Winnebago 2201DS modificationHere's our modified 2014 Winnebago Minnie 2201DS modification. We replaced the dinette with a Flexsteel Easybed (74" Ellsworth model) and a dark cherry Cubby Cabinette built by the folks at Bradd & Hall located in Elkart, IN. We are really happy with the change as the couch is really comfortable and converts to a bed when necessary. The front kick panel of the couch lifts off and there is a lot of room under the easybed for storage. Right now, we have some linens, vacuum cleaner, broom, mop, and a few othe miscellaneous items stored under the couch. The Cubby cabinet has three very room drawers. Without the dinette, the trailer seems much more spacious. And, when the slideout is in, it is very easy to get access the kitchen and bathrom areas, which is very handy when on the road.

Great mod :B it's just unfortunate your particular slide mechanism is the type that required the slide platform to be elevated rather than at floor level as is the sofa slide in our own Freedom Express. Before we purchased our current FE I considered a slightly used KZ Spree in which I could have also easily swapped out the dinette for a sofa but because that dinette was mounted on an elevated platform we passed. Just personal opinion of course. ;)

Very nice. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Looks nice. We did a similar thing with our Outback. We had free standing furniture originally though, kitchen table and 4 chairs, and 2 rocker chairs. We removed the table and all the chairs and put in it's place a real couch that reclines. I searched a long time for just the right couch (not a sleeper), and to make sure it would fit in the door. After getting in, I added wheels to it so it can turn facing the back window. (we have a rear living room, opposing slides with a TV lift from the cabinet along the back window. Turning the couch, we can see directly out the rear window (TV up or down, it's still a great view). We used the original table as nothing but a catch all, and it was always cluttered anyway. The table is now in our house, in a side nook in the kitchen, specifically used for my wife's coffee maker and all her do-dads for her coffee. Very nice modification! Looks great! Hope you REALLY enjoy it!

SoundGuy...I agree that it would be nicer if the slide wasn't elevated. But, we bought the Minnie because we like other features including the amount of storage in the bathroom and the outdoor kitchen. We've been very pleased with the trailer, but the dinette just wasn't very cozy for watching tv, reading, etc. Everyone....thanks for the comments!

scbwr wrote:SoundGuy...I agree that it would be nicer if the slide wasn't elevated. But, we bought the Minnie because we like other features including the amount of storage in the bathroom and the outdoor kitchen. We've been very pleased with the trailer, but the dinette just wasn't very cozy for watching tv, reading, etc.Yeah, I totally get it :) ... we all have our preferences and ours was to find a floorplan of this size that had a much more useful sofa instead of a dinette and one that did not have an elevated platform in the slide. As I said, great mod you've done. :B

Replaced dinette with Easybed and cabinet! | Good Sam Community

scbwr
Explorer II
Feb 20, 2017
BillB800si wrote:
This may sound strange but where do you eat now? No dinette - no table & chairs???????

I look forward to a nice steak and a glass of wine occasionally at the table. :)

When the weather is nice, we prefer to eat on the picnic table outside.
When inside, we're pretty handy at eating on the sofa with the help of a snack tray or two! "It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!":W
BillB800si
Explorer
Feb 20, 2017
This may sound strange but where do you eat now? No dinette - no table & chairs???????

I look forward to a nice steak and a glass of wine occasionally at the table. :)
scbwr
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2017
tnrv'er & westend....Thanks for the kind words. We were lucky enough to have the $$ to buy what we wanted. By choosing actual RV furniture (or at least Flexsteel products), you can get them in sizes commonly found in RVs and Bradd & Hall make their cabinets based upon what works in RVs. After selecting the 74" Easybed, I searched around for a end table that would fit in the remaining space and I really couldn't find anything that only had an 11" wide top, let alone three nice drawers that are used in the design by Bradd & Hall. And, their darker cherry finish is a real close match for the trim found in my Minnie.
westend
Explorer
Feb 19, 2017
Looks like it all fit in there like a glove. Nice furnishings, too!
tnrv_er
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2017
Nice conversion. We have a couch in our KZ that we much prefer over a dinette.
I dont know why more manufactures dont offer the couch or 2 recliners as an option.
scbwr
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2017
Another consideration is that at least in the Winnebago Minnie series using the Schwintek slide out, they are offer models with a sofa, and one has a sofa with a wardrobe. So, it may be worthwhile to check other models of trailers made by the manufacturer of your trailer and see what layouts they offer using the same slideout as you have.

I really don't think you would have a problem replacing a dinette with two recliners unless you were to pick out extremely heavy recliners.
scbwr
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2017
I gave that some thought. In my case, I took in consideration that not only was there the original weight of the dinette, but also the stuff that was stored in the storage areas. Then, there was the weight of the adjustable post I had added as well as the table top itself, which wasn't exactly light. So, I proceeded with the project. After having the Easybed and cabinet installed, I operated the slide out several times, listening carefully for any change in sounds that could be a sign of a problem and I didn't hear any. So, I'm not really worried about any problems, but I'll know more after our upcoming 6 week trip.
TheBeans
Explorer
Feb 19, 2017
Very nice! We've been talking about taking out the dinette in our rig and putting in either a small sofa like yours or two small wall-hugger recliners. My biggest concern is the weight factor as the dinette is in the slide-out portion of the trailer. Anyone know anything about finding out what the weight limit is on a slideout?
bobndot
Explorer II
Feb 06, 2017
Nice job Stephen, tnx for taking the time to post the pic.
The cabinets look great and bring it all together.
Double bag that 5 lbs of potatoes, they might find their way to that couch. Once they make themselves comfortable, it's hard to get rid of them . :)
scbwr
Explorer II
Feb 06, 2017
NYCgrrl wrote:
Nice looking mod that allows you to use the space the way you want.
Thanks for making me re-think the "wheel":c.

Thanks for the kind words. I learned from this experience. We're considering getting a used class C in a few years and if we do, I wouldn't be worried about changing some furniture if needed. And, I know a little more what to look for in terms of removing a fixed dinette.