In choosing a fifth wheel what are the pros and cons to an island in the kitchen? I also noticed some floor plans have recliners and sofa that do not directly face the television. Is this a problem? Thanks for you opinions.

Can you get by the island when the slides are closed?While RV kitchens are always a little short on counter space, it is an RV. I think kitchen islands are a waste space. It's not like you're going to have a gourmet kitchen making meals for 10 - 20 people and a lot of people gathering to socialize in the kitchen while you're doing it.Bill

Trackrig wrote:Can you get by the island when the slides are closed?While RV kitchens are always a little short on counter space, it is an RV. I think kitchen islands are a waste space. It's not like you're going to have a gourmet kitchen making meals for 10 - 20 people and a lot of people gathering to socialize in the kitchen while you're doing it.BillSpoken like a man! Lol. We did not have the island, as we wanted to access kitchen while traveling. I think if you can find a plan that allows some access to kitchen- refrigerator, sink, etc, then it would be GREAT!!!

I like my island kitchen. The pro's are that it offers my counter space, more storage. My sink is also located in the island. I'm not sure if that is a pro or a con. The one con on my model is you can't get to the kitchen with the slide closed. Not all models are this way. I didn't like the floor plans that had the tv behind the island. The model that we went with has a rear entertainment centre so we can see the tv without sitting awkwardly.

We have and island kitchen and love it. We cook most meals in the camper.Our recliners are directly opposite the TV.We can fully access the fridge and freezer with the slides in. We cannot access the rear of the trailer with sides retracted. If we do need access at a rest stop, we simply extend the kitchen slide. Quick and easy.We have full access to bathroom with slides in.Everything about RV's are compromises. The floorplan we chose met our needs perfectly.

We love our island kitchen....or I should say that my wife does. Access is limited with the slides retracted, but we can get to the fridge/freezer and pantry while retracted by stepping on the couch and dinette seats. Not perfect but it works for us. We like this floor plan very much, so we plan to keep this unit for a good long time.

Kitchen with Island pros and cons | Good Sam Community

mudmaker
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
We have a BC 3251ts which comes with a movable island so getting to the fridge is easy when slides are in. Also sink and bathroom and non issues. 42" TV is set directly across from theatre seating which I really like.
B_Sjulestad
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2014
Halmfamily wrote:
We really like the island and will have one in next fiver, which are shopping for now. We love to bake homemade breads and doughs even while camping and need the extra space. On the living room layout, currently have a FL and its a PITA to watch TV while sitting parallel to it. Our next one will have either recliners or theater seats in it. Currently looking at the Cedar Creek 38CK and 36 CKTS. Good luck.
We have the 36ckts and love the island. We can get to the fridge, sink and pantry to make lunches during quick stops without putting out any slides. The recliners face the TV so no more sore necks when watching TV.
skeetshooter
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
We have an island kitchen and we like it a lot. Plenty of counter space. The draw back is we can only get to one side of the fridge when the rig is closed. The good thing is it quickly opens when we need to.
Both recliners are across from the TV which makes viewing easy. This is our preferred layout.
bama2
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2014
our stoneridge has island. we can get to refer with the slides in and also the bathroom and the sink. recliners opposite television. perfect for us.
38rl stoneridge.
Dtaylor
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
I have back and neck issues so when watching tv for any length of time, it hurts to keep my head turned. Therefore, I prefer the tv across from where I am seated.
korbe
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
I would think that it has much to do about the type of RVing you do. Weekend getaway? Living full time in one spot? Full time traveling? For a weekend getaway type of campin' trip, I wouldn't worry about it.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
We really like the island and will have one in next fiver, which are shopping for now. We love to bake homemade breads and doughs even while camping and need the extra space. On the living room layout, currently have a FL and its a PITA to watch TV while sitting parallel to it. Our next one will have either recliners or theater seats in it. Currently looking at the Cedar Creek 38CK and 36 CKTS. Good luck.
Aridon
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
Depends on floor plan. Some have plenty of room for an island others jam it in there.

Our TV had to be in the right place when sitting in the living room.
msjdbman
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
We love our island kitchen....or I should say that my wife does. Access is limited with the slides retracted, but we can get to the fridge/freezer and pantry while retracted by stepping on the couch and dinette seats. Not perfect but it works for us. We like this floor plan very much, so we plan to keep this unit for a good long time.
drfife
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
We have and island kitchen and love it. We cook most meals in the camper.

Our recliners are directly opposite the TV.

We can fully access the fridge and freezer with the slides in. We cannot access the rear of the trailer with sides retracted. If we do need access at a rest stop, we simply extend the kitchen slide. Quick and easy.

We have full access to bathroom with slides in.

Everything about RV's are compromises. The floorplan we chose met our needs perfectly.