Jack knife couch

Relie · 08-27-2014, 08:56 AM

Has anyone repaired or replaced their jack knife couch. Mine is uncomfortable and needs help. Any suggestions?

Dave

**JohnB** · 08-27-2014, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relie

Mine is uncomfortable and needs help.

Yes,,, this about sums it up.... DW is the couch user in our camper. For me it about kills my back after a short while sitting and if you sleep on it, (lay it down flat) the crack seems to be even worse... I actually sleep better on solid rock with my thermorest mattress backpacking.

That said, DW does not seem to mind it as much and uses it all the time.

We have had 2 of these, both 2004 models. For some reason the one we have now folds down more flat then the one in our T2499 did. And that does help on the sleeping part, just not for me.

It seems to be a love/hate thing with these. Some love them, some don't.

Pending your layout, some folks have removed them and the storage below and added reclining chairs. On the T2499, our furnace and water heater was under the couch and that change was not an option. On the T310SR, I could change it however there is a storage hole under it filled that creates a problem on where to put that stuff.

You "might" be able to replace what you have with a new one and the springs etc. may be better then what you have, just it still will be a jackknife couch. Do not know what is exactly not working so well on yours. New or the same thing might not fix that.

Hope this helps

John

Janalee · 08-27-2014, 01:39 PM

On my 1998 2653 Solaris, I removed the sofa then built a frame to support a 32"x76" mattress from an old twin bed model camper. It was an easy solution in that model,and with a nice quilt and lots of throw pillows,it was an attractive,comfy,daybed/sofa. What model and year do you have,Dave--then we can better address this for you.Also takes up 10" less floor space.. Mine was built right over the furnace and existing ductwork--no problem! And it was easy to remove and replace the sofa for resale! (P.S....none of them are comfortable- don't feel you were the only "lucky one" !!) Janalee

**Tweety** · 08-27-2014, 01:56 PM

We removed ours from the Tweety. We put a plywood platform under a custom memory foam seat. I saved the fabric and some foam from the Jack knife and made some back rest cushions. I chose the seat cushion cover from a selection the foam manufacturer offered. It was a big improvement in comfort, especially for sleeping.

Relie · 08-27-2014, 07:42 PM

Sorry, forgot to mention the model. It's a 2553, so removing the couch isn't an option. The heater is under it. It's just uncomfortable to sleep on due to the uneven cushions. Two people, forget it. This thing squeaks and squaks and will drive you nuts. Did I mention, it's uncomfortable .

Dave

**JohnB** · 08-28-2014, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relie

It's a 2553, so removing the couch isn't an option. The heater is under it.

Hi Dave,

After reading Janalee's and Tweety's comments, removing the couch and putting a plywood base down, may need some added supports in the middle, could give you a flat platform to add cushions etc on top.

This gives up the easy fold up feature to get under the couch, a hinged top may help that, and the flat platform and different cushions could help make the situation more comfortable.

The squeak... I had forgot about that, ah yup it talks to ya.

This topic has come up often, we have not yet made the perfect fix.

Relie · 08-28-2014, 07:03 AM

Thanks all! Hopefully someone will have a resolve for this. The closest I've come to replacing it was a company in Texas but, the cost of the replacement was $799. and almost 1/2 that again for shipping. (Not going that route)
I'll have to check a couple of upholsterers when we end the camping season.

Dave

MACK C-85 · 08-28-2014, 08:56 AM

Every time I see one of these threads, it reminds me how glad I am that we upgraded the jackknife to a sleeper bed couch. It's actually really comfortable for both uses.

Mack

**Tweety** · 08-29-2014, 07:53 AM

We had a hot water heater under the jackknife sofa. You can still remove it, you just have to keep the box it sits on when you do a replacement. We put plywood on top of that box and bought cushions to go on top of that. Kind of hard to explain, and I don't have any pics handy....sorry.

Janalee · 08-29-2014, 10:21 AM

Yes...mine (2653) had the furnace under it..I put a couple of supports on the wall,made my base (old hollow interior door) in two parts,much easier,I also used the heater as one support. I once had a 2553 and have to say,that sofa was more uncomfortable than any of my others. You could use our suggestion and use a foam mattress cut to your length and width..mine was 32x76.