Has anyone taken out a standard club lounge?

MaryJane · Senior Member

Has anyone taken out a standard club lounge?

aussie_paul · Guru

Great topic for us as well. We are wanting to do the same thing to our van, as I am somewhat disabled and need a comfy lounge chair for touring. Have spoken to Jayco who are not overly keen on taking on our job. They did mention that any chair has to fit through the door otherwise it would require removal and refit of a window. Approx. 4 hours for each job. They also recommended keeping the club lounge intact so that it could be put back in the van if we decided to sell. I wonder which layout would have the better resale demographic.

So, we are awaiting replies to MJ's topic.

Aussie Paul. smile

MaryJane · Senior Member

Hi Aussie Paul,

Regarding chairs, I spoke to one dealer, and the verdict was, supply the chair you want to sit in and we will design around it. But an expensive van.

I have a cunning plan, I'm going to fire off some emails in the next week or two. If I get any positive response, I will PM you.

Safari caravans are also happy to negotiate. I hope to visit them next week.

And Safari have a fairly low tare and atm, like Jayco.

Cheers,

MJ

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

we have been thinking about this for a few years, but why send a PM when other members on here maybe interested in the topic and results, can I suggest you continue with the topic here as well as PM's if you wish.

deverall11 · Guru

Supeme, Crusader and Golden Eagle/Paramount offer recliners as a standard floor plan. Alternatively, they will build you a custom floor plan.
Larry

MaryJane · Senior Member

Thanks Larry, I'll look into them. I know Safari do too.

Also, I contacted Jayco Frankston, and they will come to the party and make the modification. However, they have a main support near the bed, and this can only be compromised so much. Therefore, it's not really open plan.

So Campbellfield next week for a day trip to check out the many dealers there. I called in to New Age too, they will custom build, but big $$.

regal have my dream van, HUGE open floor space and ensuite, perfect. But a starting price of 70K. Hence the shopping around...

-- Edited by MaryJane on Tuesday 6th of May 2014 07:15:08 PM

deverall11 · Guru

MaryJane wrote:

regal have my dream van, HUGE open floor space and ensuite, perfect. But a starting price of 70K. Hence the shopping around...

-- Edited by MaryJane on Tuesday 6th of May 2014 07:15:08 PM

MaryJane, we are currently looking at upgrading our van. We saw a Regal (the archer) and liked the floorplan but not so much the $$. Golden Eagle may be an option.

Larry

MaryJane · Senior Member

deverall11 wrote:
MaryJane wrote:

regal have my dream van, HUGE open floor space and ensuite, perfect. But a starting price of 70K. Hence the shopping around...

-- Edited by MaryJane on Tuesday 6th of May 2014 07:15:08 PM
MaryJane, we are currently looking at upgrading our van. We saw a Regal (the archer) and liked the floorplan but not so much the $$. Golden Eagle may be an option.
Larry

Thanks for that Larry. I rang Supreme today, they've brought out a new light weight van ( save me changing tug) will do any configuration. Good $$, tandem axle, full ensuite, many extras as standard, 19ft, 52k and willing to talk. I will head out there in the next week or so. Tis a minefield out there !!

MJ

Hydeeeho · Senior Member

Howdy everyone,
We have done just that, removed that most uncomfortable L shaped lounge in our Avan Owen 2011, this mod was done when the caravan was only 3mths old, we bought 2 swivel/recliners from OfficeWorks and cost us just under $300 for both, that was 2 years ago and they are still going very well, I did the Reno myself and had carpet laid where that stupid L shaped lounge was

Friar Park · Senior Member

I took out the dining/lounge area in my old Compass.Installed two recliners. Put in a second slideout pantry and new flush top sink. Totally recovered the floor. All done by my wife and myself. Take a look in 'Show us your Rig" This may be something like what you want to do.

Friar

scottynbulldog · Senior Member

We took ours out to and bought 2 recliners. Bought 1lager bookcase and 2 small ones from Ikea and fitted them over the wheel arch. Cover the front of them with 2 boards when travelling so have more adjustable shelf space. Works well and we use our small table for indoors and out.

aussie_paul · Guru

Any installation pics or brand names of recliners that might help us please?

Aussie Paul. smile

MaryJane · Senior Member

aussie_paul wrote:
Any installation pics or brand names of recliners that might help us please?

Aussie Paul.

Hi Aussie Paul,

been trawling round more vans today... And office works seems to be the go ( manufacturer will supply) but I'm not entirely sure I want leather, and comfort is paramount. Just remember your door measurements/chair are crucial. Also, I don't want a full recliner, just partial, as I have a faithful old pouffe as a foot stool.

-- Edited by MaryJane on Friday 9th of May 2014 06:25:43 PM

MaryJane · Senior Member

Further to my original post... I've been researching and looking again. In an ideal world I keep my tow, rated at 2.5 ton. And I think I may have found my answer today. Spent 1.5 hours chewing the salesman's ear. He was great. Absolutely nothing that he wouldn't consider... And he is the first sales person to spend so much time, most seem to be bored in less than 30mins!! And I'm hoping for a tare of around 2 ton. Plus the van build was awesome quality, in my opinion. And on a 21ft van, interior, ie loads of space.

-- Edited by MaryJane on Friday 9th of May 2014 06:57:03 PM

MaryJane · Senior Member

aussie_paul wrote:
Any installation pics or brand names of recliners that might help us please?

Aussie Paul.

