free standing, or fixed dinette

I agree with John. The dinette was fine when we were younger (and skinnier) and had the kids with us.

Now that we are older (and rounder) and travel alone, we prefer the table and chairs.

We had a dinette in our Eagle 215SD for 18 years and it was bit crowded because of the size of the FW. We decided that we would like a "free-standing" table and chairs this time around so that's what we got. Haven't regretted it one bit. Our FW has more than enough storage without having to have under the bench storage. Our chairs came with a little strap for wrapping around the legs and the table to keep the chairs from moving. DW made some little booties for the legs so they wouldn't scratch the table pedestal. Works for us very well.

I've used both. I definitely prefer the free standing. We had four chairs, and took 2 out, which really helped with the room space.

Well I'll add some fuel to the fire..we have the booth seating with a free standing dinette. I built sliding drawers under each bench...DW thoroughly love the set up.

We had the booth in the TT and now have the free standing in the 5ver. Free standing is much more comfortable than the booth. The seat bottoms fold up for storage of small items like remotes, magazines and the tie down straps.

Our 2013 Chapparal had the free standing in when we purchased. After a year we went to manufacture and had a fixed Dinnette put in.

As much as we used the free standing one the fixed suits us better when we have the grandson.

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

Dave and Sue wrote:
Another vote for free standing.Just the DW and myself. When four eat we turn the table sideways for more room.

And another free standing vote.

Bonus - when we got rid of the hide-a-bed, moved the free-standing table and chairs forward to that location.
Note: "free standing" is sort of a misnomer!
The factory anchors the table to the floor with long wood screws.

Also, replaced the square dining table with a drop-leaf 36" round table & 2 chairs. Not anchored anymore - it *is* truly "free-standing"..:W
Table and chairs match the woodwork.

With the leaves down, it's narrow - which is just fine with us.
Two people can sit at the table with the leaves down.
Open 'em up, move it out and it seats four if desired.
(if needed, 2 extra chairs are my folding aluminum upright type I use outside)

The front legs of each chair, fit over the base of the table when not in use.

Neither the table nor the chairs have ever moved - even over the roughest roads.

Yes - I've had TTs with the "permanent" dinette - and it was necessary "back then".
Would never go back to that style now...;)

BTW - *if* it was an option - or I could negotiate it on a future trailer.....it wouldn't have *any* furniture in the living area & I would add my own.

As I have replaced the factory: recliners, table & chairs, hide-a-bed, and the "garish" window valances and day/night shades.

Another misnomer:
The 5th is a 2005 Jayco *Designer*!!
Whoever the interior "designer" was should be put to sleep..:B


~

I'll second that! I think most interiors are done by 70's hippie college drop-outs that still have acid flash-backs.

Lyle

I guess I am one for the booth. We had free standing table in the first fifth wheel, thought we would like that better. It was wobbly even when screwed down pretty tight. I had to raise the table top with 2x4s so I could get my legs underneath without spilling everything on the table. The chairs were cheap and uncomfortable. We now have the booth and really like it. The cushions are more comfortable for us, we have been able to sit there and play cribbage for hours which was not possible on the table and chairs.

in5r wrote:
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.

Have had both. As I get older, I prefer the free standing table over the bench. Our RV has more storage space than we need, so there is no loss for us. We do utilize the under seat storage on the chairs (plus the free standing table opens and their is storage inside of it, plus it has an extension built into the table).

I am sure not all tables are as utilitarian as ours. The one we got is great. It is also screwed to the floor, so no stability concerns.

I don't think it is as easy as one versus the other. I think you have to look at the versatility of each that is used in the particular RV you are interested in.

Free standing here also! Empty nesters just the two of us, don't miss the storage space, have never tied down the chairs and they stay in place just fine even though we have a rear kitchen.

Enjoy the ability to adjest the chairs.