Dinette Table Repair, Again

[Muddypaws]

This is why I will never have another RV with a dinette table!

Once again, for the fourth time in a year, my dinette table has come loose from the mounting bracket. Today I went out to get something out of the Bounder and I noticed that table was crooked. I found that 4 of the 6 screws completely pulled out.

The problem is that I can't get my wife to stop using the table for leverage when she gets out of the dinette.

I've used bigger wood screws. I've used epoxy. I've used the toothpick trick. I've used Gorilla Glue.

I've attached two small pictures. One is the bracket the table mounts to on the wall. I assume it's mounted to something very solid because it's never a problem.

The other picture is the metal part that is held to the edge of the table with wood screws. The wood screws do not last long because the wood is just too freakin' soft for the amount of stress it has to handle.

Has ANYBODY found a way to fix this. I need to be able to remove the table because we use the area under it for storage when we travel.

[nightriderrv]

That wood is junk if you want to solve it make a new top out of oak then put 3 inch screws in the end after you pre drill so it won't split that's about the only way to fix it and make it strong, most time the rail won't hook on to the wall.

[John H...]

You could mark the edge where you will put in screws and then drill some 1/4" holes a few inches deep and glue in wood dowels. Then your screws will be in solid wood.

[Bigd9]

If memory serves me, I used a angle iron and screwed it to the bottom of the table and then screwed the bracket to the angle. I'm guessing, but the angle was something like a 2 inch by 3/4 inch. The 2 inch side gave me plenty of space to screw several screws into the bottom.

[Francesca]

Originally Posted by Muddypaws

The problem is that I can't get my wife to stop using the table for leverage when she gets out of the dinette.

I suppose your wife is willing to verify this diagnosis?

[BFlinn181]

Instead of angle iron, I'd suggest angle aluminum for weight savings. Other option, get rid of the wife!

[Muddypaws]

I think the angle iron is the best solution. Aluminum might not be strong enough and I'm not that worried about weight. Next time.

This time I put it back together with 21 screws where there was previously only 6. When I put the table back in I noticed that even the wall has been damaged.

Francesca: she did not support my analysis. But the side that keeps getting ripped out is the side opposite where she sits. When she gets up she reaches for the outside edge and pulls herself up with it. I've watched her do it dozens of times. It's been the source of some marital discord......

Never again will I have an RV with anything but a free standing table and chairs.

[Luckiest Dreamer]

More screws may not be the answer. The walls on most RV,s may be no more than foam board with a skin on the outside and wall covering on the inside. You should have a frame work that encases the foam board and they are part of the RV,s structure. You need to find that frame and attach the rail to that.

[Francesca]

Originally Posted by Muddypaws

Francesca: she did not support my analysis. But the side that keeps getting ripped out is the side opposite where she sits. When she gets up she reaches for the outside edge and pulls herself up with it. I've watched her do it dozens of times. It's been the source of some marital discord......

Never again will I have an RV with anything but a free standing table and chairs.

no surprise there...still:
Is there anyplace you could put a "grab bar" or even a rope for her to hang on to when she's getting up from the table?

[stink]

Originally Posted by Muddypaws

I think the angle iron is the best solution. Aluminum might not be strong enough and I'm not that worried about weight. Next time.

This time I put it back together with 21 screws where there was previously only 6. When I put the table back in I noticed that even the wall has been damaged.

Francesca: she did not support my analysis. But the side that keeps getting ripped out is the side opposite where she sits. When she gets up she reaches for the outside edge and pulls herself up with it. I've watched her do it dozens of times. It's been the source of some marital discord......

Never again will I have an RV with anything but a free standing table and chairs.

Ny vry reason for installing a table and chairs Fixed

[Possum]

I solved that same basic problem for a friend's TT. I installed a pedistall unit ($30ish bucks) and removed the apparatus hooking the table to the wall. He and she were very happy with the end result.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...stal-table.htm

[BFlinn181]

Another option might be to make the table so weak it will tear away when used as a prop to get up. That would end the argument about what causes it. Putting it on a pedestal would also solve the issue, it would spin when pulled on and pin the offender in the booth.

My DW stood on sofa to get something out of the overhead cabinet, wobbled and tore the door off the cabinet! Lesson learned.

[LadyFitz...]

Originally Posted by John H...

You could mark the edge where you will put in screws and then drill some 1/4" holes a few inches deep and glue in wood dowels. Then your screws will be in solid wood.

X2.