Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa

Finding the Perfect Jackknife Sofa for Your RV

As an RV owner, I know how important it is to have furniture that is both comfortable for lounging and functional for sleeping when you need that extra bed. The Thomas Payne Jackknife sofa has become one of the most popular RV sofas because of its versatile design and features. I recently went through the process of selecting a Thomas Payne jackknife for my new RV and wanted to share my buying experience. Whether you’re outfitting your first RV or upgrading the furniture in your existing rig, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right Thomas Payne jackknife sofa for your needs and budget.

What is a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

A jackknife sofa, also known as a folding sofa or sleeper sofa, folds out into a bed for overnight guests while upright it can be used as a standard couch. The Thomas Payne brand is known for its durable construction and family-friendly designs perfect for RVs. Thomas Payne jackknife sofas feature a sturdy steel mechanism that allows the sofa to quickly fold down into a bed. The sofa cushions are made of comfortable foam and fabrics resistant to UV rays and stains. Thomas Payne offers jackknife sofas in a range of sizes, so you can find the right one to fit your RV space.

How Do You Install a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Installing a Thomas Payne jackknife sofa is a relatively straightforward process. Since these sofas are designed specifically for RVs, they utilize minimal assembly and mounting hardware to allow for easy installation. The actual sofa frame comes in one piece so you don’t have to assemble the main components. The jackknife mechanism and legs will need to be attached using the provided hardware and tools. Thomas Payne sofas come with pre-drilled holes in the frame that allow you to mount it directly to the floor of your RV. Depending on the sofa model, installation can usually be completed within an hour or less. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the installation yourself, you may want to have a professional RV technician handle it.

What Are the Dimensions of the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Thomas Payne offers jackknife sofas in a range of dimensions to fit different RV floorplans. When shopping for a jackknife, first measure the space you have available for the sofa. Standard Thomas Payne sofas come in the following size options:

• 60″ sofa: Upright dimensions are 60″ wide x 37″ deep x 33″ high. Folds down into a sleeping area approximately 60″ wide x 45″ long.
• 72″ sofa: Upright dimensions are 72″ wide x 37″ deep x 33″ high. Folds down into a 60″ x 75″ sleeping space.
• 80″ sofa: Upright dimensions of 80″ wide x 37″ deep x 33″ high. Unfolds into a queen bed around 60″ x 80″.
• 84″ sofa: Upright dimensions are 84″ wide x 37″ deep x 33″ high. The bed measures 60″ x 84″ when opened.

They also offer more compact jackknife models around 48″ wide for very small RVs. Be sure to measure your available floor space and openings to ensure the sofa will fit into your RV.

How Comfortable Is the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

One of the top reasons RV owners choose Thomas Payne furniture is for the comfort. Their jackknife sofas use multi-density foam cushions that provide soft support without losing their shape over time. The foam is wrapped in DuraLux fabrics designed to resist fading, stains, and damage from UV exposure. Many of the covers are even pet-friendly. I found my Thomas Payne sofa cushioning strikes the perfect balance between cushy and supportive. The sofa sits at chair height making it easy to get in and out of. When converted to a bed, the sofa mattress provides a surprisingly comfortable night’s sleep thanks to the high-quality foam. If comfort is your top priority, Thomas Payne is definitely the way to go.

Where Can I Buy a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

You can find Thomas Payne jackknife sofas at most major RV dealerships and furniture stores. Since Thomas Payne is one of the leading RV furniture brands, their products are widely available both online and in stores. I recommend checking with local RV dealers in your area to test out Thomas Payne sofas in person before purchasing. You can also order them through large online RV parts and accessories retailers like Camping World, Amazon, or directly from the Thomas Payne website. One tip is to search using the specific model number of the jackknife you want so you can compare pricing across different sellers. Take the time to shop around, but make sure to buy from a reputable dealer.

How Do You Clean a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Luckily, Thomas Payne jackknife sofas are designed to be easy to care for. The durable DuraLux covers can be cleaned right in your RV. For basic cleaning, I recommend vacuuming the sofa regularly to remove dirt and debris that can get ground into the fabric. Spot clean any spills or stains right away with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For deeper cleanings, you can use a handheld steamer or upholstery shampoo machine to freshen up the fabrics. Just check the tag on your sofa cover for the manufacturer’s cleaning code and follow any special washing instructions. The sofa frame can be wiped down with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water. With regular care, a Thomas Payne jackknife can stay looking great trip after trip.

What Materials Are Used in a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Thomas Payne constructs their jackknife sofas using heavy-duty materials designed to handle the rigors of daily use in an RV. Here are the key components:

• Steel frame – The main sofa frame and folding mechanism are made from steel for strength and durability.
• Foam cushions – The seat, back, and arm cushions utilize dense, multi-layer foam for comfort and support.
• DuraLux cover fabrics – Upholstery grade woven fabrics that resist UV damage, stains, and mildew.
• Cherrywood accents – Real cherrywood veneers on the front arm panels and base trim for an upscale look.
• Adjustable legs – Legs are screwed into the frame and can be adjusted to stabilize on uneven surfaces.

