Converting CSS Dresser to Bench?

HappyWanderer

Hi, we are seriously considering a 320 CS-S and would like to know if anyone has cut down the dresser on a recent model to bench height?  If my research is correct, earlier clamshells, 2017 and older, had a  bench up front, so I'm thinking the dresser is not structural so it should  be possible, but, nuCamp may have changed something else in that area since then.  I do realize that such a mod will result in a loss of critical storage space, but, as I envision leaving the bed made up most of the time it would provide useful seating space.

rfuss928

Stock 2009 T@B CS 
Nothing structural in that area that I'm aware of...

Marceline

HappyWanderer said:

Hi, we are seriously considering a 320 CS-S and would like to know if anyone has cut down the dresser on a recent model to bench height?  If my research is correct, earlier clamshells, 2017 and older, had a  bench up front, so I'm thinking the dresser is not structural so it should  be possible, but, nuCamp may have changed something else in that area since then.  I do realize that such a mod will result in a loss of critical storage space, but, as I envision leaving the bed made up most of the time it would provide useful seating space.

Unless you’re planning to buy a new camper, I’d just look for an older one with the bench. I’m not sure when they made the change - maybe 2017 or 2018. 

But I don’t know that you’re actually going to find that bench to be useful seating space. I have a 2013 and one of the first things I did was put drawers on top of the bench. 

rfuss928

We added shelves and modified the potty space into a drawer.   

Sharon_is_SAM

 2017 was the last model year for the bench.  Funny, we had our 2017 customized with a counter and cabinets because we recognized the lack of utility of the bench.  Instead of eliminating the front storage area, think about using a tent and sitting outside.  The only time we sit inside is if it is very cold and we break down the bed.  

Mickerly

We have an '18. It does have the dresser, except the dresser is mostly drawers. I wouldn't trade that storage for anything. The Lagun table has an outside mount. We normally leave the inside as a bed and set up the table outside. When it's raining or too cold and windy, we have an induction hotplate we use on the top of the dresser to cook. We sit on the edge of the bed to eat. 

Da_Birds

I would want the storage space over a bench seat. Unless it's needed as a small bed for a child I wouldn't want to give up that storage space. Besides maybe the pass through cabinets, it's our most utilized storage space and we use that countertop for many different things. 

alexreinhardt98

I'm on the opposite side of these comments, I find the bench nice for putting a laundry basket with clothes and having a space to sit and put shoes on. It will also be a space for our upcoming infant to sleep. Frankly we don't camp with enough stuff to want the extra storage, but I can see how it would be useful for extended stays. I would look for a pre-2017 and you can always add a removeable counter in that area if needed.

StepheninDen

We had a custom dog bed fitted for the bench for our large (and spoiled) dog 😂. As seating, I agree that it isn’t very useful, in part because of the curved wall.

HappyWanderer

Thanks for the feedback.  I figured I be going against the flow, but, I have a bench up front in my current camper, a '74 Boler and find it very useful as we keep the rear dinette/bed configured as a bed.  I had considered looking for a 2017 or earlier, but, seeing a clamshell in my area is rare, let alone finding one for sale and I kind of like some of the other improvements they've made over the years.  I was hoping to hear that someone had successfully done a mod of this nature, but, I guess not.   If I do end up with a newer CS I'll certainly try it as is for a year before I break out the sawzall.

Jebber

I haven’t cut down the dresser myself, but I’ve seen others do it, and it seems totally possible. From what I’ve gathered, it’s not structural, though I’d double-check with nuCamp since the newer models could have some changes. I get what you mean about losing storage, but if you’re planning to keep the bed set up most of the time, having that extra seating space could be a nice trade-off. 

HappyWanderer

I did ask nuCamp and they suggested I pose the question here.  I have since bought a '24 CS-S and as I mentioned earlier I will try it as is for a season or two before I make any changes.  Sorting out the fridge will likely be I higher priority, but again, time will tell.