Replace sleeper sofa with recliner loveseat

Our 1999 Southwind originally came with a fold out sleeper sofa,  not particularly comfortable, and we never used it as a bed.  So we started looking into some type of recliners that would better fit our lifestyle.

After taking measurements,  we searched for a dual recliner sofa that was 75 inches wide.  They don’t exist,  the standard sizes for sofas is about 85 inches wide.  We found a lot of the dual recliners that have the little storage island in the middle,  but we really wanted the sofa style.

After searching for a year with no luck or prices that were just to high,  we decided to buy one of the dual recliners with the center storage thing. and give it a try. We bought a dual recliner from Art Vans for $450.

REMOVING OLD SOFA

I basically disassembled the old sleeper sofa to get it out. I carefully removed the side trim pieces. these were screwed to the floor and the wall. I then removed the four bolts that were holding the sofa frame to the floor. To get the old sofa out the door,  I removed the four bolts that hold the back of the sofa to the frame.

Everything now fit out the door. Behind the sofa is a junction box for the 110 volts and 12 volt light wires.  While I had everything tore apart, I decided to add two 110 volt outlets on the wall behind and beside the new recliner.

We did a good carpet cleaning and we’re ready to install the new recliners.

INSTALL ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

I tapped into the existing junction box and added two electrical outlets.  I used 14 gauge 3 wire SJO cord  and a couple standard handy boxes. A short section of cord cover to hide the cord that’s behind the recliner.

INSTALLING NEW RECLINERS

Getting the new sofa in the 24 inch door wasn’t a big deal.  The recliner backs pop off, but I had to remove the center storage cover (8 screws).  The sofa slide through the door sideways, carefully mashing the arm rest cushions down so they wouldn’t catch on any of the door frame hardware.

Once inside I reassembled the backs and the armrest storage cover.

I checked the spacing on the side and the back.  This recliner slides forward a little when you recline, but when its reclined all the way back I positioned it so it has about an inch from the back wall.  It also clears the window valances with no problems so I marked where I need to install the mounting tabs to secure it to the floor.

I made two small angle brackets to secure the recliner to the floor.  I’m not going to install seat belts.  The angle brackets mount to holes on the recliner bottom frame,  then bolt to two of the existing floor mount bolts that were used for the old sofa.  This will keep the recliners from moving around in hard stops or a minor accident.

We bought a matching full size recliner sofa for our house.  The recliner is comfortable so I expect the one in the Southwind will be equally comfortable.  We’ll find out in a couple months when we head south for the winter.