The combination of sturdy steel, comfortable foam, and durable upholstery makes a Thomas Payne jackknife the perfect furniture choice for an active RV lifestyle.

How Does the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa Convert to a Bed?

The real genius of the jackknife sofa is how quickly and easily it converts into a bed for guests or extra sleeping space. Here is an overview of how the Thomas Payne jackknife bed conversion works:

1. Remove the accent pillows from the sofa.
2. Under one of the armrests locate the pull strap handle. Give this a gentle pull forward while lightly lifting up on the front edge of the sofa.
3. The sofa will release and begin unfolding. Stop about halfway down then grab the back edge of the mattress and pull it toward you guiding the sofa flat into a bed position.
4. Once fully extended, press down firmly on the corners of the mattress to lock the bed rails into position.
5. The process only takes about 15-20 seconds and is just as quick to fold back up into a sofa when not needed as a bed!

With a few easy motions, the Thomas Payne quickly and conveniently changes from a comfortable sofa to a queen, full or twin size bed for overnight use. The steel mechanism glides smoothly each time.

Are There Different Styles of Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofas?

One great option with Thomas Payne is that they offer their jackknife sofas in a variety of styles to fit any RV decor. Here are a few of the different styles available:

• Pilot Collection – Features low profile arms and clean lines in fabrics like faux leather or cotton blends. Great for a modern look.
• Navigator Collection – Showcases plush loose back cushions and welted seams for a transitional design.
• Signature Series – Combines contoured arms, nailhead trim, and decorative fabrics for a touch of luxury.
• Voyager Collection – Rustic mix of nailheads and weathered looking faux leather or microfiber fabrics.
• Parker Collection – Casual styling with extra thick box border cushions in family-friendly durable fabrics.

No matter your design tastes, there’s a Thomas Payne jackknife to match ranging from contemporary to traditional. Browse all their collections online to find your favorite.

What Colors Are Available for the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of fabric options for the Thomas Payne sofas. They offer over 100 different fabric choices in solids, prints, microfibers, or faux leathers. Popular neutral colors like beige, chocolate, black, or gray make it easy to match your existing decor. You can also pick fun accent colors like bright blue, olive green, red, yellow, or textured multi-colored prints. I’d recommend ordering fabric swatches from Thomas Payne to see the colors and patterns firsthand. Consider how much wear and dirt your RV furniture gets when choosing lighter vs. darker fabrics. You can really customize your sofa to coordinate with your RV decor.

How Much Weight Can a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa Support?

An important consideration for RV furniture is being able to support the weight of multiple people sitting or sleeping on it. According to the manufacturer, the Thomas Payne jackknife sofas are designed to comfortably accommodate 2 average-sized adults sitting or 1 adult sleeping. The steel frames and Sinuous wire suspension system provide strength to handle repeated use. While they don’t list an exact weight limit, customers report the sofas holding up well for years under family use. Since their largest sofa converts to a queen bed, I’d estimate the weight capacity to be around 500 lbs or more when opened as a bed. The steel frames seem incredibly sturdy during my product testing.

What Are the Reviews for the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

In my research before purchasing, I made sure to read through customer reviews of the Thomas Payne sofa I had selected. Overall, the vast majority of reviews are 4 and 5-star ratings from satisfied owners. People praise the comfort, easy conversion to a bed, and durability holding up full time in RVs. Many reviewers mention using their Thomas Payne sleeper sofa daily for years without issues. Some of the most frequent compliments are on the quality of the fabrics and cushion comfort. Any concerns noted are minor and seem to be isolated cases. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback after extended use, I felt confident choosing this brand. The reviews reaffirmed for me the value of investing a little more upfront for durable and comfortable RV furniture built to last.

Is Assembly Required for the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

One of the best things about the Thomas Payne sofas is that they are shipped fully assembled. The actual sofa frame and jackknife mechanism all come pre-assembled from the factory. This saves a tremendous amount of time and headache trying to piece together a large sofa in an RV space. The only assembly needed is attaching the legs and any accent pillows or arm covers included. The sofa frame gets mounted directly to the RV floor using the pre-drilled holes and hardware provided. As long as you have ample room to maneuver it into position, you can be enjoying your new sofa in almost no time! Thomas Payne makes it as easy as possible for RV owners to upgrade their furniture.

Can I Customize the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Yes, one great feature of Thomas Payne is that they allow you to fully customize your jackknife sofa. You can select:

• The size that fits your RV (lengths from 48″ up to 84″).
• Left or right facing orientation.
• The jackknife mechanism – manual or air mattress.
• Your preferred fabric type and color.
• Accent details like decorative nails or welting.
• Optional storage arms with interior compartments.

You can really tailor both the styling and functionality of your sofa to meet your needs. Customizations do require additional lead time to build your sofa, so factor that into your plans. But the ability to customize sets Thomas Payne apart from other RV furniture brands.

