A functional disconnect often arises when you take delivery of a RV or travel trailer you intend to take to music festivals or large campground gatherings. As the name suggests, the dinette was designed for dining. Yet, when we’re hosting friends at a music festival or campsite, we spend more time hanging out than dining in. So, how can you maximize “dinette” functionality?
We’ve seen a bunch of Facebook posts and pix on great ideas. They’ve included everything from one on Fun RV Stuff on pulling the seating and installing a couch or recliners, or cutting a new wood plank to serve as a narrow platform between the benches.
RV camper Michelle posted about installing a new leg post and smaller tabletop to create a “coffee table.” She commented how since the dinette is the only furniture she has, she wanted a more comfortable seating area for when she’s alone. Adding another Sequoia floor post mount, she can use either the full-sized or smaller table easily. She also made a one-foot seat cushion that makes the back seat wider, supported by that removable wood plank. It’s stored under the throw when not in use.
Barry’s trailer Bertha often hosts lotsa people, some hanging outside, some hanging inside. So Barry did a few tweaks to turn the dinette into a hangout when it’s not being used for dining or sleeping. He had extra cushions made to fill out the bench seating area when the tabletop is in the down position, leaving in place the back cushions that are used when the dinette is in place.
He (actually, his wife, Jen) bought a few extra pillows and a matching set of colorful, tapestry-like sheets and covers. “The Hang” is comfortable enough for three to chill.
One problem: With the hang in place, the table is gone. Barry had a piece of Corian cut and edges smoothed. He hung it from the kitchen island using hinges and brackets. Now, it serves as a flip-up table opposite the dinette, providing critical counter space.
Bertha also has two bar stools that, along with the two recliners/theater chairs, lends to a plethora of hang space.
And the dinette is still intact. So when it’s chow time, the table can be put back
into place.
I’m mulling buying a Sequoia posts and mounts to create a replacement table for the dinette. It’d be more like a cocktail table – lower, smaller, maybe carved from a piece of driftwood. The standard dinette is too big for just hanging out. Smaller could be a nice tweak, a perfect adaptation for a little RoadtripMojo.
Check out this previous Tweak of the Week about the tapestry we hung across Mr. Charlie’s dinette to lend a little privacy for those sleeping in the dinette-bunk.
With any tweak, just think of your RV as a slate ready for some modification or improvement. They roll off the factory floor to suit the masses, but ready for your individual stamp. A tweak needn’t take much time, money, or effort. Just a little imagination in pursuit of a mission to improve your camping and RV festival experience.
Either way, Enjoy the Ride!