Community Forums

Theberrys · 02-20-2010, 02:37 PM

We liked our Floor plan because the Dining Table was on the Passenger Side with a window. There are disadvantages to having the Kitchen in the slide, like a shallow slide and plumbing maintenance, but having windows on the curb side is really nice. We have no window above the stovetop but in general the windows we have are just right and we really like having two sofas.
Dick

RV Wizard · 02-21-2010, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnLori

We had concerns about the p/s slide when we shopped last year for a coach. We decided the additional space inside is worth the loss outside. Our awning provides sufficient shade but I wish the awning completely covered the space between the 2 p/s slides as it is the perfect spot for our patio table. If the awning was 2-3 feet longer, that space would be completely covered.

so, here's another question: (maybe it deserves another thread but I'll ask here first)

What's the max length for an awning?

A&E 9000 manual awnings used to be 25' mine is 22'.
I am not sure what the lengths are today of the various brands of electric and manual awnings. This would be a good project for someone that has the time to do the research. Do I hear any volunteers?

jrshall · 02-21-2010, 10:16 AM

On the subject of rv design, why do manufacturers think we like to sit sideways on the sofa to watch tv? Rexhall, and maybe 1 or 2 others, made models with the tv opposite the sofa, and Bounder used to have a model with the sofa set facing the front.

With the advent of flat panel tvs I would think the makers would find better places for the tv than up over the dash. In some models you almost can't see it from the sofa.

Have any of you found a solution to this problem? Or do you even see it as a problem? I have thought about removing the rocker/recliner across from the sofa and putting a flat panel there. Maybe next year.

Jerry

FLORIDA FRED · 02-21-2010, 10:48 AM

I get a stiff neck trying to watch my over the dash TV ! -- It's really a dumb location -- I had the same idea, junk the chair opposite the sofa and install a flat screen in a nice cabinet -- and maybe also junk the sofa and replace it with 2 nice recliners. -- I wonder how much $$ to do it --- Maybe next year --

Superslif · 02-21-2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

On the subject of rv design, why do manufacturers think we like to sit sideways on the sofa to watch tv?

I see this on 5er's too. I see that where the recliners are sometimes designed to go, you are looking at the TV viewing at a ackward angle or your viewing a 32" flat screen from 6 feet away. These designers need to design a happy medium.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-21-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrshall

On the subject of rv design, why do manufacturers think we like to sit sideways on the sofa to watch tv?

'Cuz they're designed by people who don't spend time in RV's. I'm sure when asked about it, they say "well, it looked good on paper.".

I'll agree, for sittin' & watchin', you get a stiff neck craning sideways & upward to watch the TV above the dash in our coach. But for layin down, it kinda works. Though, I'd much prefer to replace the couch with 2 nice La-Z-Boy dual rocker recliners because those would be much more comfortable than the narrow, stiff couch cushions our couch has.

Lori-

jrshall · 02-22-2010, 09:24 AM

Yep, dual recliners would work nicely. I may just do that this summer.

Then, maybe pull out the drivers seat and replace with a massage recliner. Oh, wait, maybe I should keep awake while driving.

cb5300 · 02-22-2010, 10:04 AM

Here's something to think about, more windows equal more heating and cooling. Glass is a very poor insulator. On my first coach we had a window at the head of the bed and when it was cold outside you could feel the cold coming thru the window......

Lynnvt · 02-22-2010, 11:07 AM

When we ordered our new 5th wheel, we choose to have theater seating across from the TVwhich is located toward the back on the driver's side and we put the couch in the back. The TV does pull out and swivel so you can turn it toward the couch if you want. We have almost no windows on the driver's side and lots on the passenger side. The kitchen is on the driver's side where you tend not to have windows due to stoves, refridgerators, cabinets, pantries, etc.

EngineerMike · 02-22-2010, 11:56 AM

We curl up on the couch and watch a movie almost every night, me at the rear arm of the couch but facing forward in the coach, and EngineerAnnie in my lap, both facing forward toward the TV. Of course some marriages won't survive such close proximity. But then if Barack and Michele did this, maybe he'd have something to think about besides health care?

jobriant · 02-23-2010, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Wizard

Now, something else to ponder; a slide out that encroaches the patio!

Our 2005 Bounder 34F has a passenger-side slide, in which the kitchen and pantry slide out -- but only 16 inches. It does intrude on the patio to a degree, most noticeable in very narrow RV park spaces.

The bigger issue for us, is that this slide is under the awning. The awning deploys at one angle only, and we can't angle it down any more because the slide is in the way.

On the plus side, we have a 30-inch slideout (dinette & sofa) opposite the kitchen. Having the two slides deployed makes for a very spacious area with about 6 feet 2 inches between the kitchen cabinets and the dinette.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-24-2010, 05:31 PM

A coach w/curb dinette in a windowed slide just appeared in our Classified section. That would make for some nice viewing when having your morning coffee!

Lori-

Lynnvt · 02-25-2010, 05:17 AM

When we were looking for our new 5er, we specifically were looking for a side hallway model. We were both tired of going to the bathroom in a closet. We love the bath in our new Cameo. Plenty of room and no toilet in the closet.

two2go · 02-25-2010, 10:00 AM

I wonder if the RV designers ever solicit feedback on their creations or if they are just trying to outdo each other? We have many of the same criticisms expressed before, and very few of the new layouts appeal to us. I really hate useless and wasteful features like two large TVs in the same area. Small inset hot plates (some electric only) don't accommodate larger griddles or pots. Rounded cabinet ends look great but are expensive and waste space. Who really needs the colored light shows on the ceiling after the novelty wears off? Single round kitchen sink bowls are only useful for getting a glass of water. Otherwise, I guess they expect you never wash your own dishes. We looked at new Winnebagos and Itascas on a bright sunny day and thought many were very dark inside. Lack of windows and dark colors didn't help. Maybe some like this look. We felt depressed. About the side aisle past the bathroom. One we saw had three huge windows on that hall. It was very hot in that area, and those were the only really good windows in the whole coach. As we tend to not be wearing our day clothes when we go to the bathroom some of the time so those blinds would be closed a lot. And the bedroom had two tiny windows on the sides of the slide out and was so dark.
I could go on and on, and I have, but I guess we are not "getting it" with the avant design trends.