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Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203244]

Mon, 01 April 2013 08:08

Devin

Messages: 203
Registered: July 2012
Location: Nashville Tennessee

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Senior Member

Has anyone had both of these that can share their experiences? The early wood dinette is original to my coach and I like the look but I have the later flexsteel style that another member graciously gave me. Just debating which way to go.

Devin Wells Nashville, Tennessee 1974 GMC Sequoia 260 "Gilligan"

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203252 is a reply to message #203244]

Mon, 01 April 2013 09:26

Chr$

Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Karma: 1

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Let your butt tell you. The flexsteel usually have the springs like a couch. The wooden ones are a thick foam pad on plywood.

-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203261 is a reply to message #203244]

Mon, 01 April 2013 10:30

mike miller

Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon

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Devin wrote on Mon, 01 April 2013 06:08

I have found the flexsteel are better for sitting and the wood and foam better for sleeping... if you are short enough to sleep in a three sided box.

So what is important to you?

Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203266 is a reply to message #203261]

Mon, 01 April 2013 10:56

jknezek

Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007

Karma: 5

Senior Member

When we redid the interior we refoamed all the flexsteel furniture. I also went to either Lowes or home depot and bought a very thin, sort of flexible wood laminate type sheet that I laid on top of the flexsteel springs but under the foam. Between the improved high density foam being nice and soft, the board providing some stiffness, and the springs providing some give, the seats are now very comfortable for sitting or sleeping.

Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203273 is a reply to message #203244]

Mon, 01 April 2013 11:20

Devin

Messages: 203
Registered: July 2012
Location: Nashville Tennessee

Karma: 0

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What are the dimensions of the wood dinette when the bed is laid out? I assume the wooden uses the table for support but the flexsteel isn't necessary?

Devin Wells Nashville, Tennessee 1974 GMC Sequoia 260 "Gilligan"

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203279 is a reply to message #203273]

Mon, 01 April 2013 11:38

Keith V

Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN

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the flexsteel ones are very comfy, much better than a piece of wood!

Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203284 is a reply to message #203261]

Mon, 01 April 2013 11:48

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

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Mike Miller wrote on Mon, 01 April 2013 08:30

Devin wrote on Mon, 01 April 2013 06:08

I have found the flexsteel are better for sitting and the wood and foam better for sleeping... if you are short enough to sleep in a three sided box.

So what is important to you?

I have no experience with the early wood dinette, but suspect what Mike said, above, is true. On the trip each year, that my boys accompany me on, my youngest son (6'-3", 240#) sleeps on the flexsteel dinette/bed, and has had no complaints. Of course, the alternative would be to sleep on the ground outside. Very Happy

He would definitely not fit in the "three sided box" that is the wood dinette.

I have never slept on it. So far, my wife had always allowed me to sleep on the rear bed, with her. Very Happy

But, when I have tried it out for a few minutes, at home, it seemed comfortable enough.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203426 is a reply to message #203244]

Tue, 02 April 2013 13:15

Luvn737s

Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007

Karma: 2

Senior Member

My wood box has nice storage underneath, perfect for sleepingbags, etc. but it really isn't very comfortable. I wanted to retrofit with a couple of back seats from a Suburban with the built-in shoulder harness, but then the sleeping spot is pretty much gone. But they would recline and with enough reinforcement could be a safer alternative restraint-wise.

The table is a lousy box spring though. In order to make it light, it is a sort of hybrid wood/foam construction that is a pain to replace when some fat guy (and I am referring to me) sits down and crushes it.

I will likely just swap out 4 honda seats on pedestalswhen the time comes and folks can sleep on a hammock outside.

Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203449 is a reply to message #203426]

Tue, 02 April 2013 17:32

Keith V

Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN

Karma: 0

Senior Member

the flex steels have storage underneath too
And the cushions are attached to the frame, they don't slide around

Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com

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Re: Comparison of Wood Dinette and Flexsteel Dinette? [message #203484 is a reply to message #203244]

Wed, 03 April 2013 09:39

Chr$

Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Karma: 1

Senior Member

I started sleeping on the jackknife (Flexsteel) sofa because the Dogs crowded me out of the rear bed. Very comfy. My newer rig has the wooden box foam seats at the dinette and isn't as comfy to sit on, but with a folding chair, we could seat 7 or 8 people at it. I may hack the springs out of a couch and make a hybrid setup that allows for comfort when sitting yet leaves the storage (and water heater) underneath.

-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"

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