Welcome to the eighth entry in June’s Mega Mod Contest. One Mega Mod will be published in every Email Alert in June. At the end of the month, we’ll hold a reader vote to determine June’s winner. Click here for information about the 2021 Mod Contest, including how to enter.
Jeff Patterson, Castle Rock, Washington
Dinette to Easy Chair Conversion
2012 Ford F-350
1998 Alpenlite Durango 10
I’m a single guy and most of my RV adventures are solo. The dinette wasn’t what I needed and I found it very uncomfortable. I usually left the table at home and used the remaining seating as a couch. The arrangement wasn’t working for me!
My goal was to duplicate the at-home feeling, so I added a nice swivel recliner with heat and massage. I wanted the conversion to be reversible back to the factory configuration and I didn’t want to cut or screw into my camper.
I used 3/4-inch plywood as a base for the conversion. I cut a pattern that would provide a cut out for my legs when getting in and out of the chair.
Then, I replaced the top removable step that surrounds the table leg with a full-length step and fabricated a second step.
I used a 4×6 to support the chair base which is locked into position by cutouts in the lower step.
I carpeted all of the floor areas.
I also repaired water damage from a previous leak in the corner. I covered it with RV wood grain paneling and trim for a living room feel.
It will work perfectly for my lifestyle. The design is solid and I don’t expect any problems.
The supplies I used were 8×4 3/4-inch plywood, a recliner, carpet remnants, and RV paneling and trim. I bought the chair on Amazon.
It took me 20 hours to complete this modification and cost me $500. In my opinion, the skill level of this modification is medium to hard.
Disclaimer: The modifications above are submitted by Truck Camper Magazine readers. It is your responsibility to make sure that any do-it-yourself modification project you undertake is safe, effective, and legal for your situation.
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