |
Posted By: Mike&Sally
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 8:35pm
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I've really appreciated & enjoyed reading all the responses & ideas regarding my original post. Am still wondering if any of you skilled folks think the dinette tabletop could be cut and hinged on both ends so it could fold down and be smaller during the day, then put back up at night to make into the bed.
Sally |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2016 at 8:50pm
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While you might be able to do this, there are reasons you might not want to. 1. If you cut it, with what would you cover the raw edges so that the would have a finished look and not detract? 2. If you cut it, would there be enough space on the end with the pin for it to swing down without hitting the pin? 3. If you cut it, would it be strong enough when the ends are swung up to support the weight of a person? This is probably my biggest concern. You can't guarantee that someone climbing into bed would not put much, if not all, of his/her body weight on the leaf you would be creating. 4. Is the amount of space you would gain sufficient to justify the effort this modification would take? If you can answer these questions to your satisfaction, then it might be worthwhile for you to do this. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |