Motorhome owners spend a good deal of time sitting around a dining table. There are a
number of table configurations, but the standard-type dinette is still a mainstay of the
industry. Trouble is, many of these dinette tables are supported by flimsy pedestal legs
that wobble or even self-destruct over time. Because there are very few good solutions for
the RV industry when it comes to table pedestals, we sometimes have to turn to the boating
industry. In this case, we found a slick 3-Stage Table Pedestal offered by Springfield
Marine Company.
The 3-Stage Table Pedestal is much more versatile than a standard RV dining
table in that it adjusts infinitely from 12 3/4 inches from the floor to 28 inches – the
appropriate table height for eating. When extended to maximum height, all three tubes are
exposed. When the middle tube is pushed down into the bottom tube, the 20-inch maximum
height makes for a nice “coffee” table. When the two top tubes are collapsed, the table is
at its lowest point (12 3/4 inches).
My interest in this type of an arrangement stems from
the need to position the table at a lower point for the convenience of using my laptop. In
many cases, such as the C-shaped dinette we used in our installation of the new pedestal,
the table can also be positioned to fill out the cushions when used as a bed – without
juggling boards and brackets. Installation is quite simple since the pedestal is attached
to a base that bolts to the floor and the top tube has a platform that is used to secure
the table. Here’s where some modification might be necessary. Installation is quite simple since the pedestal is attached to a base
that bolts to the floor and the top tube has a platform that is used to
secure the table. Here’s where some modification might be necessary.
Depending on the table hardware, this platform may need cutting, as it
did in our case. That was because the sliding mechanism under our
particular table was too narrow to fit over the platform without
restricting movement. Bolting into a table itself should pose no
problem, especially since there are plenty of slots in the platform for
matching bolt-holes. Bolting the base to the floor was simple.
In use, each section can be moved after releasing the latch, and the sections are pressurized to allow effortless movement.
Collapsing the tubes takes a little oomph, but nothing
difficult. Each section can be stopped and locked in place at any point
in their respective travel zones.
The Springfield 3-Stage Table Pedestal is made of anodized
aluminum and is available in satin or black finishes. It’s very stout,
and of course, meets rigid marine standards. It sells for $321.10 (plus
shipping) at Cascade Depot and MotorHome readers can get 10 percent off their first order when referencing this article.
For more information, contact Cascade Depot, (541) 327-2195.
