Table ... what to do! Advice please

[Mel B]

When we were at the Northern show, we got chatting to a lovely couple with a Chausson Flash, 2009 version, which was very similar to ours, however the chap had removed the wall-mounted table and replaced it with a pole mounted circular one and made an extra seat under the window, like a mini 'L' shaped layout. This is something I have toyed with doing in the past (I was going to change our previous Rimor, which had standard dinette layout, to a long L-shaped settee had we kept it) but having seen it 'in the flesh' in the Chausson I was surprised at the difference it made to the atmosphere in the 'van - really nice and cosy and more 'relaxing', so I have definitely decided to do a similar thing in ours, and this is where I need your help/advice please.

 

I can do it in several ways:

 

1) With an standard pole type island table leg in a floor mounted base, the leg and top would be removable. The only thing I did notice was that the top couldn't be moved closer to anyone if needed - it may be possible to get round this by making the top off-set to the leg but I'm not sure how stable it would then be.

 

2) I could instead get a more substantial island table support, which goes up/down, swings and also slides which would give it more manoeuvrability, however it would be more difficult, if not impossible, to remove if we wanted to fee up the space, they also are fairly expensive.

 

3) Alternatively, I could use a cranked pole type of table leg, the kind that you fasten to the side of a seat etc which then pivots round in a bracket, this would have a removable top and the leg itself could be removed if needs be (I do have a place which I could attach it to safely). It would also mean that the floor itself wasn't impeded with a base (the dog bed currently goes under the table). I'm not sure how stable this would be though.

 

So, has anyone any comments/experience of each of these type of table supports and if so how did you get on with them? Any good, or bad points, would be appreciated before I go ahead and do it.

 

:-D

[donna miller]

In reference to your point number 1,

 

Could you have the floor mount as a type of track or rail so that the table could be slid side to side, thus giving it a bit of manouverability.

If you offset the top, you could add an extra brace from the leg to the top to make it stable.

[lennyhb]

Ours is what you refer to as No 2, fixed pole table top that slides in both directions & lowers if needed.

 

We find it works well for us, personally I can not stand tables that have to be put away then got out every time you move or set up camp.

 

Only time it ever causes a problem is when I'm doing some mods additional wiring etc., hate having to grovel under the table but a small price worth paying for the convenience when in use.

[pepe63xnotuse]

Mornin' all..

 

Mel..it sounds like our Chausson Allegro has the arrangement you've got in mind..

..with the L shaped seat.and adjustable table...Have you thought of costing the table etc from Chausson,just to see how much it comes in at?...although I would imagine it'd be very expensive.. 8-)

 

(..if you do go ahead with "non standard" items,I would try and keep any alterations as "reversible" as possible,so as to mininize the any affect on the re-sale value..)

 

Personally,as for most of the time there's just the two of us,it think that our table is too big..I'd prefer an "extendable" type(..either drop down flap or slide out)...

I'll try and stick a couple of photos on,showing the sliding gear etc...

(..you'll notice that I've put a couple of self tapping screws into the base of the upright because it "squeaked" and drove me nuts!..and we never use the front bunk anyway..)

[Derek Uzzell]

A 4th option might be to have the table free-standing - then you could move it wherever you wanted and (perhaps) also use it outside. I'm thinking along the lines of the first advert on the following webpage:

 

http://www.rainbowconversions.co.uk/Equipment/Tables/tables.htm

 

My Hobby's table-top is in 3 parts - a central section, with hinged side-sections - and the top can be slid from side to side and rotated. To allow an emergency bed to be produced, the table's 'leg' is also telescopic. Although this overall arrangement is versatile, it's likely to be difficult to DIY achieve, or very expensive if you use purpose-designed parts unless you can source them from, say, a caravan/motorhome breaker.

 

The Hobby's telescopic table-leg is undoubtedly the "Primero" product shown on this webpage:

 

http://www.caravansplus.com.au/catalog/index.php?cPath=35_989_499

 

Note the asking-price and, in the Hobby's case, there would be the (considerable) extra cost of the hinged table-top and the mechanism that allows the top to be slid/rotated and locked in position.

