Dinette Table
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=9801
Printed Date: 01 May 2024 at 12:21pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Dinette Table
Posted By: henryv
Subject: Dinette Table
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2017 at 7:01am
I like the dinette table. Don't understand why they couldn't have made it with lighter metal. I notice that the cut off corner allows you to get in and out to sit down. It is a little tight though (glad I'm not overweight). You can push it away a little, but I wonder if I cut about 1 inch off the length of the 4 base ends, if it will allow me to slide it over a little more, making it more comfortable. But I hesitate, because maybe it was designed that way..maybe as long as it's working I won't bother. I don't want to compromise stability, especially when I use it as a bed. It doesn't look like it would, but I'm not a gambling man. And those footpads, can you adjust the height of them individually? 
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Replies:
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2017 at 6:09pm
| Nobody willing to tackle this one huh? |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2017 at 7:14pm
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Not quite sure what you are trying to do. You can cut an inch off the table bottom supports and relocate the plastic feet but that doesn't change the table dimensions. The table dimensions make your dinette bed. My table is adjustable to two positions up and down. Dinette and bed. Each leg is not independently adjustable. If it's working, it's working. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2017 at 7:31pm
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This is what I came up with, the table can slide back and forth and can be locked in any position. https://postimg.org/image/kq9wt1081/">  https://postimage.io/ - image hosting free https://certificity.com - certificity.com https://postimg.org/image/njktw35lj/">  https://postimage.io/ - imgurl https://certificity.com - certificity.com ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 9:34am
| Mike, just trying to enlarge the space getting in and out to set down at the table. As is, it's a tight fit. An inch on each side would allow you to push it a little further away... |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 3:23pm
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Henryv,
I think you can shorten the bottom of the table supports to fit your needs. An inch will not make any difference to the table. 2 inches in this case. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 3:28pm
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It will be just a bit less stable is all i see. May need to actually secure it when traveling so doesn't turn over and scratch the floor or something else. You might consider some riser feet to make it a bit taller as well, that will help ingress and egress too.
------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 6:52am
I solved my problem. My 171 has a different table than the one pictured here. It has one corner cut off. That was done to provide a better access to sit down. But it was a too narrow passage. I went to Lowes and got 4 metal screw in feet(same thread) about an inch or so diam. (dark brown metal and flat on bottom)..then 4 stick on felt-like pads for the bottom (Allows good sliding). This brought the Table down a little because before it was hitting on the extending ledge above the wainscotting. Now it just clears that (under that ledge)..making the table a little lower and more comfortable, and the space for getting in and out around the cut off corner a little bigger. Maybe 2 inches wider. Perfect! This might not be a good idea if you plan to take the table in and out of the camper. The existing feet are more durable. I'm not going to struggle with that heavy booger. It's staying right where it is. If I need a table outside..I'll use something else! 
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Posted By: mountainman
Date Posted: 01 May 2017 at 11:17pm
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My #172 had the standard large, heavy table which I felt was too big for the space making it hard to get in and out of the dinette. Then what to do with it when not it's not needed?
I decided on one of the small lightweight collapsible plastic tables from Camping World. It's not pretty but it works just fine for my wife and I, or me and the two grandkids. And it store's easily in the storage under the bottom bunk. When the dinette is needed for sleeping a 3/4" thick piece of plywwod sits on rails I installed; it stores easily under one of the bunk mattresses. mountainman |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 8:43am
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I did something similar. Bought a short leg plastic folding table, about 30"x30," at Costco and mounted it onto a pedestal base to use for the dining table. It is more than adequate for 2 or 3 people to eat and is very light weight. With the old table, I took off those awkward folding legs that always trapped me trying to get in and out and put one of the pedestal base rings on it too. Now I can use either table with a simple post holding it up. I store the old table under the bed and can take it out any time I need to convert the dinette into sleeping space. The net effect is that the new table and pedestal base weigh less than the original folding legs for the stock table, thus had an overall weight reduction. Also, we can take it outside, extend the folding legs and have a nice little "coffee table" to set up between folding chairs for "cocktail hour." I'm not sure why so many trailer builders use the folding table legs when the pedestal bases are lighter and less costly. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 9:36am
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Pedestal bases are something over which one can trip when the table is not in place. Also, the table is fixed in one location when mounted on the pedestal. I like the idea of the table that can be moved as needed. I am not fond of the mechanism to raise and lower the one we have, but I don't know of a better alternative right now.
