Replace Camper Dinette With Comfy Couch and Storage

Wacky Pup
by Wacky Pup
5 Materials
This is my first project to post on Hometalk . I'll show you how to replace your uncomfortable camper dinette with a comfortable couch and make the storage much more accessible! Use the existing cushions and a sheet or two of plywood.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if something isn't clear. Well, I know a couple of the photos are not clear but they are the best I had LOL.
Comfy Couch!
This is such an improvement - the old set up was that you had to get down on your hands and knees to see what was under the bench seats, or remove everything and take off the cushions. Now I just slide out a drawer!
Look at all this storage!
Most of the wood to build the couch was saved from the dinette. I could have used the backs of the dinette seats for the new couch arms as well, but I just cut two pieces of 1/2" plywood instead. ( Many more pictures on my Wacky Pup blog )
Ok, I admit, in the photo it doesn't look like much, but we're talking about 6" folks! Six whole inches in my tiny camper, which is a lot - It's actually 3 square feet more space than I had before. Ok, I know it still doesn't sound like a lot LOL
Does this picture help? Now you can see what a difference it makes! In addition to gaining walking room, I had room for a storage trolley that has 8 feet of shelving - AND I found a 24"x24" empty space under the head of the bed that had been hidden and could now be used for additional storage!
Almost 6' x 30" of room to use
First, remove the existing dinette. Measure the space, it should be almost 6' long. Build the couch seat and frame to fit your two cushions end to end. Make sure they fit in the space. You might have to cut a little off the cushions if your dinette was very wide.
Build the platform that the cushions will sit on. I used some springs from an old couch to make mine super comfy. If you don't have springs, you can just use a plywood base.
Frame for couch & baskets
Build the framing to support the couch, and to keep the boxes separated while you're traveling.
Build boxes that fit under couch. I made two wide and two a little narrower, but you could make them all the same size. Mine are shaped to go over the wheel well that is along the wall. The handles are made from an old leather belt (more complete instructions on Wacky Pup blog)
I used my body pillow and two extra bed pillows for the arms and back. They are more comfortable than the original foam backs. I chose this fabric because 1) it was in my stash (most important) and 2) it doesn't show show dog hair/dirt/leaves, etc. which is important when you're traveling.
When I was done there was about 11" left between the couch and the bed. Perfect space for a storage trolley! I also designed a removable table system of two snack tables and a dining/game table that fit on the couch. All this is on my Wacky Pup blog in a lot more detail - come on out and let me know what you think!
Suggested materials:
  • Wood   (lumber yard)
  • Old couch springs   (had)
  • Fabric   (Fabric Store)
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Wacky Pup
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Haysha S. Haysha S. on Nov 21, 2016
    Great Job!
  • Char. Char. on Nov 21, 2016
    We live in. 32 foot rv. full time. Would love love to see more ideas on how to make it more Homey. Maybe a section on home talk devoted to this as more people r starting to live the small house lifestyle. Any ideas?
    • Wacky Pup Wacky Pup on Nov 21, 2016
      I have a lot of ideas & projects for making a camper more livable on my blog https://wackypup.blogspot.com My husband, myself and our two dogs live our tiny 18' camper for 80+ days at a time. I even added a washer - and show you how! Let me know what you think.
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