Under Dinette Seat Storage

[Panhandler]

When we were camper shopping, we were torn between the Fun Finder 214WSD and the Kodiak 221RBSL. Minor differences, same layout. We ended up with the Kodiak, because we got a better deal on it. No regrets. That said, one feature the Fun Finder had that I wish the Kodiak had was drawers under the Dinette seats. There is plenty of storage there, but access is a major pain! I decided to do something about it. I originally thought I would put in drawers with tracks and all, but on reflection decided I was over-engineering it. I opted for doors and a tray or tub that will pull out. Since specifics vary from one unit to another, I won't get into a lot of detail, except to assure you I'm no cabinet maker, just a guy with average wood and tool skills. I used a picture frame (14-3/4"x11-7/8" outside dim.) from WalMart (SKU 42828 19247), about $8. I carefully cut a section of paneling out (This was the scary part), using the frame insert as a template, and glued it into the frame. It probably wasn't necessary, but I added a matching piece of scrap tileboard behind to double the panel thickness for strength. Then, after trimming the inside edge of the hole with scrap, I mounted the door with a brass piano hinge ($9 at Ace for a 2' section... enough to do both sides) and used a magnetic latch ($1.29 ea. at Ace). One side is done (pics attached). I'm encouraged, so will start other one tomorrow. If magnetic latches prove inadequate, I'll swap the for some kind of positive latch. Road test will come next month!

[Adair1965]

Thank looks really good. I think i'll try that with my 291 resl.

[hddecker]

Very nice and a lot more cost effective than to have the factory do it.

One of the items on my to do list is replace the chairs with booths.

We went with the table and chairs for that homey feel. Only problem is the chairs don't feel very homey, may as well be sitting on a board.

[Panhandler]

Update: All done! I think I'm gonna like this little mod...

[prm99v6]

Nice!

[wahoonc]

Nice job... might have to add that one to my list.

Aaron

[grump010]

Really nice modification, I will be doing this mod before our next vacation in 2 weeks. The table legs setup that you have is that a factory setup or aftermarket, we only have 2 detachable legs on our table but I like your setup much better.

Cheers
Daryl B.

[rcharrette]

That is EXACTLY what I was telling my wife we need to do in our 240BHSL. Thanks for the pic's and info!

[Panhandler]

Originally Posted by grump010

Really nice modification, I will be doing this mod before our next vacation in 2 weeks. The table legs setup that you have is that a factory setup or aftermarket, we only have 2 detachable legs on our table but I like your setup much better.

Cheers
Daryl B.

Thanks, Daryl. We've seen the dual-pedestal tables as well, but ours came with this one from the factory. The two verticals fold into a sort of collapsed Z that results in a table which not only rests on the lips of the dinette seats, but also still has its own supporting frame. I'll see if I can fold it tomorrow and post a picture on this thread for those that are curious. As I said, it's factory...

[grump010]

Thanks Bob,
I found the table frame online at RV Surplus and I will probably order it this week if shipping isn't too absurd. Seems to be a pretty slick unit, is it stable when in the upright position?
We almost bought the same model Kodiak as yours but opted for the Aerolite with the same floor plan the only exception is the TV wall is omitted at the end of the bed on the Aerolite which leaves more room for my feet to hang over the end.

Cheers
Daryl B.

[Panhandler]

For Daryl and any others who may be curious about the table that came with our Kodiak in lieu of the two-pedestal version. The pictures of the project show it well enough in normal dinette usage, I think. Here are some that show how it converts to "bed" mode. It's as stable as any free-standing table, I suppose, and the feet are individually adjustable. We do like that the cleats on the edge of the dinette seats are not obliged to bear the weight of the table and a sleeping occupant. They mostly prevent possible "rocking". Our 17 year-old granddaughter went out west with us last summer and used it nightly for 7 weeks with no issues.

As Daryl said, the frame appears to be available aftermarket from FactoryRVSurplus.com:
V-40 - SNAP 2 Folding Table Base - Price: $69.00 - Factory RV Surplus - 1611 W Bristol St, Elkhart, IN 46514 (800) 325-1461 (574) 262-3327

Happy trails everyone and thanks for the responses and kind words!

[grump010]

Thanks,
I'm sold! Appears to be much better than what we currently have. I'm going to order it tomorrow morning.

Thanks
Daryl B.

[wildwest450]

My parents live in Oneida, how about I bring mine over and you can add those to our 213?
Kidding, nice work, definitely gonna do this.

[Panhandler]

Originally Posted by dawniewest

My parents live in Oneida, how about I bring mine over and you can add those to our 213?
Kidding, nice work, definitely gonna do this.

Dawniewest: Thanks! Holler next time you're coming to Oneida. Who knows? We might even be home. We're right on Main. fone (phonetically) ate-phive-oh, tree-sicks-ate, fore-too-phive-nein

We're headed out with the Kodiak for three-four weeks starting Thursday. Fall Creek Falls, Old Hickory, then the Natchez Trace.

[Panhandler]

A quick update: Having arrived home from a 3-1/2 week trip across TN, down the Natchez Trace Parkway (every foot of the 444 miles) and up through AL, I'm happy to report that we accessed items under both dinette seats numerous times and not once had to remove a dinette cushion (let alone four, as was previously necessary).

Can you say "Happy Campers"?

[sundancer 87]

Good job all around with the storage engineering.

You know the manufacturer will include that as an upgrade in next year's models. I sure hope they send you a nice check for your invention.

ps, lots of us are still waiting on our invention/engineering checks

[Panhandler]

Thanks, Sundancer,
As a bit of irony, you may recall that I originally took this on because I envied the drawers in that location on a friend's Fun Finder. Part of our recent adventure was in the company of a mutual friend and their new View Finder (both made by Cruiser RV). It turned out the View Finder had doors with slide-out tubs instead of drawers (functionally the same as my arrangement) and our mutual friend had removed the drawers from his Fun Finder and gone to doors as well. Made me feel pretty good. Sometimes simpler is better!
Safe travels!

[Howard10]

Looks great. This can be done on several Kodiak/Ultralite units with similar seating. Adding this one to my project list!

[MillerTime5]

Any idea on the width & depth of storage area under the dinette seating in the 283BHSL or similar model? We don't pick up until later this week but I'm wanting to get some storage containers for that area. Actually any storage dimensions for that model would be great.

[Panhandler]

No idea how similar (or different) the dimensions would be. The layout is certainly different. May be someone with that model will chime in. If not, I'd hold off on getting the containers. It's just a few days.....