White Hawk Dinette Bench Strengthened

[NDJollyMon-JAY]

I was MOD HAPPY today fixing, tweaking and upgrading things to my liking on my new trailer.

I noticed on the maiden voyage that the plywood under the dinette benches had a lot of give in them when seated. Upon investigation, I found the plywood was already bowing lengthwise because there is only support on two sides! What the heck were they thinking???

Off to the Home Center to buy some wood. Basically, I bought a few 8' furring strips (1"x3") and framed in the seat area and added a cross member in the middle. The benches are much stronger now and have no sag at all. Cost was minimal, as the furring strips were $.90 each and a box of screws was a couple bucks.

 

[newbold1]

Nice easy fix.

I've thought about doing the same thing. But, I kind of like to be able to access things from above with the huge opening. So, I have thought that maybe I would add a strong flat section of metal to the underside of the lid to make it strong on its own. That way, the opening would remain huge. Just toying with the thought although mine are not bowed yet so I haven't been in a hurry to mess with it.