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Author: Guest
Renovating your RV is one of the hottest topics on RV forums, Pinterest, and Facebook Groups and replacing the dinette with recliners seems to be one of the most popular customizations. Let’s take a look at
what’s involved and the pros and cons of switching out the dinette.
What’s Involved in Replacing the Dinette with Recliners?
The simple answer is – it depends on your rig’s setup and what’s underneath it. Here are a few scenarios and ideas for overcoming the obstacle of replacing the dinette with recliners.
Does your dinette have an opening to the basement storage?
In some RVs, you may have storage compartments right underneath the dinette that open into the basement. There may also be some electrical outlets built into the walls of the dinette. Consider what happens when you open that space if you see an opening for wiring or electrical panels. You may need to move some wires or cover exposed flooring.
What’s the flooring situation?
If your RV has boxed drawers supporting the benches of your dinette and carpeting cut around the boxes, you may have some gaps in your carpet if you rip out the dinette completely. You may have to do some additional flooring work if these bases are sitting on a subfloor or another hard surface.
Do you plan to sell your rig in the future?
Be sure what you undo can be put back in. It’s a good idea to make your RV fit your needs, but if you want to sell it in the future, you may need to keep the equipment you change.
A buyer may not have the need for a couch plus recliners. They may actually need the bed space that a sleeper dinette offers. A family may also need the eating space a dinette offers.
It’s easier to reinstall a dinette than to purchase new. It’s also easy to replace the chairs with a freestanding table and chairs. Just be sure to take good measurements before you rip out the original equipment.
What does the renovation do to your warranty?
Furniture changes don’t typically void warranties, but you want to read the fine print before you start removing covered items. Be sure to go over your warranty terms with a fine-toothed comb before you start construction on your dinette-to-recliner swap.
Where will you eat and what will you use for table tasks?
This is a valid question if you’re eager to ditch the table and booths or chairs. Will you use TV trays? Where will you play board games? What will you use for a laptop station?
If you plan to use TV trays or a foldable table, be sure you have a place to stow it when you pack up. Original RV furniture typically serves a need and is designed to withstand the bumps and shakes of the road. Conventional furniture may not hold up as well without a plan for stowing it.
Will you lose lap belts and anchors for your passengers?
Don’t forget this in the case you remove your dinette. You’ll need to switch to furniture with lap belts and be sure everything is anchored correctly if you do end up replacing the dinette with recliners. Check with a manufacturer or RV dealer on installing anchors.
Making the Swap from Dinette to Recliners
Now that we have the worrywart questions out of the way, let’s discuss what’s involved in moving from a dinette to two recliners. Here are some considerations for selecting the recliners for your new seating area:
Chair Size: Recliners come in many sizes and heights. Your dinette space may not be large enough for a set of giant recliners. You may need to look for recliners with a smaller footprint. Check out wall-huggers for space saving. Amazon, Wayfair, and other retailers sell these recliners that have a smaller range of motion and are designed to sit up against a wall.
Cupholders or a Table Between: The space between your new chairs can accommodate the eating area you’re giving up, especially if it’s just two or three of you in the rig. Look for thin tables with a magazine insert or a set of recliners that have cup holders built into the base. You may even be able to find a reclining loveseat to fill this space with a storage flap in the middle.
Removable Back: Probably the hardest part of replacing a dinette with two recliners is the exchange of furniture. RV furniture is built in sections that can come apart and be reassembled inside the rig. Your door is smaller, so be sure you can get the chair parts inside.
Slide Depth: Consider the depth of your slide when you start shopping for chairs. You’ll need to slide the chair completely into the slide before you move. You’ll also want to test the depth when the chair is reclined. Is there enough room to recline and walk around the chair? Is there enough depth to actually recline? Is there enough space between the island and slide to easily pass?
Usability: If you’re going for maximum resale impact, consider the entire wall of your new recliner setup. Is there a loveseat next to the dinette? Could you replace the couch or loveseat with the recliners and remove just a section of the dinette and add two chairs? Can you flip the footprint of the dinette table?
Where to Buy Recliners
When we did a search of several RV forums and Facebook Groups, we found out that this is a popular switch – replacing the dinette with two recliners. Here are a few tips for finding the right recliners for your dinette switch:
Check Facebook yard sale pages – Many RV renovators found their wall-hugging recliners built for a RV slide for a steal on the buy/sell/trade section of Facebook.
Amazon or Wayfair – Want a specific color or fabric for a great price? Dinette switchers reported great deals on faux leather, micro suede and durable cloth.
RV furniture manufacturers – RV furniture manufacturers such as Thomas Payne may have higher price points, but they do design furniture specifically for your rig. It’s a good idea to see what’s out there before you do your dinette and recliner swap.
Replacing the dinette with two recliners in your RV may be a great update to your home on wheels. We hope these considerations and tips help you make an informed decision. We’d love to see your swap. Post your before and after pictures in our Facebook Group.
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Furniture, Organization, RV Hacks, RV Repairs / Maintenance / Upgrades, RV Space / Clutter Free, RV Storage, RV Tips
Contact us for Guest Guide, Advertising & Listing Inquiries
contactus@rvingusa.com or Call: 800-832-3292
18.226.28.48