------------- 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: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 12:26pm
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The mount for the pedestal table is on the floor in the dinette centered in the space, out of a traffic area, unless, of course, you remove the table, but not a place one normally walks. I had this type of table set up in 2 of 3 sailboats I owned and it was never a tripping problem; not even a stubbed toe in rough seas. But, it is true, you can only use the table with it's pedestal where the base plate is mounted. So, the stock table that came with our pod stays stored under the bed, or left at home, when not in use for the dinette bed or a bigger dinette table top. But I solved the short height issue on the Costco table by making some leg extenders out of PVC pipe (also very light). The original card table style legs on the Costco table are still there, so if I want to set up a 30" high table outside, all I do is unfold the card table legs, put the leg extenders on, and, viola, I have a standard height table. What I need to do next is try to figure out some alternate uses for the 4 PVC pipes so they will have a secondary function. My biggest concern with the pedestal table system is whether the floor plywood is sturdy enough to hold the 8, or so mounting screws, I had to use. Since the plywood is supposedly 2 layers of 3/8ths luan over the foam, I think I'll be ok. But I certainly wouldn't stand on the table. 😱 ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 6:07pm
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I read several other RV type forums-this one is is the best. However, my point is that a LOT of people don't like their tables no matter what brand or what model. The industry has tried several types(folding, pedestal, hinged) and they all work more or less. Different people have different needs for their table. when you add in the requirement that it has to break down and serve as part of the bed you have really increased the difficulty factors. Because it serves many functions, the table is difficult to design. Then we add in the characteristics of sturdiness and steadiness, appearance, weight and all of the other wants/needs. It's really hard to get all of that in one piece . We eliminated the need for the bed function and designed and built a table that we love. We eat on it, do computer work, play games and use it for a food prep area . It has a tough top and finish so it doesn't scratch easily, it folds compactly for traveling(lies flat on the dinette seat), is easy to operate, can be moved for outside use and is quite sturdy. It can be used for 2, 3, or 4 people. Those are the features that we needed for our use. Other people have different needs and requirements. I used 3/4 cabinet grade plywood, piano hinges, star bolts and wood insert nuts, aluminum bar stock and finished it with 6 coats of Woodworker's Supply tabletop varnish. You can see pictures of the table in our mod page noted in our signature. Travel safe Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 8:04pm
The legs look a lot like the ones on an old sewing table my wife got that I think belonged to her grandmother. That would probably be a good size one to take along if we really need to save some space and weight. One such situation is when we go to pick up our R-Pod from the factory after it is fixed. We won't have room to take the stock table, but the old sewing table would probably fit in the truck nicely. ------------- 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: MnCamper
Date Posted: 14 May 2017 at 7:42pm
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I too have found it a bit tough to slide past the table, although my gut could be smaller. Has anyone tried cutting 2 holes to allow the table legs to slide into the storage area under the dinette seat? This should allow the table to move 4-6 inches and allow 2 people to sit on one side of the table. I'm hoping for suggestions, or I will try something on my own.
------------- Skip & Terry 2017 RP171 - The Rolling Remedy 2010 Dodge Ram |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 19 May 2017 at 9:20am
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P.S. The new feet are working perfectly. You can adjust each one as necessary. ------------- |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2017 at 12:28pm
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I have a problem with the table. If my wife and I are the only ones camping we do not take the table. We take a couple of folding trays. Typically we eat outside weather permitting. If my daughter goes with us then we need the table to make the third person bed. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2017 at 1:26pm
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rawest50, we've been using the table set up I described above for a while and it's working well. We keep the original table top (with the pedestal mount attached to the bottom) in the storage area under our bed and if we need to make the dinette into a bed, it's ready to go. If we need a larger table there, we can also set it up with the pedestal post. Usually, we use the 30x30 Costco plastic table for the dinette and it's is much easier to get in and out, and as said, we can also take it outside and set it up with the card table style folding legs. I still have the old scissor type folding legs in the garage. They're heavy and tend to pinch fingers, so eventually, I'll probably get rid of them or use them for a table at home. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Kris
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2017 at 8:08am
| Would it be possible for you to post a picture |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2017 at 8:46am
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Kris, I'm going to try to tackle the Google photo thing today to see if I can post some of the table modification. If I can figure it out, I'll post some photos of the set up asap. If you'd like, pm me with your email address and I'll send you some pictures via email during the weekend. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2017 at 2:47pm
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Kris, I had planned on figuring out the photos situation yesterday, but the installation of my new Norcold refrigerator got complicated and I didn't get to it. And today the complications continued, though there seems to be a work-around. If we get the refrigerator running, we're off camping and I won't get to the photo instructions 'til next week. (Camping always takes priority.) One thing I did learn in my refrigerator adventure, Norcold's customer service is no better than Domestic and the local "authorized service centers" are not necessarily up to speed with technical issues. Norcold's technical people are not permitted to speak directly with the purchaser/customer. Their door reversal instructions make Ikea's assembly instructions look incredibly clear by comparison, and the parts identified in the instructions don't match the reality of what is th ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Podizzi
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 7:18am
| Anyone have a better solution for the table conversion to a bed? We have a 179 and have taken our 6 year old grandson with us on a recent trip. The current conversion is not very good as the cushions slide off and he ends up on the floor or sleeping on hard table. Any suggestions would be appreciated. |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 9:55am
| For a pedestal table, try mounting the bottom socket to a piece of 3/4 plywood a little smaller than the table top. Then it will slide around, and can be taken outside. Both top and bottom, and pedestal transport on the bed. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 10:08am
Get rid of the cushions and put in a futon (jackknife sofa). |
Posted By: PilotPodder
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 11:20am
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I also have a 179 and would rather not tear up the OEM dinette. One solution I am considering is to cut a piece of rug gripper the size of the dinette table to put under the two cushions. The rug gripper material is available in bulk on Amazon or at a local dept store. ------------- Portage, MI — 2017 RPod 179 - sold / 2017 Toyota Tundra — https://johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/ - My RPod YouTube Videos |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2017 at 1:21pm
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You could also glue some Velcro™ tape on the underside of the table and sew some on the cushions and connect them when you set up the bed. Velcro™ is what really holds the world together; not duct tape. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |