Removing fixed table Rapido 746F and anchoring the dog

[Violet1956]

After trying out our van for a few weeks we find there is lots to love about it. What we both hate is the fixed table behind the cab seats.It's very heavy and completely blocks access to the cab from the rear when up (we are both more than 4 inches in depth in the trunk when side on!). When it is down we can step over it but it is still awkward. We also struggle with the various mechanisms it has for adjustment. We would rather remove it and have one that we can put up at whim for use either outside or inside the van. Has anyone done this on this model or similar? Are there any pitfalls? We would like to do it so that we could restore it to its usual position when we come to sell. Is it just a matter of removing the bolts attaching the central column to the floor and then putting a removable marine ply "box" structure over the top to cover the "damage"? I think I saw a Rapido advertised for sale when we were looking for our van that had this done to it. The OH is a capable diyer when it comes to woodwork.

 

It might also be handy to fix a D ring somewhere at the same time so we and anchor the dog in a travelling harness as our side facing bench seats, quite rightly, do not have seat belts.

 

I've trawled the forum but cannot find anything specific enough to help.

 

Cheers

 

Veronica *-)

[Randonneur]

We removed our fixed table in our previous van, a Pilote, it was held in by 4 bolts on the base but when removed left a hole but we used a small metal plate to cover it. Then used a tripod and table top, no problems at all with that. First of all we had to take the table top off and then unscrewed the base from the floor, it is not a difficult job its just that the top will probably be quite heavy. 2 photos of before and after.

[Violet1956]

Thanks Randonneur. Looks like the base of your table is very similar to the one on the Rapido. Do you remember how deep and how wide the hole was when you removed it? Did you just drop a metal plate in or did you fix it in some other way?

[Randonneur]

The hole was about 4" square and we used an aluminium plate that caravan legs sit on to stop them sinking into the ground. This just slotted into the hole. When you take the column out you will have to see what will fit and you are able to return it to normal if you sell your van at any time, luckily the couple who bought ours didn't want it putting back.