Entegra Odyssey 26M Murphy Bed Couch Replacement and Ground Clearance Upgrade

Short Answer

Barbara, replacing your stock couch with theater seats in your 2022 Entegra Odyssey 26M while maintaining Murphy bed functionality is definitely possible, but requires careful planning. Theater seats with removable backs or flip-down backs are your best option, though you'll need custom mounting solutions to ensure proper Murphy bed clearance. The key is finding seats that can accommodate the bed's lowering mechanism while providing the comfort upgrade you're seeking.

Understanding the Problem

Your 2022 Entegra Odyssey 26M came with a standard RV couch that serves dual purposes - seating and supporting the Murphy bed mechanism above. The challenge with theater seats is that most have high, fixed backs that would interfere with the bed lowering. However, several manufacturers make RV-specific theater seating with removable or hinged backs designed exactly for this application.

The Murphy bed in your Odyssey requires specific clearance measurements when lowering. You'll need to measure the exact arc and clearance requirements of your bed mechanism before selecting seats. Most Murphy beds need 12-18 inches of clear space when fully extended, and the mounting points for your new seats must align with the structural supports in your floor. Verify your specific bed's clearance requirements, as some may exceed what removable-back theater seats can accommodate.

Theater seats also require different power and mounting considerations than your current couch. They typically need 12V power for reclining mechanisms and more robust floor mounting due to their weight and moving parts.

What You'll Need

For the seating conversion, you'll need theater seats specifically designed for RVs with removable backs. Popular options include the Villa International Monaco series with removable backs ($1,200-$1,800 per seat - prices vary significantly by location, dealer, and options) or the Lambright Comfort Chairs with flip-down backs ($1,000-$1,500 each - prices vary significantly by location, dealer, and options). These are designed specifically for Murphy bed applications.

You'll also need custom mounting hardware, which typically costs $200-$400 depending on your floor structure (prices vary significantly by location, dealer, and options). This includes reinforcement plates, lag bolts, and potentially floor reinforcement if your existing couch mounting points don't align with the theater seat requirements.

Electrical supplies will include 12V wiring (12-gauge for runs over 10 feet, 14-gauge acceptable for shorter runs), inline fuses, and possibly a relay if your seats have multiple motors. Budget around $100-$150 for electrical components (prices vary significantly by location, dealer, and options). You'll also need basic tools: drill, hole saw set, wire crimpers, multimeter, and potentially a reciprocating saw if floor modifications are needed.

How to Fix It

WARNING: This modification involves structural changes and electrical work. Improper installation can result in injury or damage. Always disconnect power before working on electrical components.

Start by carefully measuring your Murphy bed's clearance requirements. Lower the bed fully and measure the distance from the floor to the lowest point of the bed mechanism. This determines your maximum seat back height when in the down position. Most removable-back theater seats can accommodate 14-16 inches of clearance.

Remove your existing couch and locate the structural mounting points in your floor. The Odyssey typically has reinforced areas every 12 inches that correspond to the coach structure below. Your new seats must mount to these structural points, not just the subflooring. Theater seats weigh 80-120 lbs each compared to 40-60 lbs for typical RV couches, so verify your floor's load capacity. If the theater seat mounting points don't align, you'll need to add reinforcement plates.

Install the electrical rough-in first. Run 12V power from your main panel to each seat location, using 12-gauge wire for runs over 10 feet (14-gauge acceptable for shorter runs), and properly sized fuses. Theater seats typically draw 5-8 amps per seat when operating (verify specific requirements with dealer), so plan accordingly. Test all connections before final installation.

Mount the seats according to manufacturer specifications, ensuring they're level and properly secured to structural members. Follow torque specifications exactly - over-torquing can crack RV subflooring while under-torquing can cause dangerous failures. Install the seats with backs removed, then test the Murphy bed operation multiple times to ensure proper clearance. Finally, install the removable backs and test all seat functions.

Leave It to the Experts

This modification involves structural changes to your RV and electrical work that could affect your warranty. Consider having the work done by an Entegra-certified service center or experienced RV modification shop. They'll have specific knowledge of your chassis structure and Murphy bed mechanism.

Professional installation typically costs $2,000-$3,500 including labor, depending on complexity and local rates (prices vary significantly by location, dealer, and options). Many shops offer package deals when you purchase seats through them. The advantage is proper structural mounting, warranty protection, and professional electrical installation that meets RV industry standards.

For the suspension modification you mentioned (raising the RV), this definitely requires professional attention as it affects handling, braking, and warranty coverage. Entegra dealers can provide approved lift options that won't void your chassis warranty, typically involving helper springs or approved tire size increases within manufacturer specifications.