If you plan on using your conversion van for more than two people, then some type of dining area and sitting area will be needed. Our plan from the beginning was to use the front and second-row seating as a Dinette Booth style seating area. To make this area more comfortable while sitting in both the swiveling front seats and Folding Bed Seat, we needed to build some type of stage for the Dinette Booth in our Campervan.
Campervan Dinette Booth Stage
It is not uncommon to see Dinette Booth style seating in vans, but they are more commonly placed in the back area as part of a convertible bed system. We wanted to get as much functionality as we could. By building a stage flooring in the campervan dinette booth, we get storage as well as a more comfortable sitting area.
Building Our Campervan Dinette Booth Stage – How We Did It
Tools and Materials Used
- 2×8 SPF Lumber
- ⅝” 4×8 Construction Plywood
- Assorted Bolts, Screws, and Hardware
- Kregg Tool
- Kregg Screws
- Piano Hinge
- Drill Driver
- Drill Bits
- Jigsaw
- Jigsaw Blades (Wood)
- Circular Saw
- Varathane Wood Sealer
- Enamel Spray Paint
- Wood Glue
- Corner Clamp
Building The Frame
We built a simple frame using 2×8 lumber. Framing between the cargo floor drop-down and the RIB Campervan Folding Bed Seat frame. We made sure to leave space to access the electrical cover panels on each pillar.
Adding The Bolt-In Reinforcements
The Campervan Dinette Booth Stage is bolted down in three corners. We cut some framing straps to use as reinforcements were the bolts go through the wood. It is bolted to the factory cargo tie-down points.
Adding The Floorboard
We cut and installed the floorboard in three sections. The middle section has a piano hinge for access to the middle void. I may use this area as an electrical closet.
Covered With Carpet
Next, we covered the Campervan Dinette Booth Stage with same Camper Van Carpet we used to finish our Camper Van Flooring.
Heater Ducting
We routed some heater duct under the stage as part of our Gasoline Parking Heater Installation.
Building A Storage Drawer
To fill the void at the front of the Campervan Dinette Booth Stage, we built a simple drawer.
The New Campervan Dinette Booth Stage Finished And Bolted In Place
What’s Next
12v Auxillary Battery Charging System
Having to remove the battery every few times we use the Gasoline Parking Heater is a little tedious, so work on some type of simple 12v auxillary battery charging system will have to happen soon. I am thinking of building a DIY Solar Generator, keep an eye out for that.
Sound Deadening and Insulation
Most van builds start with adding some form of sound deadening and Insulation. The first thing we wanted to when starting our Ram ProMaster Build was to make it usable as a family van. I.e. install the rear seats. Everything else would come later. Sometime soon we will start with the wall and roof insulation system.
Van Roof Vent Fan
We had planned to make the Maxxair Fan our Van Roof Vent Fan one of the first projects. Unfortunately, a delay in receiving the van meant old man winter has set in. The bonding adhesive required to glue on the van roof vent adapter will not set at lower temperatures. We will have to rent an oversize shop for a weekend or wait until warmer weather to complete this.
Final Thoughts
The addition of this new Campervan Dinette Booth Stage has made this area way more comfortable to use. The kids can get up on to their seats easily and you can comfortably sit without your legs hanging.
Lastly, if you have any questions, post a comment below or reach out on one of our social channels, we would be happy to help.
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Thanks for reading, and remember to always take the road less traveled!
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