Why remove dinette booth and replace with table and chairs

[loriwhitmore]

I noticed RVers frequently choose to replace the dinette booth with table and chairs.

What is the advantage of doing this? I hate to lose the storage under the bench seat, plus it is handy as a guest bed, if needed.

Our dinette booth does need updating. Planning to buy new upholstered cushions. Need to update the dinette trim as well.

[valhalla360]

Since the chairs are crammed into the same space, moving the chairs around...doesn't really happen or at best is awkward.

The storage is the biggest issue (we never used it for sleeping anyway).

We are actually planning to switch the current rig back to dinnet seats.

[BarabooBob]

We have a 17' trailer so space is important. I did not like the clearance between the table and the counters but we did like having the option of using the bed. I made a new table that is the shorter than the original so that it was easier to get in and out of the dinette. Most of the time it is only my wife and I so the smaller table works out for us. During hunting season a couple of my 30 something daughters camp with me so I just put the original table top back in.

[bucky]

"We don't need the bed space tho I better act quick before the wife thinks about bringing a grandkid."
Cracked me up. No way to win that one, mine wants to bring 2 at a time. I've agreed but only if they are potty trained. I've about run out of that one, the last one is mostly out of that now. The cool thing is that they become little people about the same time so they are much more enjoyable.

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

Besides the foam compacting and becoming uncomfortable (an easy redo), I think older folks or those on the slightly larger (height, not just girth), find them awkward getting in and out of, especially if medical ails come into play.

For the younger generations working on the road they find it more beneficial to do a table/desk set up with more ergonomic type chair, as well creating extra storage for files/printer/computers/tech gear modification.

To each their own and you keep what suits you best!

[Edd505]

Chairs are way more comfortable, move them where your comfortable. Table collapsed takes less room, add the leaf for added seating and get out the folding chairs from under the bed.

[jkwilson]

Scooting in and out of a dinette is a pain. With a chair, you can turn it, pull it back, push it in or whatever you need to make it work.

[beemerphile1]

Personal preference. We shopped for a trailer with table, chairs, and theater seating. We don't have a dinette at home and don't want one in the trailer.

[MitchF150]

I did this with the dinette in our old 2003 Prowler. It had the traditional dinette setup where you could lower the table and make a bed.. Well, as long as you were only about 5' tall from end to end...



I gained about a foot of extra floor space and didn't miss the dinette at all.

I simply removed the table, pulled the benches and then placed them up against the wall, so I still had storage space under them.



I have since sold the Prowler and gave them the table and hardware if they wanted to go back to it. Best thing I did to that trailer.. Just wish I had not waited so long to do it!

People said I had "killed" the resale value on it by doing this... Well, maybe I did, maybe not.. I got a decent price that made me happy when I sold it and will not look back.

Good luck! Mitch

[Lwiddis]

Some of us don’t “host” sleepover guests.

[Bill_Satellite]

It's really an "each to their own" situation. I like the extra walking space provided but I went extreme and removed that an installed a bar with 2 chairs that runs along the wall. I added about a foot of extra walking room and it very comfortable and we have a great view out the window!
If you like what you have, don't let anyone else convince you that changing it is the right thing to do.

[agesilaus]

Our dinette seats are awful. They hard the wrong angle

"The ideal angle between the seat and the backrest is about 100 to 110 degrees. The base of the bench should give you room to pull your feet back toward your body. When your knees are less than a 90-degree angle, your quads are more relaxed, so the sitting position if more comfortable."

for the backs and are hard. I plan to tear it out this winter and replace with a desk and chair. There is a complication in our case since the under seat storage goes to outside the camper hatches. But I think I have a fix for that.

We don't need the bed space tho I better act quick before the wife thinks about bringing a grandkid.

[opnspaces]

Personally I like my dinette. The instances I've seen of people replacing them is because they are uncomfortable?

As far as new cushions. If the fabric is acceptable, you might look into an upholstery shop just replacing the foam with something better, maybe firmer.

[PhilipB]

Our previous 5er had table/chairs. We liked the ability to move the chairs around as needed. We didn't need the extra bed space as we had 4 bunks in the back already.