Spott
SE Michigan
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Joined: 12/03/2003
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We have a Northern Lite that has the sliding dinette table, which allows us to position the table forward or back based on what is needed at the time. The only problem was the thumbscrew lock that came from the factory, we never really liked it as it was tough to use and the rubber foot has seemed to have walked away.
My solution was to remove the thumbscrew lock and install a toggle clamp and a strip of wood.
![[image]](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/spottt_/Modifications/NL%20Table%20lock/DSC05510Medium.jpg)
![[image]](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/spottt_/Modifications/NL%20Table%20lock/DSC05513Medium.jpg)
Here’s the wood strip installed and the new lock
![[image]](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/spottt_/Modifications/NL%20Table%20lock/DSC05637Medium.jpg)
![[image]](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/spottt_/Modifications/NL%20Table%20lock/DSC05639Medium.jpg)
The new lock is well out of the way and is very simple to operate, just push or pull the lever
![[image]](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/spottt_/Modifications/NL%20Table%20lock/DSC05641Medium.jpg)
![[image]](http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/spottt_/Modifications/NL%20Table%20lock/DSC05642Medium.jpg)
Me - Kim - Spot
2006 F-350 4x4 DRW V10 - 2005 Northern Lite 10-2000CD
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Artum Snowbird
Campbell River, B.C., Canada
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Joined: 05/28/2004
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Nice idea for sure.
I would suggest one other mod you might like. Add a third support in the middle of the underside of the table so you can lift off and turn the table and have it up against the wall supported by the inner post only. Then the outer post can be removed. It made for a different eating arrangement, but worked well for relaxing.
Mike and Carole
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Tizi
Normandy Park, WA
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Joined: 08/07/2008
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Cool mod. We have the same issue with our NL. Where did you get that lock mechanism? I want to replicate what you did.
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 4x4 - HEMI
2007 Northern Lite 10.2 RR
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Alschott
Connecticut
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Joined: 02/09/2006
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Try McMaster-Carr on-line catalog - or try De-Sta-Co for a toggle clamp.
These run about 10.00 or so dollars a piece. Very good clamps - we use them for work holding fixtures.
Al
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5Alive
Salt Lake City
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Joined: 09/20/2007
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I might have to try something like that. Mine has a slider with a single pole and no lock of any kind. Some kind of clamp would definitely help make things more solid.
1995 Weekender 1010 Ext
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markchengr
Seattle
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Great idea, Spott. We had the same problem so I installed a 6 inch sliding bolt on the wall side of the table on the underside. The bolt slides into a hole in the wall reinforced with a fender washer I drilled out to accomodate the bolt and then added 2 smaller holes in the sides of the washer for screws to mount it to the wall. This helps to stabilize the table but I think I'll try your idea as well. Thanks for sharing. -Mark.
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rhode trip
Rhode Island
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Joined: 03/21/2006
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Great idea as usual Bruce. Mine never had a lock, so I used a flat sided deadbolt under the tabletop and cut a notch in the center of the plywood attached to the drawer slides. It locates and locks the table in a centered position. Yours is variable side to side...much better idea! I even have some of those clamps for making fixtures and never thought of using them for this.
2002 Dodge 3500 CTD/DRW/
2000 Northern Lite 10-2000cd
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MTBob
Montana
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Joined: 07/17/2008
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Artum Snowbird wrote:Nice idea for sure.
I would suggest one other mod you might like. Add a third support in the middle of the underside of the table so you can lift off and turn the table and have it up against the wall supported by the inner post only. Then the outer post can be removed. It made for a different eating arrangement, but worked well for relaxing.
Mike:
Do you have any photos of the rotating table mod that you can post?
Bob
Bob
2002 10-2000RR Northern Lite
2008 Chevy 3500 DMAX, SRW,
2001 Lund 1700 Fisherman
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luv2skyski
Stockbridge, Georgia
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Joined: 05/30/2006
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Great idea as usual, Bruce. That little thumbscrew did the same thing on our table (gouged the underside of the table, too). I would like to do a mod that would get rid of the wobbly support poles all together. I've never really thought that our table was that stable. Thanks for the pics and post. Say hello to Kim for us. Dave.
2004 Northern Lite 10-2000RR, 1999 F250
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Photomike
Southern Alberta or where the camper is parked!
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Joined: 04/26/2008
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What took you so long to come up with this. I also have a NL and modified the table to turn so we can move it in any direction (rotates 170 degrees and slides), using your lock idea I can lock it into a couple of home positions so it will not move when driving or when eating.
Great idea!!!
Thanks,
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