Don't like tv built-ins and fireplace

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 04:16 AM

I was thinking of upgrading from my 2011 Keystone Cougar 318SAB.
I love ALMOST everything on the 2021 Cougar 316RLS, except the built-in TV and the fireplace.
MY 318 has a desk area and a swing-out TV AND a window over the desk/TV area. I'm not much of a TV fan anyway. Too much JUNK on TV.

I had a thought I might be able to convert the 316RLS TV area to be like my 318.

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 04:33 AM

I'm going to try to attach a photo of my 318 Desk/TV area.

Northofu1 · 03-09-2021, 04:54 AM

Hi Phil,
You could yank that TV and fireplace out, that space doesn't look as deep as the 2011 318. Does Cougar not have another floorplan with a desk area?
Not sure about a double sink in the washroom in the 2021. Your current and the 2021 are nice floor plans. That desk area is nice.

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northofu1

Hi Phil,
You could yank that TV and fireplace out, that space doesn't look as deep as the 2011 318. Does Cougar not have another floorplan with a desk area?
Not sure about a double sink in the washroom in the 2021. Your current and the 2021 are nice floor plans. That desk area is nice.

Thanks for your reply. I didn't see any Cougar with a desk area. The TV is so intrusive. Maybe I could pull out just the TV and leave the fireplace. Then have a window installed where the TV was and put a smaller swing out TV like on my 318. That would be ok.

Phil

jasin1 · 03-09-2021, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseyphil

Thanks for your reply. I didn't see any Cougar with a desk area. The TV is so intrusive. Maybe I could pull out just the TV and leave the fireplace. Then have a window installed where the TV was and put a smaller swing out TV like on my 318. That would be ok.

Phil

Can you just make a desk/counter that comes out like a T shape from the fireplace? You could make it out of a piece of plywood with snap wood flooring on top to make it look nice or just make it out of hardwood...I believe Home Depot sells glued up stock hardwood sections.. you could screw it down to the counter under/ behind the tv and have a leg on the desk side.. the tv in the 316 should tilt and angle so you could still watch tv while working at the desk although it will be a little close to the tv.
That way you could stow the desk when traveling and still retain your resell value

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 06:18 AM

jasin1,
Thanks for the good ideas. I am a woodworker and have my own woodshop in my house. You've given me new ideas. Maybe there is a way to have a window put in behind the 316's storage shelves and modify or remove the shelves. That way, with your new desk idea, there would be access to the window when the TV is swung out.

I just noticed you have the 315RLS. How do you like it?

jasin1 · 03-09-2021, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseyphil

jasin1,
Thanks for the good ideas. I am a woodworker and have my own woodshop in my house. You've given me new ideas. Maybe there is a way to have a window put in behind the 316's storage shelves and modify or remove the shelves. That way, with your new desk idea, there would be access to the window when the TV is swung out.

I just noticed you have the 315RLS. How do you like it?

Love the 315...it’s been great for us

**flybouy** · 03-09-2021, 06:34 AM

Windows in a trailer that has filon walls are typically framed in with aluminum when the wall is being constructed. There is no way to add framing to a laminated wall after it's constructed. Doing that on your own would certianly end a future warranty claims.

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 06:35 AM

jasin1,

I see you have a great Tow Vehicle.
I'm planning on selling my Ford F250 diesel.
It isn't up to the heavier pin weight. It did fine with the 318SAB, but the 316RLS has about 400 lbs heavier pin weight.
I prefer not having a duelly. But, heavier duty SRW could handle it.
So, that's the plan.

Thanks for all your help.
Phil

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

Windows in a trailer that havs filon walls are typically framed in with aluminum when the wall is being constructed. There is no way to add framing to a laminated wall after it's constructed. Doing that on your own would certianly end a future warranty claims.

Thanks for your input.
I do understand that issue.

I might just end up leaving the 316 the say it is.
It is a beautiful unit.

jerseyphil · 03-09-2021, 06:40 AM

duh

I meant to say the "way it is".

jerseyphil · 03-14-2021, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

Windows in a trailer that has filon walls are typically framed in with aluminum when the wall is being constructed. There is no way to add framing to a laminated wall after it's constructed. Doing that on your own would certianly end a future warranty claims.

Flybuoy,
I've been thinking a lot over the last few days about your comment regarding installation of a window where the Entertainment Center is in the 316RLS. You say "There is no way to add framing to a laminated wall after it is constructed".

