We have admired the modifications several people have made to convert their sofa seat to a small dinette. However, we didn't want to give up the porta-pottie storage that the seat provides. We just wanted a small table that we could use for eating, etc., then remove when we don't need it. I've never been fond of having to change the bed back to a table every day so I really wanted to find a way to have another table when we need it.

What I came up with is a funny-looking little table that works quite well! It is big enough for the two of us to eat, strong enough to support our TV/VCR and I also stenciled a backgammon design on it so we can use it as a game board. And by changing two of the table legs, we can even use it in our screen room.

I'll attach a few photos so you can see how it turned out. The back legs are 14" long & fit snugly between the seat & back cushions. The front legs are 28". The back of the table top rests against the cushion.

Here's another view showing the backgammon top.

This one is to show that it is big enough for two people to eat on (just barely!)

Here is a view under the table showing the removable legs. The legs and the hardware were bought a Lowe's. The 28" legs were just right but the other legs were 16", so I had to shorten them a couple of inches to make the table level.

Sandra,
Really cool idea. Would you mind sharing the tabletop dimensions?
Sharon

And here it is all taken apart for traveling.

What did you use for the tabletop?

We can remove the long legs, add two short one and use it in our screen room. The height is great between the two chairs.

Thanks, Sharon! I just used pine shelving from Lowe's. I wanted to use oak but it was a little pricey for the width I needed. The finished table top is 16" wide x 24" long. I just rounded off the front corners with a jigsaw. I stained it & used 3 coats of polyurethane. It was really easy!

Slick setup Sandra! I particularly like the backgammon board idea, and idea of legs setup to "step up" onto the seat.

Apparently, you two are both thinner than some of us, and tidier eaters. We wouldn't fit in that front seat space with a table; fortunately, we have 17' Boler, with more room...

VERY Crafty!

What a nice looking and functional mod. I like the table game idea!

Well, we're not exactly what you would call "thin" but we do fit easily on either side of the table. We eat most of our meals on the campground tables but this will be our back-up if it's rainy or too chilly to eat outside. It can be removed & broken down in about 30 seconds so it never has to be in our way. It's good to have options when you're camping in a 13-footer!

I really like this idea. I've been trying to think of something to use as a table, but no dice. this should be just perfect. thanks a bunch.

Brilliant Sandra! No great expense, pretty simple, and quite efficient. Great problem-solving! Go to the head of the class.

Thank you so much for the table idea. I have been trying to figure out what to do in the front of my Scamp and I think this will be great.

I just bought the parts and plan to make mine. Thank you very much for the suggestion.

I'm glad you like it! I'd love to see how your table turns out!

I like this idea. You can still use the original setup or change the table size without tearing the place apart. I can see about a dozen or more at the next campout.

Most excellent!



(That's a five-star rating. The sun IS a star, ya know )

This is a great idea! If you want something pre-made, I found a table about this size at Big Lots last year. It actually had two shelves and thus the legs were made to screw together with the shelf in between. I'll bet you could saw off the bottom of the lower set to get the right height. Then you would just screw in the "extra" bottom legs when you wanted to use it outside. I haven't tried it because my table sits on a chest holding my scanner and printer. I'll have to go find another one to use camping!

What is the hardware which you bought at Lowe's to make the legs so easily removeable? I like this idea and it looks so simple compared to doing a whole job of cutting up the bunks into a dinette.
Louise

Louise,
I don't remember what the little metal plates are called, but at Lowe's they were hanging right next to the table legs. The legs have a threaded metal piece in the top end. The hardware that is sold separately has a threaded hole for the leg to fit into and 4 holes to screw it into the under side of the table. Just be careful to buy the right type. One kind will hold the table leg perpendicular to the table (that's what you need) and the other kind will cause the table leg to be at an angle to it. I'll attach a pic of one of them.
Sandra

This is brilliant! I love sneaky cheap fixes to permanent problems! Where were you before my last trip when I made dinner for six in my 4500! Next stop, the hardware store!


Ryan