Slide-out dinette back rests

[kwatson51]

We have a slide-out dinette in our PU. When we set up, the back rests fold up against the tenting. This puts undue pressure in that area and I'm concerned it will wear out sooner there or even tear the fabric. For a quick fix, I cut a 2x6 for each side and stand it up on end to help support the back rest, but this is not very elegant. I'm open for alternative ideas. How did you address this problem?

[wavery]

We have a slide-out dinette in our PU. When we set up, the back rests fold up against the tenting. This puts undue pressure in that area and I'm concerned it will wear out sooner there or even tear the fabric. For a quick fix, I cut a 2x6 for each side and stand it up on end to help support the back rest, but this is not very elegant. I'm open for alternative ideas. How did you address this problem?

Could you possibly get away with using foam rubber? 2x6s are pretty heavy (besides being unsightly).

[beacher]

.... When we set up, the back rests fold up against the tenting. ....

You might want to "benchmark" what Fleetwood does.  Their slide out dinette seats have a steel flap that folds up.  When in use, the backrest rests against the steel, and the bow arm holding up the tent.  No pressure on the tenting.

It should be somewhat easy to fabricate that metal flap and hinge.

[kwatson51]

You might want to "benchmark" what Fleetwood does.  Their slide out dinette seats have a steel flap that folds up.  When in use, the backrest rests against the steel, and the bow arm holding up the tent.  No pressure on the tenting.

It should be somewhat easy to fabricate that metal flap and hinge.

Hmmm...I'll stop by my friendly Fleetwood dealer and take a look. I pass by them on the way to work every day.
Thanks!