Modifying a new Winnebago

[sid-orlando]

Hi,

We are looking to purchase a new Winnebago Vista 31be ( that's the bunkhouse floor plan). The Thor ACE 30.2 is a near identical floor plan along with a couple of other manufacturers. I think it works really well for my family and how we intend to use it.

There is one issue though that my wife and I really don't like, but it is common to all of the aforementioned models. That is the big TV mounted directly over the dinette. I understand there's really no better place for it, but it really blocks the view for the kids seated at the dinette during travel. We would much rather have a large window there as opposed to the two tiny windows on either side the of the 40" tv, which hopefully we won't even use that often.


So the question then comes to say is it possible to mount the TV o to a retractable mount that swings it up to the ceiling when not in use. I could design and build something if you can't find it commercially. But then what I would really want is to cut out a new window to encompass the whole wall where the tv was and the two small windows are in the full wall slide. Is this crazy to do in a relatively brand new unit (2016). Am I just asking for trouble structurally or due to water leakage? I asked the dealer about it and he recommended against it for destroying the value of the RV, water damage etc. But as is, I just see the TV being in the way blocking the view for the kids.

Any thoughts or suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This would be our first ever RV

Thanks,
Sid

[garyemunson]

I expect cutting a window would void the MH warranty. You might want to look at the bedroom TV ceiling mount in the Winnebago 36Y model.

[DrewE]

Removing the TV or mounting it differently shouldn't be too difficult.

Changing the window arrangement would be a fairly significant structural change to the motorhome, and far from trivial. At the very least, consult with the manufacturer before trying this; you might be able to get a plan of the wall framing in the area to at least see what you're up against.

[jharrell]

I have the the same unit (31BE), IMO the tv is actually in the perfect location it can be used effectively while traveling and is straight across from couch. I have seen other bunk floorplans where they TV is covered by the slide, what where they thinking with kids traveling!?

Anything can be done, but I would worry about slide structure and cost of a large rv window. Just doesn't seem worth it, you can still get views out that side and when camping that side is usually looking at neighbors. Most of the view when driving even for the kids is out the front window and there is a large passenger side window behind couch. I couldn't see a place to effectively mount a TV from the ceiling and still use while traveling, also routing new power and antenna will be tough work through foam core ceiling.

31BE is a great coach, perfect size while still having bunks, Almost bought the ACE 30.2 then the 31BE came out, much more basement storage, higher floor with no step up to drivers area, generally better quality than the ACE.

[K_Charles]

I got one of these from Amazon and it works fine. I put a TV in a storage bay and it stays up during travel.