Posted 2015-01-31 8:29 PM (#162420) Subject: Dinette or couch
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Issaquah washington
Hello out there, my wife and I are looking at buying our first LQ GN horse trailer and so many of the ones we look at have a couch but no dinette. Realizing that both convert into a bed we think the dinette would be more practical. Has anybody had both kinds of trailers or a strong preference for one or the other. Thanks for any feedback.
Posted 2015-01-31 8:36 PM (#162421 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
You should receive replies favouring each type of seating. We switched from a dinette to a fold out couch and were very pleased. The dinette does offer more storage areas underneath the benches.
Posted 2015-02-01 6:05 AM (#162423 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I agree with Gard, it is all about personal preference. I have a jack knife sofa that has pull out drawers underneath for storage. It is less than under most dinettes but many times the fresh water tank is put under one of the dinette seats.
Posted 2015-02-01 6:26 AM (#162424 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Regular
Posts: 56 Location: Belchertown MA
We have had dinettes in our's and some of our friends have had couches, we prefer dinettes because you have a larger fixed table available at all times to use for preparing meals, eating, keeping napkins,silverware , etc. available on reading maps, mags., etc. Its nice when the weather is bad to have a place to eat, play cards etc., where with the couch you have a smaller one sided (without adding chairs) table that in most sits on the floor(some do secure into floor)that you need to find somewhere to store when traveling. That said our friends prefer couch because without the table set up you have little more room inside and you can use it to take a nap they also use it for their dog bed. As said they both convert to an extra bed so it comes down to your preference and how you plan to utilize your LQ. Good luck in your search and you will love having a LQ trailer
Posted 2015-02-01 7:25 AM (#162426 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
We have a dinette... I wish it were a sofa round with a removable table...when we camp, the only time we use the table is when it is cold or stormy.. but our guts are under the seats, we could make a small change adding a "bridge" across the back, and upholster it....
Posted 2015-02-01 1:58 PM (#162430 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Platte City, MO
We have had our small (6.5') lq for just about 2 years now - love it & feel fortunate to have it. It has a couch. If & when we are able to go with a larger lq we definitely want a dinette. Would love to have a place to sit at at table to eat if we want to, to look at a map or book, etc. Realize everyone has different needs, but that is what our experiences have made us feel we would utilize.
Posted 2015-02-01 4:00 PM (#162431 - in reply to #162430) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Issaquah washington
Thank you so much for all your feedback, it really helps us. We feel we are going to go after a dinette, I like the idea of map reading, cards etcBrian and Alison
Posted 2015-02-01 7:33 PM (#162434 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Regular
Posts: 97 Location: mancelona michigan
we have had both,and in the end.the dinette wins. One of the main reasons we sold the Merhow was it had a couch and no dinette,other than that it was a great trailer.Our new one has both on a 12' super slide,but the couch is comming out and two recliners going in.If you have to choose,I'd go dinette,much more useful.
Posted 2015-02-02 12:45 PM (#162444 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560 Location: Mena, AR
I like the couch so I can lay down without having to get in bed. I have some small folding tables that I keep in my manager for when the weather is bad or too hot, and we want to play cards inside. It is personal preference for sure. Of course you could always get a LQ with both, then you don't have to decide. :-)
Posted 2015-02-02 5:10 PM (#162445 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: Calgary, Canada
We bought our first living quarters about a year ago and also "thought" we wanted at dinette ... so we shopped hard for a good quality used LQ with a dinette … because that is what we “thought” we wanted.
It turned out that only about 10% of the quality used trailers we were shopping for had dinettes (do a search of HTW with “dinette” and without “dinette” in it and you will see what I mean). From what we could find last year, it was darn near impossible to find a quality trailer with our desired “dinette”.
We had also spoken to a few trailer retailers and they confirmed that people just don’t want “dinettes” as much any more … likely perhaps 10% of the trailers out there. For this reason, keep in mind that a “dinette” trailer may have a smaller resale market.
We were referred to a used Hart trailer locally that had a “beautiful Outlaw LQ package” … since it was within 10 miles of home, we decided to have a look, even thought it did NOT have the dinette we “thought” we wanted.
It turned out that the 13 ft LQ package on that trailer had the 6 ft couch plus a swivel chair on the opposite wall. With the post mounted table in the middle, you kind of have the effect of the dinette plus lots of dancing room with the table removed.
We are really glad that we bought this “new to us” trailer WITHOUT the dinette. We find the couch to be a more usable option and it is much more comfortable to sit on compared to a dinette. And there is the afternoon nap potential too!
Our lesson learned was to look at both options (dinette vs. couch) and buy the one that you fall in love with.
Posted 2015-02-02 6:02 PM (#162446 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
We spent 6 months last year living in a 5th wheel RV while we built a house. Our RV had both a couch and dinette. We used both a lot, but when we went to buy another LQ recently, I asked my husband which he preferred. He wanted a dinette, so that is what we got. I think it comes down to personal preference. We just happened to get enough experience this past year to know what we wanted!
Posted 2015-02-03 6:29 AM (#162449 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
Regular
Posts: 78
Our current trailer has both, and I specifically shopped for one with both because that's what meets our needs at this time. If you have young kids, a dinette is wonderful for eating, coloring, playing games. The couch makes a more comfortable bed, but we keep a small egg crate foam to use on the dinette when it's a bed and that helps tremendously. I had only a dinette before this trailer and was happy with it. It made a great base for setting up a pack n play, and it also is easier to visit with people when you sit facing them, as opposed to lined up on a couch like turtles on a log. LOL
Posted 2015-02-06 1:57 PM (#162479 - in reply to #162420) Subject: RE: Dinette or couch
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Ohio
I've been debating the same issue and both have merit. I am leaning toward the couch since I don't have room for both. In all my years of RV camping the dinettes are not as comfortable as a couch for sleeping. On most couches you can fit two comfortably, but the dinettes are just ok for small children. At the end of the day when tired the couches are easier to fold out or can be used for just one as they are. It is also nice to have a supportive seat at the end of the day on ye old back! Since we show we are in the rain... outside and can sit under the awning with table and chairs. An awning is a must though!
Dinette or couch