I rang the guys who service my van (Bayswater, Melb) and they do this Reno, including fitting tri fold table. I would have to take van in for exact quote, but around $2,500 with table. Cheaper than buying a diff van.

aussie_paul · Guru

MaryJane wrote:
aussie_paul wrote:
Any installation pics or brand names of recliners that might help us please?

Aussie Paul.
I rang the guys who service my van (Bayswater, Melb) and they do this Reno, including fitting tri fold table. I would have to take van in for exact quote, but around $2,500 with table. Cheaper than buying a diff van.

Does that include the chairs MaryJane? Sat in a van with lounge chairs in Moama today and very comfortable for my back. Here in Ballarat I was quoted approx $1,000 if we supply the chairs. This is what we sat in. Nordic recliner.

https://www.woodbridgefurniture.com.au/nordic-60-swivel-recliner-and-footstool-prime-leather

Aussie Paul. smile

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 28th of May 2014 11:13:09 PM

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 29th of May 2014 06:50:39 PM

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Thursday 29th of May 2014 06:50:59 PM

MaryJane · Senior Member

Hi Aussie Paul,

no quote doesn't include chairs. Yesterday it rained all day, so I was stuck indoors, and started removing the lounge (figured I could put it back if I didn't like it). It was very simple really. Jayco said I should not do this as it has an affect on the wall stabilisation. However, I have left part of the seat, which is all I need for sitting. It has opened up the floor space and Im happy with it. I will get a cabinet maker to build something over the wheel arch, maybe even a small cupboard, with the tri fold above the cupboard.

As for filling in holes, making new cushions, I'll do that myself, over time.

This was the cheapest option. Also, had I completely removed the l shape, I would still need some of the wall ( infront of bed) for support, so I figured I'd just leave it for now and see how I go.

-- Edited by MaryJane on Monday 2nd of June 2014 05:47:39 PM

-- Edited by MaryJane on Monday 2nd of June 2014 05:48:41 PM

MaryJane · Senior Member

Friar Park wrote:
I took out the dining/lounge area in my old Compass.Installed two recliners. Put in a second slideout pantry and new flush top sink. Totally recovered the floor. All done by my wife and myself. Take a look in 'Show us your Rig" This may be something like what you want to do.
Friar

Thanks Friar,

took me ages to find the pics, but I really like what you have done.

MJ

turbopete · Senior Member

HI paul There are some comfortable fold up/recliners chairs ,I sat in most of them and found the Companion the most comfortable for me

aussie_paul · Guru

Ok, well on the way now re lounge chairs. Found two suitable chairs on the floor here in Ballarat. Both the same suitable colour and one small for Eril and one large for me. Just how lucky is that. Did not even have to go to Melbourne as same price. I had Jayco here today to quote for insurance because I misjudged the the fence and pulled the right rear tail light mould off!!! cry cry

While he was here got him to quote to remove club lounge and mount the new chairs, although probably not screw them down until we have done some trips and worked out the best and most comfortable position. Chairs $3800 and approx. $750 to take out the club and tidy up the wheel well etc. Going to open up the living area nicely. Approx. 6 weeks to get the mould cry . I guaranteed the payment of the mould so he would order it before the insurance approval came through. Probably save 10 days.

We are wanting to head to Loxton for 10 days on approx 25th July with our first free camp at Lake Lascelles on the 24th while in transit to Loxton.

Aussie Paul. smile

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 13th of June 2014 11:12:17 PM

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 13th of June 2014 11:15:33 PM

Legendts · Senior Member

Ouch cry furious Paul and bugger! hmm

Chairs look really good and should be very comfortable for you both. Enjoy. smile

aussie_paul · Guru

Finally I have a time to repair van. Jayco came and inspected the damage on the 13th June and told me to allow 4 to 6 weeks!! Six weeks was last Friday so I have had to chase them up again. Now booked in for this coming Monday. I have been working on getting the 2 new lounge chairs at the correct height for each of us. I have had to add 60mm to Erils and 80mm to mine.

I am a little surprised/unhappy that it takes 4 to 6 weeks to get a moulding from Jayco in Melb when we are only 100km up the road!! We have really needed a few days break from the Ballarat cold and depressing weather. I have a sleep study booked in for Sunday night, as I am just so more exhausted since the heart attack last August. My problem is always that I start from a very low health base since my horrific accident in November 2007, so something that would only slightly affect a normal 65 year old really has an major impact on myself.

Anyway we will be heading to Loxton as soon as the van is sorted. We will conduct our first free camp at Hopetoun on our way to Loxton which is a 10 day Travel Auction I bought. I need a couple of gyroplane windscreens made in Adelaide so we will head home via Adelaide. Hoping to free camp another night on the trip from Adelaide to Ballarat.

Aussie Paul. smile

aussie_paul · Guru

A week ago Apia insurance rang me to see if we were happy with the van repair so I told them it had not been done as yet. She asked for my birth date, and address which was slightly incorrect. They had a lot 1 attached to our address. She said she would transfer me to the correct section after we discussed the van. As she went to hang up I asked about transferring me. Anyway updating the address of the house and Eril's car we are now saving a little over $40 per month!!! The excess for my van damage is $200 so begin saving real money after 5 months. Being a tight a*se I tried to get the to retrospect it to when we sifted to this new address 15 months ago. No luck as it is my responsibility to inform them if there are any discrepancies on the policy, which there was but we were just so busy and tired after shifting house!!! Amazing how just removing the "lot 1" from the house address could save so much in premium.

SO!!! that means it was a good thing I hit the fence!!!!!

Aussie Paul. smile