Forum Discussion

in5r's avatar
in5r
Explorer
Oct 29, 2014

free standing, or fixed dinette

We are considering a free standing option in our next 5th wheel opposed to a fixed table with bench style seating. I am looking for input of those that have the free standing and regret or like their choice. Pros, cons, likes, dislikes.

29 Replies

  • only bad thing I can think of by having free standing is securing the chairs while on the road. I do not like the booth. the main reason I have a booth is my DW likes booths. every time we go out to eat, they ask, booth or table, she takes booth.
  • As a rule the booth cushions are horrible. With a free standing you could change out the chairs if you needed more comfort. We yanked the booth out of our 5th and bought a table and chairs from a local furniture dealer. Very comfortable. It also allows us to move it to the rear if we have a nice view out the back. Just unscrew the table and move it to the rear. Never ever will get a booth dinette again.
  • Have had both. Now have free standing. Free standing is a requirement as far as I'm concerned unless you have a bunch of little children.
  • We have had both. We now have free standing. I'm thinking that when we have company for dinner, there is more room than the bench style. DW now says she would rather have a u shaped type.
  • Hi,

    We have no experience with free standing tables in RV's.
    We do have a smaller travel trailer with the horseshoe shaped dinette. And there is no other, comfortable, seating in the trailer.
    We really like the dinette because it doubles as a couch that we can recline on.
    Your situation is possibly different, but that's what works for us.

    Steve
  • When we went looking for a new trailer this year we wanted a separate table and chairs - easier to get in and out and completely movable if needed. We found a new trailer (end of that model year) seven hours away that according to the salesman (had asked twice!) had what we wanted. Drove up there to find a fixed table and bench seating - boy were we ticked! Dealer ended up reducing the price and paying for one of those plastic picnic tables. The extra storage in the bench seating is nice.
  • Another vote for free standing.Just the DW and myself. When four eat we turn the table sideways for more room.
  • We like the free standing.

    Can move chairs/table to accommodate getting into/out of sitting for folks with 'issues'
    Can add the center leaf as needed
    Move a chair out to end
    Slide table one way or other for 'large' folks

    But no storage under bench......some chairs have lift up seats but the area is small.
    And lots of bench dinettes make up into a 'bed' of sorts

    For us....free standing meet our wants.
  • Love oue free standing table and chairs. Have never taken the chairs outside, but it is possible. Couple of years ago I put underseat storage in them. Makes for some nice storage places. Also way more comfortable than the booth.