Suggestions on front Dinette

[RLP]

('72 13 foot Boler) I want to turn my front bunks into a small two seater dinette with the ability to convert to a single bed if needed. I will remove the existing FG bench and start from scratch with light framing/sheathing etc. I'll mimic the seat height of the rear seats but I am not so certain about the width of the table for the front dinette. Rear table is 29" wide but if that is repeated at the front it's a very tight squeeze for even a skinny butt to get in around the stove top cabinet.

Would like to know from others who have done a similar mod, what table width worked well for you? I can adjust the seat depth based on table width since I am starting from scratch. When I put two standard size dinner plates somewhat close together and add a little bit, 24" wide table seems to be a minimum size. Your thoughts? Thanks.

[Thomas G.]

When I converted my UHaul, I rounded one corner of the table and also mounted it slightly of center to give more room to get into the tight seat. My table is 22" x 23"

[Hazel in Sk]

A front dinette is tempting me too. I'm wondering whether cutting into the existing fiberglass bench will weaken the structure of our Trillium though. Has anyone noticed any problems showing up after doing a front dinette?

[RLP]

Well, if one thinks about what one is doing, there shouldn't be a structural issue in my opinion. An existing FG bench is attached to the floor, front wall and around the front two corners up to the door and kitchen cabinet. The new seating will still be attached to the same locations. Although, one might pay close attention to the seat beside the door. The lower door hinge is close to the seat height so if the new seat changes the position of the exterior FG wall (in or out) then obviously the door hinge will move in or out which affects the door fit. When I bought my Boler, it had an obvious failure in this area but after drawing the side wall in closer to the seat with additional wood backing and screws, the door fit much better.

[Hazel in Sk]

Thank you.

[Donna D.]

Hazel, oftentimes when folks cut holes in the shell for baggage doors, the backside is reinforced. I'd do the same if cutting cabinetry. Here's an example, direct link: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post143417