[pepe63xnotuse]

Blimey Derek? 8-) ...faced with those prices in that second link,I think I'd probably end using a tray and eating off my lap! (lol) (lol)

[Tony Jones]

Hi Mel

 

Our Cavarno has your "option 1," single leg set off-centre. It gives us the flexibility to use the table in different ways (of course they all involve EATING - behave!).

 

It's perfectly stable, but I guess if it was set too far off centre that might become a problem. Incidentally, ours has a "fluted" tubular leg, not a smooth one - that may help the grip, hence the stability.

[smifee]

I removed the table from our Hymer and we now use a couple of 'Tablemates'. They are very light, collapsable and height adjustable. Can be used outside as well.

 

Lots more room in the van and no more bruises on my hip (lol)

[antony1969]

Mel , what about those trays with cushions under em to eat ya meals on or could ya not just eat out ?

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

What about a Fiamma Tripod Pro, of course you'd need to source a table with socket as well, but gives you great flexibility, for inside or outside use, see here.

 

http://www.rainbowconversions.co.uk/Equipment/Tables/tables.htm

 

 

[Derek Uzzell]

Mel B - 2011-08-04 10:15 PM

 

When we were at the Northern show, we got chatting to a lovely couple with a Chausson Flash, 2009 version, which was very similar to ours, however the chap had removed the wall-mounted table and replaced it with a pole mounted circular one and made an extra seat under the window, like a mini 'L' shaped layout...

 

Mel:

 

I note that the Chausson Flash with the DIY-modified seating was "very similar" to yours, which implies that it wasn't actually a Flash 04.

 

I've looked at a 2010 Chausson brochure and it seems that only one other Flash model - the 14 - has the same seating arrangement as your Flash 04. The other 'half-dinette' Flashes (although superficially similar) have a wider wall-mounted table and more space between the front of the dinette seat and the cab-area. This makes me wonder whether, after you've inserted a narrow extra seat to produce your 'mini-L' layout, you'll end up with something genuinely worth having. I guess what I'm saying is that, before you worry about the table, you need to be 100% sure that your basic seat-modification plan is sound. Perhaps you've already made a mock-up of the extra seat and found that the result is OK but, if not, I suggest that should be your first priority.

 

Our Hobby's 'lounge' seating is far from wonderful, primarily because it's compromised by Hobby's insistence that the seating can be converted into a jig-saw-style single bed. If the vehicle had been marketed as a pure 2-berther and the lounge designed accordingly, then a much more comfortable front lounge could have resulted. However, although I've contemplated cutting-and-shutting the original seating (and I've got several metres of matching upholstery material that would allow replacement cushions to be produced), I'm not confident that the result would justify the effort. What is really needed is everything currently between the end of the kitchen and the beginning of the cab area to have been deleted at the design stage and a major re-thinking of the seating/table type and positioning.

[Mel B]

Derek Uzzell - 2011-08-06 8:54 AM

 

Mel B - 2011-08-04 10:15 PM

 

When we were at the Northern show, we got chatting to a lovely couple with a Chausson Flash, 2009 version, which was very similar to ours, however the chap had removed the wall-mounted table and replaced it with a pole mounted circular one and made an extra seat under the window, like a mini 'L' shaped layout...

 

Mel:

 

I note that the Chausson Flash with the DIY-modified seating was "very similar" to yours, which implies that it wasn't actually a Flash 04.

 

Sorry to confuse you Derek :D it was a Chausson Flash 04, but a 2009 version, which has a different sink in the shower room, different doors on the cupboards, no side 'cubby holes' next to the overcab locker, and a few more minor differences, but otherwise is the same as ours, so I know the change will work in our van because the seating layout/size is exactly the same. I take your point about the seat size but having seen it in the flesh it was definitely usable. As I have made covers for all of our 'habitation' seats anyway, making up extra cushions and with matching covers isn't a problem as I've still got some of the material left. The only thing that could be compromised is if we wanted to use the single bed which is made up by using the existing table, but it is extremely unlikely, and if I thought it would be needed I could soon sort something out for that, or take the original table if needs be (I'll be leaving the wall rail in situ and placing cushions in front of it).