What Is the Warranty on a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Thomas Payne constructs their sofas to last and backs them with impressive warranties. Their standard warranty covers the sofa frame and jackknife mechanisms against manufacturing defects for 5 years. The foam and fabric components are warranted for 2 years from the date of purchase. Anything defective in materials or workmanship will be repaired or replaced free of charge within those time periods. Cushion covers can also be ordered for replacement if needed after normal wear and tear. The long warranty term gives me confidence in the lasting quality of materials used in Thomas Payne sofas.

Are Replacement Parts Available for the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Since Thomas Payne sofas are built to be long-lasting, replacement components are available should you need them down the road. Over time, foam cushions will compress and fabrics can wear or tear through regular use. Through Thomas Payne retailers or their website, you can order replacement cushions, covers, legs, or parts for the folding mechanism if repairs are ever needed outside of warranty coverage. Having access to replacement parts is a top reason for choosing Thomas Payne, knowing I can freshen up the looks or swap out worn out foam cushions if I own it long term.

How Does the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa Compare to Other RV Sofas?

In my sofa research, it quickly became apparent that Thomas Payne is a cut above most other RV furniture brands. Key benefits I found versus other jackknife sofas include:

• Premium quality materials – From the sturdy steel frame to thick, resilient foam and woven fabrics, Thomas Payne uses high-grade components built to handle daily use.
• Easy conversion – The smooth operating jackknife mechanism quickly folds down into a bed with little effort.
• Comfort – The multi-density foam and suspension seating provide softness and support for hours of comfortable lounging and sleeping.
• Styling – Available in a wide range of styles from modern to traditional to match any RV decor.
• Custom options – You can select the size, fabric, orientation, and details to create your ideal sofa.
• Warranty – Backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.

While you pay a bit more upfront, the quality and comfort of a Thomas Payne lasts for years, outperforming budget RV sofas.

What Are the Shipping Options for a Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

Thomas Payne partners with major freight companies to provide multiple shipping options right to your door. Standard delivery via motor freight is included free within the contiguous US. Your sofa will ship on a truck in 1-3 business days once ordered. Expedited freight options are available for an extra fee to receive your sofa faster if needed. White glove in-home delivery service is also offered for an additional cost in most areas. This includes specialists bringing it inside your RV, unpacking, and inspecting it. Just ensure you measure doors and access points to confirm the sofa will fit into your RV before ordering!

How Long Does It Take to Convert the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa to a Bed?

One of the easiest things about using the Thomas Payne jackknife is how quickly it switches between sofa and bed positions. From start to finish, you can completely convert the sofa into a bed in about 15-20 seconds. Simply remove the accent pillows, pull the strap handle to release, then push the back down into position. Unfolding the bed takes just a few smooth motions thanks to the perfectly calibrated steel mechanism. To fold it back up, reverse the process pulling the mattress toward you and pushing the front back into place in one quick motion. It’s incredibly simple and fast to convert whenever you need extra sleeping space.

What Is the Price Range of the Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa?

As a high-end furniture brand designed specifically for RVs, Thomas Payne sofas come in at the higher end of the price spectrum. Expect to invest $1200-$2000 for one of their premium jackknife sofas. Of course, pricing depends on the size, features, and custom options selected. Basic models start around $1200 for a 48″ sofa, while their largest 84″ sofa with all the bells and whistles can cost up to $2500-3000. Considering the outstanding quality, construction, and comfort, I found them to be worth every penny. The durability means thisfurniture will last for years in your RV. While more of an investment upfront, a Thomas Payne sofa holds its value and saves money over replacing cheaper sofas that wear out quickly.

Key Takeaways: My Thomas Payne Jackknife Sofa Buying Experience

After closely comparing all the different RV sleeper sofas on the market, I ultimately chose a Thomas Payne jackknife for my RV remodel. Here are the key takeaways that led me to this decision:

• Superior build quality – The thick steel and wood frames are made to handle full time RV living for years.
• Effective jackknife design – Converting to a bed is smooth and takes just seconds to fold out.
• Custom options – I could select the exact size, configuration, and upholstery fabrics to match my RV decor.
• Comfort – The multi-layer foam cushions provide cozy softness and support for lounging or sleeping.
• Great warranty – 5 years on frames and 2 years on upholstery gives peace of mind for such a big purchase.
• Easy installation – Came fully assembled and installed in minutes in my RV.
• Accessible parts – I can order replacement cushions or components down the road if ever needed.

While it was an investment, I have no regrets after using my Thomas Payne sleeper sofa daily for over a year in my RV. The quality and comfort has held up wonderfully even with heavy use by my whole family on trips. For anyone looking to upgrade to furniture designed for true long-term RV living, I can’t recommend Thomas Payne enough! Let me know if you have any other questions on my buying experience. I’m happy to share details that may help you in outfitting your RV with great furniture.