There have been several comments in MMM magazine in relation to fixed tables restricting access to and from the cab. These tables, while being adjustable, are often considerable works of engineering that are very heavy and therefore reduce the available payload significantly.

Our 5.99m-long Benimar 231 coachbuilt motorhome came with a large table attached to the wall on one side and fitted with a stout leg and a fold-out extension. It’s both heavy and very well engineered but, as such, does take up both valuable weight and space. To get around this, I have removed the table, which has also enabled me to create a nice open space for access and lounging when no table is needed.

Campervan-style table In the place of the original table, I ordered a Volkswagen campervan-style table. I did learn that these tables, which have been fitted to VW campervans from their inception, are available from several sources on ebay. Several suppliers will even provide a table to your dimensions. If you opt for off-the-shelf dimensions, these can be dispatched very quickly but, as the one I ordered was a custom size, it took about six weeks to manufacture, dispatch and then deliver.

The table came complete with a side-mounting rail, which makes the table easily removable, as well as a folding leg. Fitting the table is a reasonably simple task and well within the abilities of your typical DIY person (the rail simply screws into the sidewall of the ’van with the supplied self-tapping screws). When not in use, the lightweight table is stored under the bed covers (when travelling) or at the front of the cab (when parked up).

Carpeting over the previous table's hole 

The downside to this project was that the original table is fitted before the carpets, so removing it left a cut-out hole for the table leg. A new section of carpet would be needed to cover this. Armed with a roll of plain wallpaper, I made patterns for cab, habitation and washroom.

Next, it was along to the local carpet shop for a suitable offcut, which was cut to the patterns and then returned to the carpet supplier to be bound at the edges. Not all carpet suppliers have the ability to bind the edges of the carpet but you could choose a carpet that will not fray.

The cost of the carpet is really down to your choice of material and the sizes needed. As well as a more useful table, now when it comes time to trade in the motorhome, I have a set of unused original carpets to install.

Remember, if you undertake any work during the motorhome’s warranty period, any adjustments should be approved by the manufacturer and/or warranty supplier or you may invalidate your warranty cover.

For more practical advice and DIY motorhome improvement ideas, click here.