 

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions - I need to have a table because there's no worksurface other than the hob and sink tops in the van and a removable extension that I made which fits next to the cooker, so making do with lap trays isn't a option! :-S

 

Having a table that has to be stowed every time we move isn't an option either, it would drive us nuts. I've also got to consider our heffalump of a dog - Romy - who occasionally jumps up on the table, although not so much now and probably even less with one that would 'move' and scare her silly if she did!!!! *-)

 

I had already though of doing a hinged top of some sort, so that if we did need more table space I could extend it, but it really depends on what 'leg' I get first.

 

I doubt if I'd use the table outside as we have a nice lightweight camping table already and I'd still need some work space in the van when preparing food etc (less likely to dint the table and cupboards either if I'm not moving it in and out of the van).

 

As for making sure its done so that it doesn't detract from the van when we come to sell it in the future, I'm always careful that things can be 'undone' or only 'add' to the van's appeal, so not a problem there.

 

I'm probably going off the idea of a 'fixed' table, and leaning more towards the pole mounted, or swing type ... just gotta make my mind up! :-D

[flicka]

Hi Mel

Our Autocruise Sportstar layout is typically a mirror image of your Chausson Flash 04 & we have fitted a "Cranked-arm" table leg to the forward panel of the nearside side facing seat base.

This table is as stable as the original side mounted table, but also swivels to enable use from the Cab Passenger Seat, the side facing rear seat or the inner most side of the half dinette.It also swivels out of the way over the side facing rear seat during travels, so it does not impete access from cab to rear.

We got our Table Leg & Top from Magnum Motorhomes, but have seen the same at O'Leary's (closer to you).

We find that it we use it more that the original table, especially if only stopping for a cuppa, when travelling.

The only problem we had, was matching our original Table top, but for convienience we are prepared to put up with the mis-match.

The "cranked-leg" is the expensive part, around £60. (make sure the fixing kit is included)

O'Leary's also had a more expensive option that enables you to swivel the table top through to the vertical position for travelling, but we thought that was NOT as stable in it's use position.

Our Table top is approx 24" x 20", but circular ones were also available, for next to no money,(Manufacturer's excess stock) upto around £25 for new, depending on your choise.

[Keith T]

Hi Mel, we've done this twice, very successfully.

Firstly on the Rapdio 710 which as standard had a huge/heavy table fitted to the rear lounge (which then on its mechanism dropped down to become the bed-base). When we bought the van from Rapido Wokingham, we arranged that the table would not be bolted down on delivery, and instead, as the rear floor was raised, they fitted one of the recessed floor fittings, and we used the 'small.' table from the front lounge suitable adapted with the 'above floor' fittings screwed underneath the table top To make the bed up, we used MDF.which then could fit under the side seats (ie ouf of the way!) during the day. That was very succesfull. We also had the tripod for outdoor use, but to be honest found this quite unstable, unless you could guarantee 100% level and flat ground - usually not possible!

Now we have a Burstner Marano with a similar configuration of the rear lounge/bed, but find whilst we need the table top (for which they have designed an excellent storage arrangement when not in use).. However the floor is flat all the way from front to back, so we have fitted an .above floor' base, and bought a lightweight small table from IKEA, and as with the Rapido, fitten an above floor base under the table top (this did require additional plywood as the table as sold had insufficient strength to be stable enough. This is more than adequate for the two of use to use as dining table, and socialising it is excellent s a drinks table. It certainly relases 'space' both visually and in reality when sitting in thta area.

The 'ab.ove floor' mounting doesnt cause any undue problems

 

[Mel B]

Thanks guys, you can't beat hearing from someone who has used these types of tables and/or fitted one themselves.

 

flicka - I agree with you about the one that you can tip to vertical which might not be as stabled as the other type, especially if our heffalump Romy decided to jump on/near it - it's not something that we'd need to do anyway.

 

I've already found out that O'Leary's do a cranked leg with fittings for £69.99 - what do you think of it?

 

O'Leary table leg

 

Keith - my thoughts exactly about the tripod base! There's no way I'd risk it with our little hairy monsters running around, it's bad enough with a 'normal' 4-legged table!!!

