Mods to roll over couch

singlefin

Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2016
Messages
24
Would like to get some ideas on any mods to improve the roll over couch. I have heard of folks removing the back rest in order to improve the "view" out the passenger bay window then adding bean bag chairs for back support. Also, heard of folks modifying the seat box and installing a Westy swivel table instead of the std FWC stationary table. Solicit your creative thoughts. Thanks


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Alternative to std FWC table?
The Lagun (or knockoff) swivel table bracket is a popular alternative.
It's my favorite mod I've made to my camper!

index.php


Well, OK, maybe the solar power system is the best mod...but the Lagun swivel table is a close second. :)
 
I ordered a Hawk with the rollover couch in May at Overland Expo West. I didn't like all the dead space between the couch back and window. After looking at it with Stan (I think) we determined that it would be pretty easy to make the couch back removable by using thumb screws to remove it from the brackets. There is an aluminum frame in the couch back that attaches to the brackets. This is my plan..

I believe we determined it can be laid on the bed for storage when dropping the top.


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IMO, the old style (pre-roll over) couch was a much better arrangement. it gave you 7 more inches of isle space with a removable back. maybe FWC should still offer that as an option.

CWD
 
Mickey, not sure what year the roll over couch appeared. I saw the first one when FWC was still in Riverside and it was fairly new then, maybe 2009?

RC Jim, I have seen pix of your gaucho couch and it is very clever.

CWD
 
Mickey Bitsko said:
CWD... what year/years were the pre-roll over couch ?
My 1997 Eagle has the pre-rollover couch. Pull up the seat, extend the legs, move it into the aisle. Release two hooks for the back and drop it next to the seat. Check that the cleats under the seat are properly situated to engage the cabinet underneath.

Easy, quicker to do than to write. Very solid if the cleats are in the right place.


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abqbw said:
I ordered a Hawk with the rollover couch in May at Overland Expo West. I didn't like all the dead space between the couch back and window. After looking at it with Stan (I think) we determined that it would be pretty easy to make the couch back removable by using thumb screws to remove it from the brackets. There is an aluminum frame in the couch back that attaches to the brackets. This is my plan..

I believe we determined it can be laid on the bed for storage when dropping the top.


Sent from my iPhone using Wander The West
Sounds like a good idea. Has anyone tried this, or thinks it would be relatively easy to do? I don't have a FWC, but would like to know if this is option before purchasing one with a rollover couch.
 
I have a 2001 "pre rollover" and hated the couch bed storage combo. Dang thing was a pain to access, took up a lot of floor space but the bed function did work well. It was a stupid simple design that would be very easy to replicate.
I ended up taking it out and making my own side dinette...
 
MarkBC said:
Alternative to std FWC table?
The Lagun (or knockoff) swivel table bracket is a popular alternative.
It's my favorite mod I've made to my camper!

index.php


Well, OK, maybe the solar power system is the best mod...but the Lagun swivel table is a close second. :)
I did the same with my Lagun knock-off however my base is about 18” from the corner. Behind the rollover seat back I store couple folding camp chairs, outdoor shower enclosure, folding soft outdoor table, first aid bag/kit and extra jackets sleeping bags.
 
oldhotrod said:
I have a 2001 "pre rollover" and hated the couch bed storage combo. Dang thing was a pain to access, took up a lot of floor space but the bed function did work well. It was a stupid simple design that would be very easy to replicate.
I ended up taking it out and making my own side dinette...
Do you have a pic of your side dinette? Did you keep any type of couch/bed design with your side dinette? I'm in agreement with you about the pre-rollover couch design as I have a 2001 and struggle with it all the time. It's good for storage but hard to access because the long cushion lid must be raised each time I get into it. It probably works fine for single people, but with two people and gear or clothes that get stacked on the cushion it can be a big hassle.

I'm thinking about cutting up the bench into several sections with separate cushions so table can be in center section but can also be used to assemble a flat couch/bed that mimicks existing dimensions. We enjoy stretching out on the couch when relaxing in rainy and cold weather, but I think the current pre-rollover design could be made to be more versatile and functional. I bought a Lagun table support, so it's just a matter of changing the current couch and seating config.
 
I also removed the back but kept the storage for a while but it wasn’t great because it took so much floor space. It’s much tighter in an Eagle already. I’ve removed it completely and now have an Engel on the floor and sturdy storage boxes I can remove and open up the floor space. I will figure something else out for additional sleeping area for the kids later.
I kept everything so I can return it to original if I ever sell it.
 
Wildcat said:
Do you have a pic of your side dinette? Did you keep any type of couch/bed design with your side dinette? I'm in agreement with you about the pre-rollover couch design as I have a 2001 and struggle with it all the time. It's good for storage but hard to access because the long cushion lid must be raised each time I get into it. It probably works fine for single people, but with two people and gear or clothes that get stacked on the cushion it can be a big hassle.
Yeah, here is a link to an album of mods...scroll down about half the album to see the side dinette with lagun table
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMwcWf2

this is ver 1, I am planning ver 2...still mostly in my head though...LOL
 
Thanks, but I'm not seeing the side dinette. I see your planning sketch near the bottom and a pic of the pre-rollover bench.
 
Wildcat said:
Thanks, but I'm not seeing the side dinette. I see your planning sketch near the bottom and a pic of the pre-rollover bench.
try it now...I see the whole album but then again, I am logged into flickr...lol
 
oldhotrod said:
try it now...I see the whole album but then again, I am logged into flickr...lol
Perfect! That's exactly what I'm aiming to do. Your pics are very helpful and I see I can get the table top on Amazon. You mentioned that you've been thinking about version 2... What do you not like about your current version?
 
Wildcat said:
Perfect! That's exactly what I'm aiming to do. Your pics are very helpful and I see I can get the table top on Amazon. You mentioned that you've been thinking about version 2... What do you not like about your current version?
I bought the cooler without measuring and it is a bit big but not changing it. I made the dinette to clear the cooler and it is a little narrow to sleep comfortably so next version will be relocated closer to the door and feature a sliding top. The seating will be about the same, only the sleeping version will be different and end up about a foot wider and longer.
...at least that is the goal. Eventually I would really like to design a new galley unit for the driver's side as well to better fit the cooler, and free up more floor space.
 

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