Smaller size Doghouse? Does one exist?

[stevek]

Does anybody know anything about this?
I saw reference to a smaller size Engine Cover, over at another RV forum.

I find it kinda awkward to squeeze between the drivers seat and the engine cover.
My seat as far back as it will go.
I even thought about modifying the floor mounts for the seat, to move it back around a inch or so.
More room would sure be nice.
I am 5-10.

Any suggestions? Or mods? thanks..

[bcope01]

Can you post a photo of the one you presently have? That way we can make a determination if there is a smaller one available.

Bill

[whemme]

If you want a smaller engine doghouse for more leg room in your E350 or E450 based Born Free coach, I borrowed the following information from the RV.Net Class C forum.

You can order from a Winnebago dealer:

147623-01-01A EA TRAY - BEVERAGE - W/LOWER POCKET (TRIMLINE CONSOLE) GRAY - MEDIUM FLINT
147623-01-02A EA TRAY - BEVERAGE - W/LOWER POCKET (TRIMLINE CONSOLE) PEBBLE - MEDIUM PEBBLE

Click on the following link on the Born Free website forum containing further info about smaller engine doghouses: http://www.bornfreervclub.org/bulletin_ ... sc&start=0

[stevek]

This is basically what mine looks like..


This photo was taken from ebay and are for sale individually.

So.... the actual doghouse is the same size regardless of what you do.

One can only gain room by changing the cup holder/ storage consul that bolts onto the doghouse.

Still might be worth a try to purchase the Winnebago one and try it out.
Thanks for the help. This is all new to me.

If a person was a real good wood worker, you could make your own custom one.

[Mel Wilbur]

Steve, I removed the original and cut a piece of plywood the shape of the opening and covered it with some vinyl my wife found at a local fabric shop. A couple of fold out cup holders and my CB mic and external speaker was all we needed and it makes access to the driver and passenger seats much easier. The vinyl actually blends very well with the ford color, much better than my pictures show.

[bcope01]

Thanks for posting the photo Steve. Your console cover is a large one. Not sure any of the older (and smaller) styles will fit. But if they do, they don't bolt on, they slide on. To remove them, you just lift the console cover up, then away from the doghouse. Reverse the procedure to install.

Mel's solution is creative and effective.

Good luck, Bill

[bill crommett]

I replaced the original with the trimline as pictured in Bill's second photo.
It has saved a lot of strained ankles. The bigger problem is to find out what to do with the old cover. It is too pretty to trash, and who would want it, unless someone can come up with a creative off-topic use for it.

[stevek]

Picture of my 2011.
Came off real easy.
Just unlatch and lift up. No need to remove doghouse.
Good to take off if you ever need to clean.
Does my doghouse configuration look like the older BFs?
Maybe Ford did not change over the years?
Would be helpful to know when I am looking for a "slimline" replacement.



With the console removed, it sure opens up the floor space !!
Also is more tempting to make something custom like Mel did.
Would be a good wintertime project for me.

[delrob]

About 5 years ago I bought one of these (per Bill Hemme's picture) on Ebay for $45 and installed it in my 1998 Born Free. Great improvement. Gives you a lot more foot room when getting up from driver or passenger seat to walk to rear of coach.

[shezonit]

Will these fit any year E 350? I have a 1992 with some sort of wooden cover on top. Maybe it is already aftermarket. Something sleeker would be nice.

[bcope01]

Sam, Bill's pic is of the Pebble-Medium Pebble color. You want the Gray-Medium Flint color.

[stevek]

I am also still looking.
So, if anyone has a source, please let us know. Thanks..

[bcope01]

Here is one model of a "slim" Ford van console available on Craigslist. Price is right at $20:

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/rvs/4797409218.html

Bill

[whemme]

Sam,

As far as I know the best place to order the gray console P/N 147623-01-01A is from a Winnebago dealer since it is actually built by Winnebago. You might find it cheaper online at such sources as eBay.

[shilohdad]

Can't say much about dog houses, but here is a smaller size dog. This is our latest little papillon, Meadow, at 6 months. He is a little over 7 pounds.