Winnie Drop Seating Modification

FiddleGirl · 09-19-2017, 12:54 PM

We just returned from our first trip in a 2017 Winner Drop 170S. What a terrific camper! It is our first camper - we wanted something that wouldn't be too hard to tow and would allow us to comfortably camp at music festivals. We pulled it with a 4Runner and had no issues with the trip.

Before we headed out, we took out the table to make more space - I removed the top from the base and was thinking we might cut the top in half so we can stow it underneath and pull it out if we ever need a 3rd sleeping space, but then got to thinking that it might make more sense to remove the dinette seats entirely and build a bench along the wall....It would great if we could fix it so 4 people could be in there playing music. Two people could sit on the bench and we'd have space for 2 stools backed up to the sink/fridge. Has anyone ever done this kind of modification?

Canarado · 09-26-2017, 08:06 PM

I also pull my table out when I camp and use the dinette space as storage and extra space. The bench idea is intriguing for sure. The one thing I would wonder about is the furnace relocation?

FiddleGirl · 09-27-2017, 04:01 PM

I have the "170S" model of the Winnie Drop. Both of the seats open at the top with storage down to the interior floor. Essentially, they look like two toy boxes that face each other with space for the table between them. The only obstacle is an outlet box that is inside one of them, with the outlet itself on the outer side of one of the boxes. I think the heater is under the bed on this model...

Badlands Bob · 10-13-2017, 07:34 PM

I have the 2201DS and pulled the whole dinette out. I measured the space and went shopping with DW. We found a full size recliner sofa that fit the spot perfectly. The sofa is much more useable for us than the dinette was.

TDI-Minnie · 10-20-2017, 06:18 AM

Bob,
How did you get the recliner through the door?
Does it disassemble?

Badlands Bob · 10-21-2017, 09:41 AM

The sofa backs come off. They do that to make shipping easier. With the backs removed, just turn the base sideways and it goes right through the 24" wide door. Then the backs just snap into position. All Lazy Boy recliners have the removable backs along with lots of other manufacturers.

Wojo · 11-17-2017, 05:46 PM

How did you secure the soft to the slide?

PaPa Smurf · 11-25-2017, 10:58 PM

Thank you for the post, my last trailer wt a ton, so I’ve been worried about the towing...

Badlands Bob · 11-27-2017, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wojo

How did you secure the soft to the slide?

It's got a metal frame so I just ran 4 screws through existing holes in the metal frame at the base right into the slide flooring. It doesn't move around.

Wojo · 11-27-2017, 05:35 PM

Thanks!

jmnsandy · 04-05-2018, 07:43 PM

That is awesome!

Badlands Bob · 04-06-2018, 07:37 AM

After installing the reclining sofa, it wasn't long before I discovered that there was nowhere to put a drink or a cup of coffee. I found these stainless steel marine cup holders on Amazon. I took them to a local trophy shop and had the Winnebago logo lazer engraved on them. The logo engraving cost more than the cup holders. Ordinarily, I don't like drilling holes in the walls to mount stuff but these holes are below where the dinette back goes. Should I deside to reinstall the dinette, the holes would be covered. I think they turned out pretty nice.

old_engineer · 04-12-2018, 09:41 AM

I like the cup holder idea. I've noticed the same thing with a lack of a place to put a drink down in our 2106FBS. I'm not sure I could add them to the slide walls but there is definitely room on the side wall of the cabinet under the TV for one.

roned2 · 02-25-2020, 03:07 PM

We are thinking of doing the same conversion. Have you had any problems with the slide during the last two years? We are looking at Lazeeboy also. Thanks.

SLOweather · 02-25-2020, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badlands Bob

I found these stainless steel marine cup holders on Amazon.

Heh, I found the same ones on Amazon for up front next to the driver and navigator seats. The little console thing on the doghouse is worthless. Good idea on the lasering.

Quote:

Ordinarily, I don't like drilling holes in the walls to mount stuff but these holes are below where the dinette back goes.

If I had a dollar for every hole I've put in the Sunstar, I'd have enough money for a tank of gas or 2.

akeagle · 02-25-2020, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badlands Bob

After installing the reclining sofa, it wasn't long before I discovered that there was nowhere to put a drink or a cup of coffee. I found these stainless steel marine cup holders on Amazon. I took them to a local trophy shop and had the Winnebago logo lazer engraved on them. The logo engraving cost more than the cup holders. Ordinarily, I don't like drilling holes in the walls to mount stuff but these holes are below where the dinette back goes. Should I deside to reinstall the dinette, the holes would be covered. I think they turned out pretty nice.

For what its worth, Camping World sells plastic versions of this cup holder for around $6 or $7 each, and they're available in several colors. I put several in our Minnie Winnie.