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08-27-2012, 06:08 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 80
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Plywood dinette benches
The plywood used for the dinette benches is very thin ~1/8". I'm concerned that they'll break, especially with DS20 who weighs 210 lbs and is rather clumsy (plops down on bench rather than easing himself down). Should we consider reinforcing these or replacing with thicker plywood?
I realize that thicker plywood would increase the weight of the trailer, but that is not a concern. We don't plan to travel with it; we'll be seasonal and storing at the campground.
__________________
~ Monica
2014 Keystone Passport 3290 BH (6/14 - present)
2010 Keystone Outback Sydney 310 BHS (7/12 - 6/14)
TV: none; seasonal w/ on-site winter storage
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08-27-2012, 06:36 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fraser Valley BC Canada
Posts: 7,015
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Monica -
I wouldn't worry about any increased weight if you should use something "beefier" than 1/8 in ply. You might try 1/2" and see how that works rather than reinforcing the thinner plywood.
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2008 Cougar 5th Wheel 27RKS
2005 2500 GMC Duramax
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08-28-2012, 03:16 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bessemer, Alabama
Posts: 323
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I would give the stock wood a chance first. I weigh a LOT more than 210 and ours holds up well. If you have to replace it, 3/8 or 1/2 plywood should do fine and won't add but a couple pounds in weight.
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2013 F150 XLT Supercrew EcoBoost
'08 Passport 280BH
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08-28-2012, 04:39 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northville NY in the Adirondacks
Posts: 2,128
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This is one of those things we never hear about because it never seems to be a problem. RV manufacturers have been using this material for bench seating for many, many years. I've never heard any issues reported in many years in the RV forums.
But, it's not the thickness of the plywood, it's the bracing and support under it that determine how well it stands up to weight. You might take a peek under the seat and see what the structure looks to be.
If it is the typical dinette booth, the table usually makes it kind of difficult to just plop down with much additional force.
If it worries you that much, beef it up for your own peace of mine.
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'11 Cougar 326MKS loaded with mods
'12 Ford F250 SuperCab 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
Amateur Radio: KD2IAT (146.520) GMRS: WQPG808 (462.675 TPL 141.3)
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08-28-2012, 05:03 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
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If you want to change out the wood I'd not worry too much about the increase in weight for just the seat tops..
A square foot of 1/4" fir plywood weighs about 0.78 pounds. Since 1/2" is twice as thick as 1/4", 1/2" fir plywood weighs twice as much, or 1.56 lbs
There is 32 sqft in a 4x8 sheet of plywood.. so at worst you would increase the weight by
1/4" = 24.96 lbs
1/2" = 49.52 lbs
difference 24.96 lbs if you used an entire sheet of plywood..
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2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
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08-28-2012, 05:32 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northville NY in the Adirondacks
Posts: 2,128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by monica4patience
I realize that thicker plywood would increase the weight of the trailer, but that is not a concern. We don't plan to travel with it; we'll be seasonal and storing at the campground.
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The OP did say she was not concerned about weight, folks.
__________________
'11 Cougar 326MKS loaded with mods
'12 Ford F250 SuperCab 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
Amateur Radio: KD2IAT (146.520) GMRS: WQPG808 (462.675 TPL 141.3)
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08-28-2012, 05:42 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveC7010
The OP did say she was not concerned about weight, folks.
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I read that but the inference to weight seems to contradict the lack of concern... or maybe not..
Seems to me the choices are cut and dried if weight is of no concern... replace it now or wait for it to break and replace it... since I'm inherently lazy in my old age... I'd wait and maybe the next owner will get the opportunity to fix it...
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
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08-28-2012, 07:55 AM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 80
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Javi
... replace it now or wait for it to break and replace it...
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I like your idea...wait for it to break! I do tend to think too far ahead and try to figure out all the "what-if's".
__________________
~ Monica
2014 Keystone Passport 3290 BH (6/14 - present)
2010 Keystone Outback Sydney 310 BHS (7/12 - 6/14)
TV: none; seasonal w/ on-site winter storage
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08-28-2012, 08:48 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: North Florida
Posts: 1,241
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I sit on mine a lot and I weigh in at 275. I do not think it is a concern
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2006 Keystone Hornet 29RLS (The Cracker Cabana)
2009 F-250 SuperDuty CC 6.8L/4.10 (The Black Pearl)
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06-05-2014, 04:01 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 80
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Javi
I read that but the inference to weight seems to contradict the lack of concern... or maybe not..
Seems to me the choices are cut and dried if weight is of no concern... replace it now or wait for it to break and replace it... since I'm inherently lazy in my old age... I'd wait and maybe the next owner will get the opportunity to fix it...
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Kinda took your advice....traded in the Outback for a 2014 Passport.
__________________
~ Monica
2014 Keystone Passport 3290 BH (6/14 - present)
2010 Keystone Outback Sydney 310 BHS (7/12 - 6/14)
TV: none; seasonal w/ on-site winter storage
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