Replaced My Dinette with a Couch & Storage Bins! Step-by-Step Part 2

This is how the couch turned out. It takes up so much less room and is sooo comfy! Yet - it has exactly the same seating capacity as the original dinette!

I have updated the cushions with new fabric, post to come!

How I built my Kayak Rack!

UPDATE - After 10,000 miles at highway speeds, the kayak rack has had no problems. I did just replace the bottom boards because they warped a little from being stored outside, but it was a simple job. 

I finally built a kayak rack, and it's been an unqualified success. I've had a lot of people ask how I did it -  I initially built 2 racks, one for each end of the kayaks as shown in the photo above.

But I found that instead of 15 MPG towing the camper, we got 9 MPG when we had the kayaks over the cab of the truck.

We even carry a Hobie Tandem Outfitter Kayak this way and still get great gas mileage.

How to Mount a TV on a Camper Wall DIY - with Invisible Reinforcement

I added a washing machine to my camper! Although it was a big improvement, it did require me to move the tv.  Here is the BEST way to mount it!

How I Added a Laundry to My Camper and You Can Too!! PLUS MORE HIDDEN STORAGE!

Eight weeks on the road is going to be a lot nicer! We now have a wonderful laundry! If you can find 18"x18"x35" you can have a wonderful laundry room too!! Here's how I did it.

I Am Going To Have A Laundry Room!! (adding a washer to my camper)

I'm actually installing a washer in my tiny camper!

UPDATE: It's finished - you can read the post here: "How I Added a Laundry Room to My camper - and You can Too!!

We are back from another 2 month camping trip. All kinds of excitement - kayaked with seals, sea lions and nutria. Watched whales and raccoon families. Explored tide pools and lighthouses.

Brand New Shower in One Day for $25!

If you don't have two tubes of caulking and a piece of plexiglass laying around it will cost you a few dollars more.

Since You Asked: Mods I've Made to My Li'l Camper

There are a LOT of tutorials here - They are in no particular order yet, so make sure you scroll all the way to the end. 

Amazing Swing Up Table

Finally a new post! and a sort-of tutorial!  Read on to see how to make an amazingly easy swing up table that:

1 - folds FLAT - no more than 1" thick

2 - takes no special hinges or accessories

3 - can build with what I have on hand

4 - costs nothing 

5 - can be mounted on any flat surface that will accept screws.

6 - very sturdy

7 - stylish design

8 Feet of Storage in 10 1/2 Inches

Okay, there is now about 11 inches between the arm of the couch and the bed. This is a major improvement, the dinette used to be flush against the edge of the bed which meant all four corners of the mattress had walls on them. It was so horrible to make up that bed!

I designed a shelf that is 10 and a half inches wide, 24 inches deep and the height of a dining table.

UPDATE - FULL TUTORIAL HERE

The shelf fits neatly between the couch and bed, and is on wheels. I can roll it out to make changing the sheets or just making up the bed so much easier! I guess I have no more excuses.

It adds 6 linear feet of new storage for things that used to sit on top of the dinette table.  The top is actually in 2 pieces. A tray that fits down over the top of the shelf can be removed to use as a bed tray, or to carry items out to the picnic table. 

I've designed a bracket system to build onto the top shelf it will allow the tray to sit flush with the top of the shelf and create a table that is approximately 24 by 22. I'll have pictures and a tutorial up soon!

Update: We did use the table a couple times, but then my wonderful daughter-in-law gave us a Lifetime 'Personal Table' that is PERFECT! 

It adjusts in height from 22" to 28" and we can use it outside. It folds flat and stores in our tiny shower when we are on the road.  Between the 'Personal Table' and the larger adjustable table, I am a huge fan of Lifetime products. And they're made in America!! (Those two links will bring you to the info page about the products, and they are affiliate links, so I get a few pennys when you buy one - thanks LOL)

The larger table has the advantage of going from coffee-table height to counter-height! We use it outside the camper as an extra counter for preparing food or just a place to keep things off the ground. 

Now Go Play Outside!

Dinette Destruction!! STEP 1 Removing Camper Dinette & Building Couch with Storage Baskets

Time to get serious!  Here is the floor plan that I started with:

You can see how much is taken up by the dinette - so follow along as I get rid of it!