That may be so, but I'll bet there is someone out there who could effectively install a window in that area. Even if it voids the Wall Integrity warranty, I think I wouldn't care. I don't think the Entire RV Warranty would be voided. And even if it was, I would end up with an RV the way I want it. Maybe not everyone would be willing to do that.

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD.

Regards,
Phil

Please comment. I appreciate your knowledge and input.

jerseyphil · 03-14-2021, 06:42 AM

Another Photo of the TV/Desk area

**flybouy** · 03-17-2021, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseyphil

Flybuoy,
I've been thinking a lot over the last few days about your comment regarding installation of a window where the Entertainment Center is in the 316RLS. You say "There is no way to add framing to a laminated wall after it is constructed".

That may be so, but I'll bet there is someone out there who could effectively install a window in that area. Even if it voids the Wall Integrity warranty, I think I wouldn't care. I don't think the Entire RV Warranty would be voided. And even if it was, I would end up with an RV the way I want it. Maybe not everyone would be willing to do that.

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD.

Regards,
Phil

Please comment. I appreciate your knowledge and input.

I don't know who that person may be but if you find them good luck!

Javi · 03-17-2021, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseyphil

Flybuoy,
I've been thinking a lot over the last few days about your comment regarding installation of a window where the Entertainment Center is in the 316RLS. You say "There is no way to add framing to a laminated wall after it is constructed".

That may be so, but I'll bet there is someone out there who could effectively install a window in that area. Even if it voids the Wall Integrity warranty, I think I wouldn't care. I don't think the Entire RV Warranty would be voided. And even if it was, I would end up with an RV the way I want it. Maybe not everyone would be willing to do that.

JUST THINKING OUT LOUD.

Regards,
Phil

Please comment. I appreciate your knowledge and input.

Even if the framing studs are on 24" centers you will need to cut at least one to install a window of any real size.. probably at least two... and then figure a way to weld/screw in the bracing.. I guess you could just pull off the interior wall cut and weld/screw and replace the wall..

Just me... I'd look for a different trailer if that window was that important to me..

**JRTJH** · 03-17-2021, 12:22 PM

I think what I'm hearing is, "Hey, I'm sure I can find someone who will cut the side out of my trailer and stick a window in it".

I'd just ask that person, "How many windows this size have you installed in a trailer?"...

I'd almost bet you the answer would be, "None, but I'm not afraid to try it if you pay me enough.".....

That may be "OK" for you, but no way would I want to attempt that kind of mod and even more "defiantly"... NO WAY I'd tow that trailer down the highway at 65 or 70 MPH after the mod.

Installing a window in an "older technology, wood frame trailer with a free floating aluminum skin" would be a simple mod. Just pull the moldings around the wall, pull off the aluminum skin, rework the wood frame, build the window opening, reinstall the insulation and rehang the aluminum skin.

You can't do that with an aluminum laminated trailer wall....

jasin1 · 03-17-2021, 01:04 PM

If you really want to just see outside then why don’t you install a camera that points onto that side of the trailer and stream it to the tv that is where you want the window anyway

jerseyphil · 03-19-2021, 11:21 AM

OK guys.
I get it.
It is a bad idea.

I was just thinking out loud.
I appreciate the feedback. Honestly, I do.

It was a fun post for me.
Made me realize how much I DON'T know.

The idea of streaming a window to the TV from a camera outside is really funny! Would anyone do that?

Anyway, thanks again guys. I love this forum.

Phil

Bill-2020 · 03-19-2021, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerseyphil

The idea of streaming a window to the TV from a camera outside is really funny! Would anyone do that?

If you had a wide angle camera displayed on a smaller monitor/display/TV you'd have a very large window view on a small screen.

rlh1957 · 03-21-2021, 07:30 AM

Anything is possible, even moving pipes, gas & water lines.
People have taken out dining booth and entertainment centers to make office work area or suit their tastes and needs.
The outside walls are the only support walls so interior arrangement can be changed according to you craft abilities. You design the idea and it can be built. If you can’t build it you might have to hire qualified finish carpenter.

You tube has many videos you can see what ideas others did to their rig to make it theirs.

A manf doesn’t have different floor plan modules they offer for sale.
You can look at floor plans to get an idea how something might fit.

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