Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model (Read 471 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 6 Guests are viewing this topic.
Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
My wife and I are looking to purchase our first LD. We're torn between the 27 RB and the 30TB models.  She likes the TB as it closely resembles the layout of our Tiffin.  I like the RB for the extra ccc limits.  She can't stand the booth dinette in the RB.  Question for owners of the 27 Rear Bath:

Have any of you replaced the booth dinette with either barrel chairs or some other type of chair and a drop down table?  It would seem the barrel chairs and drop down table that LD offers instead of a couch in the lounge area of their coaches would fit in the same space as this dinette.   If you have, would you please take some photos, and comment on whether you love it, or wish like heck you never did it...

Thanks!
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #1 –
We own a 26.5'RB. I can't imagine removing the dinette because it is incredibly useful and versatile. First and foremost it provides dining space for up to four adults in a location very convenient to the kitchen. Together with the optional removable table that fits between our two sofas we've hosted eight people for sit-down dinners in our RB with no real difficulty.

Second, the dinette table provides a very convenient work space when preparing meals in the kitchen, which is important since counter space in most models is limited. Turn 180 degrees from the sink and stove and it's right there. It's also our desk when on the road. And my wife often sits there when doing the crossword puzzles and similar that she enjoys. I sometimes use it as a workbench too.

Third, the dinette bench seats provide an enormous amount of storage space. Under the forward seat is our "food locker" where almost all our food that doesn't require refrigeration is stored. Under the rear seat is the liquor locker plus storage for paper goods and, nearest the wall, some camping gear.

But I don't think you could practically make the swap you're talking about anyway because the battery "box" is under the outboard portion of the front dinette seat. You'd have to move the batteries to do what you're considering.

CCC is an important distinction between the 26' and 30' models, but so is length. Every foot you add to the length means just a few more campsites that you will have trouble fitting into. I personally think the 26' models are the perfect compromise between adequate interior space and compact external dimensions. If traveling alone I'd probably go for a 23/4' model and if we wanted a "full time bed" I'd consider the 30/31' models. But we find the cabover bunk a great place to sleep.

What I like about our plan is that there is one large room giving the biggest single living space in any LD model. Yet we still have dedicated spaces for sleeping (cabover), living (the two sofas to the rear of the "bedroom"), kitchen/dining and bathroom.

And speaking of the bathroom I believe the RB bathroom is the most comfortable of any LD model. And it's out of the way, off to the rear, not in the middle of your home on wheels.

We're very glad we chose a RB and think you'd enjoy it too. But of course it's your decision. And if your shopping used it might all come down to what's available. Any one would be fine in the end, especially compared to none.

FWIW if you're looking for a RB I'd search hard for one with two sofas rather than the barrel chairs and one sofa. The sofas give us each a place to relax, lie down and read or sleep during the day. And that second sofa means a very large additional outside storage locker under it, in a location very convenient to your campsite, right next to the door.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #2 –
X2
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #3 –
X3 Plus

Totally agree with Terry for all the same reasons. The plus is the build quality of LD (good luck deconstructing the superstructure of the dinette). Add that to the fact that the rear portion of the dinette is (see photo-right behind it is the closet which is huge) above the wheel well (where a MD toilet resides) and you really won't gain as much room as you think.

We love our RB just the way it is and I, personally, feel it was the best choice for us.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #4 –
Darn, now you guys got me rethinking my MB preference!   :-\
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #5 –
X4 All the previous points covered so far on the RB are why we decided to choose our 2010 RB.    89K miles later we couldn't be happier with the choice. Some other advantages with the RB is it is easy to determine the water level in the black tank just by looking down through the toilet directly into the tank. Along those lines, the RB has only one dump connection for both black & gray holding tanks at the rear left corner of the coach. Both cab seat backs are unencumbered in adjusting as the sofas are behind them. The storage space under the street side sofa allows for long items to be easily stored. The RB also has the highest allowance for cargo weight (3100lbs)  LD did a fantastic job of engineering this floorplan. We do easily use the loft cab over bed.
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #6 –
Sounds like our RK.!  ;D
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Terry Burnes  - 
We own a 26.5'RB. I can't imagine removing the dinette because it is incredibly useful and versatile. First and foremost it provides dining space for up to four adults in a location very convenient to the kitchen. Together with the optional removable table that fits between our two sofas we've hosted eight people for sit-down dinners in our RB with no real difficulty.

Second, the dinette table provides a very convenient work space when preparing meals in the kitchen, which is important since counter space in most models is limited. Turn 180 degrees from the sink and stove and it's right there. It's also our desk when on the road. And my wife often sits there when doing the crossword puzzles and similar that she enjoys. I sometimes use it as a workbench too.

