Stowing dining chairs for travel

PlayersZ28 · 12-24-2015, 10:38 AM

I know that the chairs have straps and floor hooks to hold them in place but what's the best way to position them? Are the sleeves for protecting the back when strapped down?

I had them sitting in the same place they would be when in use but when the slides were all in they were tight against the end of the L-shaped couch.

Bassdogs · 12-24-2015, 12:32 PM

First thing we did was to store 2 of the chairs as there is only the wife and I. Found the extras unnessary and just taking up space. As to your ? the straps and floor hooks are a real pain to hook up. We have 3 or 4 small rugs we use in front of the door and in the main salon. Lay the clean side across the back of the chair and snug it to the wall. Double another one over the seat in case it were to rub on anything. One side of the table backs up against the couch so in addition to the rugs, we pack a couple of the throw pillows over the arm of the couch and snug the chair on that side back against the couch. We just use the stuff we have to roll up and store during transit as packing to protect the chairs and walls. Don't even know where I stuck the straps. Need to find them and repurpose into another use. Also have straps and hooks for the stuffed rockers. Again stored one of them and use beach towels etc to secure the front [flat edge of the chair to the wall so it won't swing or bounce around. We have dog beds, foot cubes etc so plenty of stuff to secure the chairs, a couple of plastic trash containers, and the little round folding table. Once you get a habit started that works it comes pretty easy. Opening up just involves rolling out the rugs, pillows back on the couch etc.

PlayersZ28 · 12-24-2015, 03:28 PM

Going by the placement of the floor hooks it looks like when facing the table two chairs go in normal eating position on the left, on the right the one closest to the outer wall goes the same and the other one sits behind it. Just need to figure out the rockers if I put them that way as they need to go back to back for the strap to work.

Bassdogs · 12-25-2015, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

Going by the placement of the floor hooks it looks like when facing the table two chairs go in normal eating position on the left, on the right the one closest to the outer wall goes the same and the other one sits behind it. Just need to figure out the rockers if I put them that way as they need to go back to back for the strap to work.

For the straps to work you need to be 16 or less and have time on your hands as you break camp. Just find them useless unless you are packing up for a very long trip and don't plan on using the RV anytime in the near future. As described in previous post, as I was pondering the "how do these straps work" mystery, I couldn't find a place to sit because there were pillows and 3 or 4 small rugs rolled up on the couch and chairs. Hmm!! I said to myself, I have all this readily available packing material maybe I can use it for dual purpose and just chuck these stupid straps. The thin cheap pillowcase chair covers are intended to prevent the chair backs from rubbing against the wall and the chair next to them. In my case there is no chair next to another because I have removed the unneeded extras, but still place the covers over the remaining chair back before folding a throw rug over it. A tote sits comfortably on the chair seat on each side [one w/o a cover for the taller stuff] that are used as organizers for table top stuff. Our White Hawk has a center island and the large slide drawls the table to within a few inches of the island. Nothing rubs, but a rug over the outer end of the table keeps everything snug and prevents rattling during rough road travel.

Some things in RV's are well engineered from experience and feedback from previous owners. I suspect straps are not one of these items. My thinking is that if something is of ??uable value and does not have an alternate use, it goes to the barn. Come to think of it that may be where I stashed the straps.

Fairenatic · 12-25-2015, 09:28 AM

I went with the standard Dinette for several reasons. One, storage space is already at a premium. No need compounding the problem by adding furniture that needs to take up more storage. You give up too much IMO with the table and chair option. I need the storage under bench seats and the ability to sleep a couple of kids in a pinch. Yet, it seems almost impossible to get one off a dealer lot without this option. Your mileage may vary.

PlayersZ28 · 12-27-2015, 07:37 AM

We have plenty of storage space for two people. Our last trailer had a dinette and we decided we never wanted that setup again. Besides, this one was bought used so not like we could change things. Think I figured out the proper way to stow them for travel. Thanks for the input.

dzwiss · 12-27-2015, 09:42 AM

We got rid of two of the chairs and replaced them with two wooden folding chairs from IKEA. They match the wood work perfectly and store under the bed. The two remaining chairs are strapped together and around the table pedestal with a velcro strap for travel.

Bassdogs · 12-27-2015, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

We have plenty of storage space for two people. Our last trailer had a dinette and we decided we never wanted that setup again. Besides, this one was bought used so not like we could change things. Think I figured out the proper way to stow them for travel. Thanks for the input.

The key thing you said here is "space for 2 people". That is what our WH30dsre is all about. Large main salon w/ deep slide that includes the reg couch and dining area with a galley slide and center kitchen island. Fireplace in the rear w/ large TV. This TT is designed for 2 people. The dinette table was a prefect fit and by removing the unnecessary chairs it greatly improved the creature comforts of the dining area. I never found the storage under the bench seats of our previous TT to be all that useful other than a great place for mice to gather and party. We tended to forget what was stored there anyway. We chose the WH because we wanted to get closer to a living space for the two of us. Kids come along? Nope! If they do that's why they sell tents at Wally World.

SoCADesertRat · 12-27-2015, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

Going by the placement of the floor hooks it looks like when facing the table two chairs go in normal eating position on the left, on the right the one closest to the outer wall goes the same and the other one sits behind it. Just need to figure out the rockers if I put them that way as they need to go back to back for the strap to work.

Have you seen the Chair Buddy? -- The Chair Buddy - MORryde Products
Maybe someone on this forum has had experience with it.

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