Another Couple of Issues 2003 Horizon 32TD

[Madrona]

I'm surprised at the lack of storage/cup holders in the cockpit. There is only one cupholder on each side of the driver and co-pilot. There is only one drawer in the middle of the dash and it is at floor level and mostly useless. Before I re-invent the wheel by designing and building something to fill the void, I'm just wondering if someone has already done that. Or, is there some add-on available for the top of the dash or sitting on the floor that would come up about 18" to hold a cup or two?

The other issue worries me just a little. While we were driving our "new to us" coach home, my wife was fiddling around with the levers on the passenger chair trying to find the one that would allow her to slide it forward. Next thing I know, she has her feet up. The chair is a recliner! Who knew?? But, in looking at her in the reclined position, I could just see her being launched straight out the windshield in the event of a quick stop or collision. When I mentioned that, she put the chair back up.

Before you say it, no, we don't wear seatbelts in the coach. To each his own, we are adults and have made a concious decision not to. We do in our cars but not in the motorhome. I really hope this doesn't degenerate into a lecture on how we should wear them. We are not going to.

So, do others use the co-pilot chair in the reclined position while in motion?

Thanks, Phil

[Sammie]

Phil, By reclined position I'm assuming you mean the footrest being in the up position? My wife suffered a blood clot in her leg several years ago. We had a coach with no passenger footrest and traveled a very long period of time with no stops to stretch our legs. Since then she now uses the footrest all the time and also make frequent stops to kick the tires. Plus our little doggie likes to lay in her lap as we travel.

Sammie

[Journey39n]

Yes, the cup-holder and front drawer in the 2003 vintage leaves a lot to be desired. I considered building a console to set between the two chairs, but never did it. I do like the design in the newer (2011-2012) models with cupholders and bigger drawer attached to the dash area.

Regarding seat belts, reclining, etc. do what makes you comfortable. My wife nearly always uses the footrest while we are driving. And she also gets up, wanders around the coach, and uses the rest rooms at times. Our personal choice is to use belts when seated. (I haven't quite figured out how to use the cruise-control to let me use the restroom while driving down the road yet, though)

With the foot rest being used, in a minor stopping incident, in my opinion, you would have a bit more friction to hold you in the seat, but in a collision, footrest up or down, the only thing that will hold you in that seat is the seatbelt.

[Madrona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammie Phil, By reclined position I'm assuming you mean the footrest being in the up position? <snip> Sammie

Yes, Sammie, I did mean with the foot rest up, though she may have had the back reclined so she was nearly laying down. Just looked like a missle ready for launch! I will say, her foot rested on the front of the dashboard, not on top. I suppose that may help in at least slowing her down on the way out the windshield...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Journey39n Yes, the cup-holder and front drawer in the 2003 vintage leaves a lot to be desired. I considered building a console to set between the two chairs, but never did it. I do like the design in the newer (2011-2012) models with cupholders and bigger drawer attached to the dash area. I thought I might remove the tilt-out drawer and use the remaining hole as a start-point for building some type of riser with cup holders and shelf on top. I'm good at building but not so good at design, but we'll see. Regarding seat belts, reclining, etc. do what makes you comfortable. My wife nearly always uses the footrest while we are driving. Good to know. And she also gets up, wanders around the coach, and uses the rest rooms at times. Mine too! Our personal choice is to use belts when seated. (I haven't quite figured out how to use the cruise-control to let me use the restroom while driving down the road yet, though) Keep workin' on it, you'll find a way... With the foot rest being used, in a minor stopping incident, in my opinion, you would have a bit more friction to hold you in the seat, but in a collision, footrest up or down, the only thing that will hold you in that seat is the seatbelt. I don't disagree and thanks for the input. I do feel that in the reclined position, foot rest up, seatbelt on, if she were to slide forward at a high rate of speed, the seabelt could strangle her. But, she is an adult and I guess if she's comfortable with it, who am I to say otherwise.