Parkliner Small Table Comfort

[Eiramyllop]

Hello, Parkliner owners! We're wondering whether a backrest could be created for the left/aft seat at the small table, the midsection table. Huz and I foresee using that midsection table a lot, but our creaky older backs require support. We'll both be fighting to sit at the right side. What do you think? Is there any way to add back support? Is it something we should ask Chandler to address? Thanks for any ideas!

[cpaharley2008]

I had trouble getting comfortable in the Parkliner side dinette. Do you have the bunk option, it may free up some room in the forward position. As far as back support on the aft position, I envisioned creating a seat with a back out of plywood and putting the cushion down on top for some support. Yes that wall in the Casitas serves a purpose.

[Carol in Illinois]

I know Chandler has thought about it, but haven't heard of any conclusions yet. I'm with you, Polly, I need a backrest. Once I get my trailer I'll have to see what I can come up with. Or....... maybe Chandler will come up with an idea REAL soon !

[Eiramyllop]

Carol, I imagine we're not alone! I'm adding 'back support for the midsection table' to our short list of options/alterations. Chandler will probably have some clever ideas for how to improve this. All that's needed, really, is something for the lumbar region - it doesn't have to be very high. Fingers crossed.

[deryk]

I don't really see it a problem makeing something. The fiberglass is molded in that area waith a slot for the supports for the bunkbed, So it looks like a piece of plywood could slide into that slot as a backrest(might be 2" wide, never measured it and since it' at my parents house can't just run out and check it). I haven't played with it because Im single and the front dinette seat is fine lol

[Eiramyllop]

Well, that's good to hear, deryk. I hope the mold is the same even though we're not getting the bunkbed option. I believe Chandler will take it as a challenge!

[deryk]

Polly Im certain the inside mould is the same for them...you never know1 day you might need the bunks....If I remember next week I will snap a photo of it.

[Eiramyllop]

Thanks, Derek, that's good to know about the molds. I really hope there's an inventive way to fashion a seat back. And I hope we won't regret not getting the bunk beds, but they're really not 'us'. However we are getting the corner shelf.

[Nat]

Just an idea if you don't mind the custom look, I would suggest finding a couple comfy and supportive swivel chairs and installing them in place. I don't know if there's storage under those chairs but a pedestal style swivel chair would look nice and clean or just install it on top of the original fireberglass box, add a little extra support and add a side door to the box.

[deryk]

I have thought about that...the seat with the back to the head might not work...would lose easy access to storage...but the other seat that would work great for.

[rabbit]

Check out thread "Front dinette conversion" currently active. Lot of advice, experience there with seating placed on top of lockers. Side dinette is much the same situation. Advice try before U buy is good advice. If the result isn't comfortable you won't be able to live with it. There are also issues of losing convertibility to bunk OR (if not permanently attached) where to stow seats when not in use.

jack

[accrete]

My wife and I may be adding a folding stadium seat(s) in that area. There are many styles and fabrics available these days and several levels of fit, trim, and comfort.

Thom

[Eiramyllop]

These are all ideas worth checking out, so thanks, everyone.
We heard back from Chandler that he has a design, but has not gotten it worked up for production yet. It will be interesting to see how he solves this problem.

[deryk]

I think its gonna be pretty easy, just a piece of half inch plywood with another board that would fill the thickness of the slot, and slide it in...add some trim to cover the edges and varnish to make it match the wood colour interior. Maybe a few snaps to hold the cushion to it, or forget the trim and varnish and make a pocket on the back of the cushion to slide over the board and that would work fine as well.

[accrete]

an update now that we've had our PL for a week...

I have been spending about an hour or so doodling on my netbook with WiFi on sitting at the side dinette with the stadium seats currently for sale at costco (they have the stadium blanket). I have been quite comfortable in the seat with the backrest. . . in fact the other afternoon i sort of got carried away and was in the seat for over two hours.

[Eiramyllop]

That's encouraging to hear. What a simple solution that would be!

[cpaharley2008]

I tried sitting in both seats, the rear one has no back support and the front one felt cramped, perhaps the table needed to be turned sideways or was incorrectly set up that day. Glad it works for you with the extra support from stadium seats.

[deryk]

Ive only sat at mine for short periods of time... the bad thing about it not being stored where I live...just can't go out and hang out in it lol. If someone is feeling creative the seat closest to the queen sized bed, a backpiece could be made to slide into the groove that is there for the bunk beds. Im not as wide as I used to be lol but don't have a problem sitting at the table. I think the longest I sat at it was around a half an hour 2 weekends ago haveing coffee waiting for it to get above freezing outside lol

[accrete]

I realize that by even bringing up the question the backless side dinette bench seats' design is not ideal...so ferreting out simple solutions can go a long way to adding comfort and useability.

For Cari & i, since the PL will not be slept in, but used rather for relaxing & meals-for-two...AND we LOVE the U-Shape lounge area, we've chosen to overlook the small inconvenience of the bench seat backless design and eat simple meals on the side dinette. If we have peeps over we can quickly set up a nice table for four in the rear

[Ray N]

We had the same problem with no back support in our EggCamper and bought these stadium seats from Amazon. Amazon.com: Picnic Time Portable Recreation Recliner Oniva Seat, Black: Patio, Lawn & Garden
We love them!
At first my wife didn't want to give up the beautiful cushions she had made, but after trying the new seats she won't go back.