In an earlier article, I described how I had made a simple change with our heavy windshield curtains. By simply adding an inexpensive café rod and some curtains, we could view the outside world and still retain our privacy in the motorhome. You can read the article here:

I do have one quick confession I must make…I am a frustrated interior designer. I watch HGTV like an addict on withdrawal from the local home improvement store, and I am constantly amazed at the creative and innovative solutions to problems my favorite designers achieve. Although I didn’t get this idea from watching a decorating show, my reluctance to pay a premium price for a readymade table addition to our rig inspired my creation. I’ve seen many motorhomes displaying a neat little “steering wheel” table that can be purchased from camping supply stores. After setting up the rig, the driver’s seat is turned towards the main living area of the motorhome and the table attached. A pretty tablecloth and a lamp in addition to a knickknack like a clock transform the entry of the rig. Now I know that this idea is for motorhomes, but the idea came from a desire to save money, and that is a good thing for anybody’s rig, whether it is a 5th wheel, teardrop trailer or a class B van. The steering wheel table cover is just that…it is a round disk that attaches to the steering wheel and creates an instant table. The store bought model is made of plastic and has an adjustable arm to provide a leveling mechanism so the steering wheel surface is flat once the table is set on it. I think these tables can be purchased for under $50 and then the tablecloth is another $15 or so. Most steering wheels in motorhomes can be adjusted; some even can be made to lay flat. Our steering wheel will only adjust to a slight angle, so I needed to find something that would level the table, just like the adjustable arm on the purchased table.

I went to a dollar type store and purchased a round decorator table for $8. We would not use the legs at all. You may also find various sizes of pre-made unfinished table tops at a local home improvement center. I was not able to find one so I had to find something similar and the decorator table top was a perfect fit. From the local hardware store, I purchased two clips that when attached to the wall hold handled items such as brooms and mops. On one underside of the table, the first clip was attached. Next a measurement was made when the unfinished table was laid across the tilted steering wheel. My DH Paul, who was assisting me (or should I say, wouldn’t let me use his power tools so he insisted on doing the “work”) decided to use blocks of wood he had salvaged from the trash bin. We actually constructed this table while we were camped in Branson, MO.

Attaching Clip to underside of table


Here is the broom/mop clip being attached to the table top piece of the decorator table. The pencil marks indicate where the actual steering wheel placement is and allows the clip to slip onto the wheel perfectly. After pre-drilling the holes, strong industrial type glue was applied to the back of the clip and into the screw holes to assure a strong bond.
The blocks were attached to the other side of the table, and the second clip attached to the wood blocks. Remember to consider the length of the clip when calculating the depth or length of wood that serves as the leveling piece.

Diagram of table underside

The diagram shows the placement of the clips…one for the top edge, and the second clip attached on the block of wood for the bottom edge. I am not very good at Paint, so forgive the rather amateurish drawing…!
After the glue was set, I placed the new table on the steering wheel, the clips securing the table quite well. I had a round table cloth that I had stashed under the bed along with a square lace topper. I added a lamp, a small clock and a little statue that I adore. Someday I may even hem the tablecloth so it doesn’t hang down as much, but that isn’t one of my priorities! Mission accomplished and all for about $10. I saved money and created a new space in an unused area of the rig.
Here is a photo of the table as shown in the Camping World catalog. I was unable to find a picture in my files of my completed table and since the rig is in the shop right now, I can’t get a picture of the real thing. I promise to update the article when I have a chance to take a picture of the table in my rig!

Camping World Table from 2008 Catalog

Well, that’s all there is to it. There are many ways you can “build” your own steering wheel table. This was just my brainstorming to come up with an idea.