Quote:
Originally Posted by jage
I would think something (support) that folds around from the side might be in order...
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That is exactly change order #1. When I did it, I thought I wanted the folding top to be the same size as the original top, thus a side mounted bracket wouldn't have worked. Have changed my mind on that. The main changes I'd make would be:
1. Put the shelf bracket on the side near the rear of the vehicle.
2. Change the size of BOTH the table top component (thus removing the original). I'd make them both extend about 1-2" more towards the gaucho (must make sure the bed still folds out and that you don't bang your head on the extended top when sleeping), 1-2" more towards the sink counter (for every inch you add, the opened size increases by 2"), and perhaps .5-1" more towards the front of the van.
3. Consider making at least the flip out part out of bamboo or that solid polyethylene cutting board material, so that you have an integrated cutting board. Right now we keep a thin cutting board under the folding top so it's always there. Advantage is we can move the cutting board to the sink to wash it I guess.
4. Consider making the table top surface, when exposed, be both a chess set top and a backgammon top. The ultimate would be to have those out of bamboo, so it would be a game board and cutting surface and table top.
Now, you seem to like the passenger chair. A couple of notes:
A. You realize that the swing out cabinet lifts off so you can move it closer to you, don't you? It's kinda hard to get back on, so I cut down the length of the top hinge connect so that it's now much easier to put back on. Basically, now you put the bottom hinge together and then slide it down till the top hinge is connected instead of having to align both of them simultaneously.
B. You could easily put a second fold up table on the side door nearest your seat. You'd cover the speaker that's on that door, but it would basically be a table top piece that is folded down with one of those folding supports under it... you lift it up and it locks in place in front of you. You could make one that's large, but it would cover that lower door compartment, and you wouldn't be able to open the side door when the table was down if it's that long.