Springfield Gas Powered Table Pedestal - Like it
If you’ve had a look at our van layout, then you know we have a unique floor plan that uses the “livingroom” table as a support for our Murphy bed. While finalizing the design, we needed to find a product that would be small, easy to operate, have a large range of vertical motion, and was affordable. Our research led us to the Springfield Gas Powered Table Pedestal.
What’s great about this pedestal is that it has the range of motion to lower our tabletop from a height of 28” all the way down to a height of 12.75” with the flick of 2 easy to grab clamps. There aren’t specific locking points, so you can set the height to any desired location along the travel. The pedestal has a 12” diameter base, which leaves plenty of room under the table for feet. The mounting plate is also a sturdy 12”x12” which has been plenty robust for our needs. Springfield Gas Powered Table Pedestal weighs less than 16lbs, which is an added bonus.
Table down
Table up
Why we like it: The pedestal is sturdy and we never feel like we can’t lean on or put heavy items on it, including our own weight if we’re reaching into a cabinet or maneuvering around the van. We use the table in the “high” position for working and eating. When we’re ready to make the bed, we lower the table to match the height of our bench seats - which is a snap with the easy to grasp clamp handles. When the table is lowered, it helps carry the load of the bed platform.
Sometimes, when we want to relax or take an afternoon nap without opening the murphy bed, we can lower the table and rearrange our cushions to form a cozy nap pad. The pedestal easily supports John’s 6’-3”, 225lbs frame.
Lower position - clamps locked
Upper position - clamps open
Things to keep in mind: The Springfield Gas Powered Table Pedestal can sometimes be a little sticky and resist sliding all the way down when we’re lowering it if you aren’t pushing absolutely straight down (vertically). Putting a little extra weight on the pedestal gets past any sticky points pretty easily, but standing directly over the pedestal when lowering it is the best solution. Our table is an odd shape, so its a bit tricky for us to push straight down on it.
The clamps can loosen a bit, which can cause the table to spin or wobble. There are thumb screws that tighten the clamps right back up, so it’s not a huge deal. With the vibration of the van while driving, this is a reasonable issue that will require minimal, occasional tightening.
The take away: The pedestal is super easy to operate (stickiness and all) and makes transforming our live/work space into our sleeping space in no time. This unit was only 1 of 2 pedestals that we found that would facilitate the intended design with the vertical travel that we needed. The price was reasonable and we are confident that the craftmanship is sound. To see the other pedestal we considered - click here!
This flexible pedestal gave us exactly what we needed! Check the link below to see if it could work for your build too!
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