 

As for a table top, I'm sure I can make one without a problem for our needs, either utilising a 'normal' table (car boots are brilliant for stuff like this) or making one from MDF, I've already got some edging trim which I picked up at a car boot sale last week so that's one 'part' acquired already. As I always cover tables with protective material and a plastic cover, if it doesn't match it's not a major issue anyway.

 

I've been thinking how I'd deal with the situation if I needed a larger table at some point, say if we had others round for a meal in the van, and came up with the idea of putting a flip-up 'surface' where the existing sliding table rail is, which could be used if needs be, a bit like a worktop extension flap, but it would be hidden behind the 'new seat' back cusion when not needed, it could also serve as a small drinks table, out of the way, if we removed the other table completely ... I'm coming up with loads of ideas as you can tell!!! :D

[flicka]

Mel B - 2011-08-07 4:57 PM

 

Thanks guys, you can't beat hearing from someone who has used these types of tables and/or fitted one themselves.

 

flicka - I agree with you about the one that you can tip to vertical which might not be as stabled as the other type, especially if our heffalump Romy decided to jump on/near it - it's not something that we'd need to do anyway.

 

I've already found out that O'Leary's do a cranked leg with fittings for £69.99 - what do you think of it?

 

O'Leary table leg

 

 

:D

Hi Mel

Your link only took me to the search page, but I think this is the one you mention "Super Value 4 Piece Swing-Out Leg Kit Chrome. Comprises: Cranked Leg with Locking Clamp, Detachable Table Mount, Vertical Bracket with Locking Screw, Floor Bracket. Dimensions: Bottom of leg to top of table mount 740mm, Tubing diameter 45mm, Table mount 200mm sq., Crank offset 330mm (all dimensions approximate). Material: Plated steel. Tube can be cut with a hacksaw if necessary. "

 

It has the "detachable table mount" extra to the cranked leg we have. (shows at the end of the "cranked section on O'Leary's web page) so I assume that is where the price difference comes in.

I was surprised by O'Leary's prices for the Table tops !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-(

Magnum have a good selection, much cheaper.

To retain access through to the cab, could you not just reduce the length of your existing Table then refit the wall mounting (?)

[Mel B]

Hi Flicka

 

That's the one at O'Learys, try as I might I can't find on on the Magnum Motorhomes site - if you know where it is please tell me!!! :-D

 

Getting through from the cab isn't a problem and I wouldn't want to alter the existing table.

 

 

[flicka]

Hi Mel

Like you I can't find them on Magnum's website, but they had some in stock when |I went in last month, so it may be worth a phone call to them.

 

Also Reimo Conversions worth a try

http://www.reimo.com/katalog/vanprofi/flash.html#/13/ (page 12 - this has a bar at it's base)

or

http://www.jaccampers.co.uk/table_accessories.htm (1/3rd down page)

 

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1ij3w/CAKTanks2009Catalogu/resources/95.htm

(item TSSVGFB page 95 but no price shown)

[flicka]

Hi Mel

Another source for Table leg

http://www.autocraftmotorcaravans.com/detail.asp?c=141&p={AB8E871C-ACB9-42C7-B009-0A9F91D97093}

 

[art338]

I can see 'another van' being lined up here, one that has the better table arrangement already.

 

art

[Mel B]

No chance Art, I love our van, even with the current table arrangement, but like all things, if it can be improved without too much hassle, why not? :-D

[Mel B]

Thanks Flicka, I'll try ringing Magnum and see what they've got. I managed to find a CAK Tanks Feb 2011 price list on the web with a price of £65.73 for the full leg kit, plus postage.

 

[Mel B]

Update - I've bought one!

 

I managed to 'win' one on ebay:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280737956869?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

It has just been collected by Parcel Force and we should get it on Monday so I'll be able to have a 'play' next week!!!

[pepe63xnotuse]

That's a very good price,Mel.. ;-)

 

I assume that the area it'll end up being fixed to,is strong enough to take the fixings..?

(...as,with the leverage involved, it will put a fair amount of stress on the fixing on the top bracket...)

 

:-S

[flicka]

Glad you got sorted, Mel.

Not able to see what you actually got as it has already dissappeared off "fleabay"

 

Did you find a suitable Table top ?