This is my latest fine tuning project . We were dissatisfied in not having a permanent table in our van A'liner 3. Quite often it was not worth the trouble to erect it and then store it before retiring for the night. We got into the habit of using stable tables on our laps. Before sending this report to you we had to try out the ULTIMATE TABLE for A'LINER 3, 4A, 4B, and XL Series or any other caravan. It functioned better than originally hoped.

I first saw this offset table fitted in an A'liner 4B from Tasmania so cannot take all the credit. This table uses a 200mm radius offset stand to rotate around a central pivot So instead of using a hit and miss method for installation I will endeavour to show how others can apply the drafting and design principals involved.

The two components are table size and where to place the table. The table size I used was 720mm long by 600mm wide (without plastic beading).

The examples in the plans show three alternative positions :

1. Meals

2. Access to seats (we now rotate the table)

3. Extra bench space beside sink being the same width as bench ( left on plan for demonstration purpose).

With Position 3

(a). The table top will not allow hatch under bed to open.

(b). The table is in the way of your feet when using the bed.

The solution was to make a slider out of aluminium so the 200mm square top plate on the offset stand could slide across until it is adjacent with the sink, this also increases your bench space and allows for your feet to pass under the table when you are going to or from the bed.

Now Position 4. (This example has been left for you to plot - it is up to you).

NOTE:

(i ) To improve stability on the bottom of the offset stand remove the burr on the inside of the tube then wrap a shim of brass around the base, soldering the ends together to form a circle, then assemble.

(ii) The bench top height in our van is 800mm (we have a larger refrigerator). Vans with lower bench tops may need adjusting.

(iii) Also when rotating the offset leg this could squeeze the top of an innerspring mattress.

(iv) When travelling it is recommended to stow the table to prevent the screws holding the table from pulling out of the chipboard.

I'll have a break before another series on fine tuning an A'van .

Ray & Jean Yeates