Dinette seat storage space project

Horizon170 wrote:
Your project looks nice. I wish I could figure out how to put a door in a curve.
Marvin

Looking at this image.... it appears you might be able to approach the problem not from the ends or the inner curve - you have a flat expanse just behind the drivers seat. If you are able to flip the seat forward, you should have decent access to the space under the forward part of the curved seat. At a minimum, you could have a door that is similarly sized to Ron & my access doors placed at the very outer section of the flat.

Hmmmm...

These Oscillating Multi-Tools are like ink jet printers! At least at Harbor Fright. Retail on the basic one is $39 and they've sold as low as around $14. Just that the blades are expensive.

I have HF's basic multi and I don't use it a lot but it hasn't disappointed me yet. I think their blades aren't as good as the name brands, so even at sale price the HF blades may disappoint. But better quality blades fit. Better to spend more for the blades than the tool in my opinion. Far better to use a HF tool with a Bosch blade than a Bosch tool with a HF blade!

ron.D---------great idea for weight distribution. I'll have to weigh it again after it's loaded. Just got Mama home from single knee replacement. Playing nurse for a while.
Marvin

Cool ideas, I'll present Mama with the suggestions.
Marvin

Funny BruceMc,

Our 2007 came with what you converted to as seen here, but ours are side-hinged as shown. Like you, we also have access from above but we do not have plywood tops. Our plywood is inside the cushion so taking out the cushion opens the compartment. The cushions are not heavy so I assume the wood inside is a thin plywood. They also added the same plywood inside the backrest cushions, I assume to retain their shape, but also for mattress consistency when converting the dinette into a bed. I am very happy with our dinette design.

Our manufacture (Phoenix Cruiser) has since been making the dinette with drawers. A new 2016 Phoenix Cruiser dinette has drawers. If we ordered a new PC today, I would instruct the factory to make it the old way like we have in our 2007 model. If I bought a recent used one, I'd pitch the drawers right away. I do believe the cushions still have the easy access internal plywood, so the conversion would be very simple.

Like yourself, I appreciate the extra storage without drawers, especially because I place our heaviest stuff like my tools, bottle jack, 30 amp extension cords, etc in the front-most dinette bench for best weight distribution. Not-as-heavy bottled water goes into the bench in the picture which is the rear bench seat which also sits forward of the rear axle.

You might also be able to make a tambour (like a roll-top desk top) that slides horizontally around the base. They're basically just slats glued to canvas or some other flexible backing, and ride in a slot. It requires some care in fitting for them to work smoothly.

Wayne67vert wrote:

Horizon170 wrote:
Your project looks nice. I wish I could figure out how to put a door in a curve.
Marvin

You need one of these: multi tool

That is what I was thinking....cut the opening and use the plug as the door, a flush-mount application.

Horizon170 wrote:
Your project looks nice. I wish I could figure out how to put a door in a curve.
Marvin

You need one of these: multi tool

Your project looks nice. I wish I could figure out how to put a door in a curve.
Marvin

Another nice job, Bruce! DW was commenting how a Winnebago we looked at, had sliding baskets (essentially drawers) under the seats and it'd be nice to add them. Then we realized how much cubic space would be lost. Adding doors could be helpful, though. Our access is by lifting the cushions and a plywood lid like you have now.