Laptop computer desk position

[kenandterry]

At a recent RV Supershow, we saw a lot of Class A Motorhomes by various manufacturers that had a hidden, sliding computer tabletop mounted in the dash in front of the co-pilot position. I think pretty much all the models were based on the Ford chassis, but it probably doesn't matter.

Some had a top piece that opens up, then a tabletop slides on a mechanism towards the person sitting in the co-pilot seat. Others just had a flush mount section that slides towards the person. Both designs seem to use the same type of roller arm design that we all have with the drawers in the kitchen and bedrooms.

Anyone know where I could get some variations of this roller arm mechanism to try to create one in our MH model?

Thanks

[Roger G]

McMaster Carr industrial supply has anything you want. I have been thinking about a TV mount to slide out from under the outside storage bay. If mcmaster doesn't have it, you don't need it. Usually next day delivery from distribution centers scattered around the country. The catalog is about 4000 pages, use them at least once a week for something! Ordered lift cylinders for the storage bays a couple of weeks ago for about a third what the dealer quoted.

[PHESPE]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

At a recent RV Supershow, we saw a lot of Class A Motorhomes by various manufacturers that had a hidden, sliding computer tabletop mounted in the dash in front of the co-pilot position. I think pretty much all the models were based on the Ford chassis, but it probably doesn't matter.

Some had a top piece that opens up, then a tabletop slides on a mechanism towards the person sitting in the co-pilot seat. Others just had a flush mount section that slides towards the person. Both designs seem to use the same type of roller arm design that we all have with the drawers in the kitchen and bedrooms.

Anyone know where I could get some variations of this roller arm mechanism to try to create one in our MH model?

Thanks

The local Home Depot and Lowes have many sizes in stock.

PHESPE

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Anyone know where I could get some variations of this roller arm mechanism to try to create one in our MH model?

As above: I've seen the hardware at Lowes or Home Depot too.

Since I'm not a skilled woodworker and don't own the tools to be one I bought on already made and finished to match our interior from Miller's Magic Table Looking at the site I don't see it offered now though.

We used to be dealers for them but got out of it some years ago. The table they sell is very sturdy too, we use it for extra seating or a step stool. If you kick it with no shoes on like I did a week or so ago it'll break your toe too!! Still pretty swollen and the toe nail is about to fall off!

[Photo001]

kenandterry,

If you have one near you, try Lee Valley. If not, any home improvement store (Rona, Home Depot) should have the Drawer Slides you need to create the sliding desk (possibly even Ikea).

I have one in my 1999 Fleetwood Southwind that works great.

Lane

[TillRodsFly]

Originally Posted by Roger G

McMaster Carr industrial supply has anything you want. I have been thinking about a TV mount to slide out from under the outside storage bay. If mcmaster doesn't have it, you don't need it. Usually next day delivery from distribution centers scattered around the country. The catalog is about 4000 pages, use them at least once a week for something! Ordered lift cylinders for the storage bays a couple of weeks ago for about a third what the dealer quoted.

I second this! McMaster Carr has an unbelieveable inventory of just about anything you could ever need. While you would still need to locate some material which matches your decor elsewhere, they should have everything you would ever need for this type of project and then some. Do yourself a favor and check them out....

Link:.... www.mcmaster.com

[Steve N Sal]

I would look at Home Depot, Lowes or for that matter any kitchen cabinet facility. Funny you bring this up, ours has the sliding top tray in the passenger area and we just this past week quit using that area. For us just to hard getting in and out of the passenger seat all the time. We don't use our dining room table so now it's our computer work station.

[kenandterry]

Thanks to all that replied. The project is finished, and we're thrilled with the results.

My wife was able to locate an imitation wood tabletop with it's own legs which perfectly matches the wood throughout our motorhome. The tabletop measures 19" X 14" which gives the perfect surface area for the laptop and the mouse.

Another motorhome project that I completed earlier, had me remove a couple of drawers (with the wife's buy-in) and install an electric fake fireplace unit that I bought from Walmart. This gives us the same setup that alot of other motorhomes offer by having the main TV located above the fireplace for ambiance.

I was able to use the very drawer slide units on the underside of the tabletop that are found throughout our unit for the sliding computer desktop in the co-pilot position. It glides less than an inch above the padded dash of the stock dashboard, and the wood is a perfect compliment to the colour scheme.

Thanks all.

[Photo001]

k&t,

Okay, now that you have it done we need to see the pics!

Lane

[kenandterry]

Here's a few pictures of the finished project of the sliding computer desk. I was able to utilize the sliding mechanisms of a previously removed drawer from within the motorhome. This makes being on the computer much more enjoyable and not crowding the dining table like before.

[powerboatr]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Here's a few pictures of the finished project of the sliding computer desk. I was able to utilize the sliding mechanisms of a previously removed drawer from within the motorhome. This makes being on the computer much more enjoyable and not crowding the dining table like before.

WOW
that is fantastic,
i was wondering if you had cut into the dash....but the solution you choose is great.
I may copy your idea