Community Forums

Gonna_Wander · 10-23-2016, 07:26 PM

Is it possible (reasonable) to have people sit in the the free-standing dinette chairs while driving a VTDP? I know they do not have seat-belts and understand the safety issues. Sometimes we have a number of people travel with us to a game.

KSagal · 10-23-2016, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwilkins

Is it possible (reasonable) to have people sit in the the free-standing dinette chairs while driving a VTDP? I know they do not have seat-belts and understand the safety issues. Sometimes we have a number of people travel with us to a game.

I do not have the same motor home as you, but I do not let passengers in my mh sitting without seat belts.

That is not to say someone cannot get up to make a sandwich or even go to the toilet (although that does not seem to happen so far) but I will not consider passengers to be safe if set in a free standing chair.

Currently I have seat belts in the barrel chair, the passenger seat and the couch (3). That makes a total of 6 with the driver. I have bench seats in the dinet, and have considered adding seat belts there, but so far, I have not gotten a request. I have had seat belts in the dinet in previous motor homes.

Also, a vehicle can only carry a certain number of people in appropriate manners. Vehicles that are designed to carry more than 7 people have it designed into them.

okmunky · 10-23-2016, 07:54 PM

I would think that if you had more passengers than seat belts, they would be safer sitting on the floor. A sudden stop could be a disaster for someone sitting in a lightweight dining chair, less so from the floor.

JMH · 10-23-2016, 08:57 PM

I have a VTDP. No it would be the last place I would sit someone. If I had to take more than a couch full of people I would put them on the back bed.

The problem is the dinette chairs are prone to slide in a sudden stop if not secured. You said you understand the safety issues so I guess I don't fully understand what you are asking. If you travel in the peoples republic of Kalifornia (my neck of the woods) be ready for some hefty fines if caught. I won't do it, but I'm not you.

Mark and Louene Hetrick
Newbee the last VTDP 3725

Gonna_Wander · 10-24-2016, 10:10 AM

Thanks all for the replies. I wasn't sure if they chairs were secured in some way while driving. Looks like it is not a good idea to use them underway.

sdennislee · 10-24-2016, 10:53 AM

Beyond the safety concerns seems like you could damage the chairs. The weight of an adult rocking on and off chair legs as you make turns or start and stop could preak the chair leg(s).