Third, the dinette bench seats provide an enormous amount of storage space. Under the forward seat is our "food locker" where almost all our food that doesn't require refrigeration is stored. Under the rear seat is the liquor locker plus storage for paper goods and, nearest the wall, some camping gear.

But I don't think you could practically make the swap you're talking about anyway because the battery "box" is under the outboard portion of the front dinette seat. You'd have to move the batteries to do what you're considering.

CCC is an important distinction between the 26' and 30' models, but so is length. Every foot you add to the length means just a few more campsites that you will have trouble fitting into. I personally think the 26' models are the perfect compromise between adequate interior space and compact external dimensions. If traveling alone I'd probably go for a 23/4' model and if we wanted a "full time bed" I'd consider the 30/31' models. But we find the cabover bunk a great place to sleep.

What I like about our plan is that there is one large room giving the biggest single living space in any LD model. Yet we still have dedicated spaces for sleeping (cabover), living (the two sofas to the rear of the "bedroom"), kitchen/dining and bathroom.

And speaking of the bathroom I believe the RB bathroom is the most comfortable of any LD model. And it's out of the way, off to the rear, not in the middle of your home on wheels.

We're very glad we chose a RB and think you'd enjoy it too. But of course it's your decision. And if your shopping used it might all come down to what's available. Any one would be fine in the end, especially compared to none.

FWIW if you're looking for a RB I'd search hard for one with two sofas rather than the barrel chairs and one sofa. The sofas give us each a place to relax, lie down and read or sleep during the day. And that second sofa means a very large additional outside storage locker under it, in a location very convenient to your campsite, right next to the door.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV


Thanks for the information Terry - didn't know about the battery box.   Problem is my back.  I can't sit in 'booth' style seating for long at all as it hurts my back.   Also appreciate the perspective on CCC, etc.
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #8 –
Top bunk would be for grandchildren only - we travel with 4 little dogs and they "have" to sleep with mom or they will bark all night long.  Not gonna put them in the overhead.  

Got me thinking though - Can somebody tell me the measurements of the couch in the RB when fully opened up?
 
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #9 –
Cheesyrider,

Here is the link to Lazy Daze's web page.

Motorhome Dealer | Low Profile Motorhome | RV Manufacturer | Quality Motorhome

Just click on the image of the BEAUTUFUL LD on the cover and dive into all the LD splender revealed inside.

Also, here is a shot of the page in the "flyer" that covers the mattress/couch/bed dimensions.

Dig in.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #10 –
In a dog's world, the RB might be the best floorplan. Our dogs jump back and forth between the 2 sofas ( we have an extra long twin size foam mattress laid on top of the longer sofa). This provides them with the ability to be close to Daddy(s) at all times since we are always in the same space. If I am driving, they are behind me in sight. If I am at the dinnette, again, everyone can see eachother. They use the dinnette bench as a  location to hang out. The bathroom floor is yet another spot to relax with Daddy still in sight. Finally, I always sleep above the cab and the dogs down below on one of the sofas from which they can see me.

I've just cemented my belief that the RB will be my 1st choice for any future MH that we might purchase. I hope these insights from Pepper and Sammy's perspectives are helpful to other's contemplating floorplans.

(Disclaimer, we let the dogs roam free while traveling. I know we are living dangerously. It's a conscious decision.)

All the different locations meet their need to be close (within sight). I can't see this working very well in the MB for us anyway. They also move around a fair amount which is a good thing.
😎
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #11 –
Quote from: CheeseyRider  - 

Thanks for the information Terry - didn't know about the battery box.  Problem is my back.  I can't sit in 'booth' style seating for long at all as it hurts my back.  Also appreciate the perspective on CCC, etc.
Since we have the pullout dinette option in our 31', I spend a lot of time sitting at the dinette. I also find it annoying to my lower back after a while and use a back support cushion similar to this for support. It really helps. Amazon.com: Duro-Med Relax-a-Bac, Lumbar Back Support Cushion Pillow with...
Chris
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Todd  - 
All the different locations meet their need to be close (within sight). I can't see this working very well in the MB for us anyway. They also move around a fair amount which is a good thing.
😎

Maybe the MB was designed more for cats who like their space!?  ;D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Replacing Dinette in Rear Bath model
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Cheesyrider,

Here is the link to Lazy Daze's web page.

Motorhome Dealer | Low Profile Motorhome | RV Manufacturer | Quality Motorhome

Just click on the image of the BEAUTUFUL LD on the cover and dive into all the LD splender revealed inside.

Also, here is a shot of the page in the "flyer" that covers the mattress/couch/bed dimensions.

Dig in.

Kent


Thanks Kent!