The thing about Class B vans is that space can be limited and tight.  Every aspect of the design has to be just right so that you can combine functionality and (relative) comfort.  We embraced the minimalism that comes with the tiny space, and accepted the need to assemble and disassemble some things on a daily basis so that the space can be converted from one function to another.  With time, we are adapting to some of the less convenient aspects of minimal living, however, the table system remained somewhat of an undesirable chore and we barely used it.

Don’t get me wrong, the table system is functional and Carado provided us with a very versatile system for such a small space. There are three locations to insert the 2 table legs and 2 sizes of table tops to choose from.  Between them you can create a dining area or a workstation.  The idea is great, but the some aspects of the execution are a bit problematic.

 

There are 2 locations to insert the legs between the benches, and although they provide a big usable surface, they block the passage and one has to sit on the bench and slide along the table to get to the other side of the table.

Easier said than done as the table sits bit too low for some people to fit their legs under without cutting circulations.  There is a taller leg available from the manufacturer, but Carado chose to go with the lower leg.  Some owners don’t use the table at this height.

The two front seats swivel towards the cabin and you can set a table between them.  Here the table is a bit too high.

Again, great idea, however, the person sitting in the driver seat is trapped in his or her seat and can only enter the cabin by either leaving through the driver’s door or removing the table top.

We ended up using cushions to propped the table tops on the bench and this is where we did most of our food prep and dining.  It worked, but it was a bit awkward for eating and just wasn’t a good permanent solution.  We needed a more flexible system that will be comfortable to use!

Enter Lagun Table System (I should add that we are not affiliated with them in any way).

At first we were concerned that the thin material of the Banff’s millwork panels will not be sturdy enough to hold the system in place,

but we found a couple of spots where it would work with a bit of reinforcement on the inner side of the panel under the bench.

We went ahead and ordered.  The arm is manufactured in Sweden by Noa.  You can order it from the store in the States, but we ordered from the UK as it was cheaper even with the added shipping and duty.  It may be cheaper for you to order locally if you live in the US.  It is available on Amazon only in the UK.

The leg and table top can be removed easily if you want to set up the king size bed, or can stay in place when using the single beds.

and it still fits in the designated storage for the table top.

It can be used as a counter top extension for the kitchen

for dining or working

and moving around it is real easy!

It morphs at a flick of a finger and the height and position can be adjusted in seconds.

We may add an additional mounting plate near the side door so that the table can be mounted there as well.  This will allow us to use the table outside and when we swivel your chairs around.  The person sitting in the passenger seat will no longer be trapped!

We wish that Carado would provide the Lagun system as an option for future owners,    The efficiency of the space and user comfort cannot be compared and the price doesn’t seem to be too different.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• cost of Lagun system: about $250 Canadian
• time to install: about an hour 
• comfort and usable space: priceless

If you enjoyed this post, please follow us.  You can like our Facebook page, share on your favourite social media page, or drop us a line to tell us about your experiences.  When you shop via our affiliate links, shop on Amazon.com in the United States, or Amazon.ca in Canada, we will get a portion of the sales.