Reduced Weight And Added Comfort: Removed A Few Things And Did Seat Swap

[stevlars]

Last year I decided I wanted to shed some of the Dolphin's weight. I prioritized items and removed things we did not need or use that were heavy-ish. The following is what I removed:

- bed/couch (80lbs)

- oven (40lbs)

- roof 110v ac (a hassle to remove and I'm guessing 60-100lbs)

- awning (with two people carrying, my end felt like half of 60-80lbs)

The original seats in the Dolphin caused me pain in the back, so I went to our local wrecking yard and found some primo seats from a 1999 or 2000 Honda Accord (can't remember the exact year). I cut down and ground the "new" seat brackets until they fit. Had to "fabricate" my own brackets for one spot only. I'm sure a professional would have cringed at my methodology, but I had a good time and my wife likes the seats. These are not electric seats, but have two adjuster knobs on the side (driver's) to adjust up and down. They are comfortable!

In place of the couch/bed I constructed a crude box with hinged and reinforced lid. Normally, it is just my wife and I traveling and we throw backpacks, etc. where the couch was. We also set a drinking water container there when camped. With a lid opening it makes the area underneath much more convenient for storage.

The other thing I did which I've not seen elsewhere, was to put the table top on drawer slides or glides. When we got the Dolphin, the table was too far away when seated. Now we just pull the table over to eat and slide it back till it "locks" for driving or moving about the cabin.

I've attached some images.

Steve

[kgragert]

I've been considering removing the folding couch myself. Not comfortable to sit or sleep on.

NIce to see how you constructed the replacement.

We will have a foam seat and back cushions.

[jjrbus]

Thanks for the pictures. I am looking for ideas for my interior and there are some good ideas here. Jim SW FL