6 Best Folding Dinette Tables For RV Slide Outs That Maximize Every Inch
Explore the 6 best folding dinette tables designed for RV slide-outs. These smart, space-saving solutions help you maximize your interior without sacrificing function.
You pull in your RV slide-out and suddenly your spacious dinette becomes a narrow hallway. That fixed pedestal table, once a perfect dining spot, is now an immovable obstacle you have to squeeze past. This is precisely why choosing the right folding or removable table system is one of the most critical decisions for slide-out owners.
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Why Folding Tables Are Key For RV Slide Outs
The biggest challenge with an RV slide-out is the "choke point" it creates when retracted. A traditional dinette with a table bolted to the floor turns your main walkway into an impassable barrier. You’re forced to climb over benches or contort yourself just to get to the bathroom or bedroom. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a major design flaw that limits the usability of your rig during travel stops.
A folding or removable table system solves this problem instantly. It allows the space to serve multiple purposes. With the table stowed, your dinette area transforms into an open lounge, a clear path for moving gear, or simply a less-cluttered living space. This flexibility is the cornerstone of comfortable small-space living.
Beyond just access, these systems often save weight and add stability. Many factory-installed tables are overbuilt with heavy particle board and clunky hardware. A well-chosen aftermarket system can be lighter and, when properly installed, just as secure for dining and working. It’s about making the space work for you, not the other way around.
Lagun Table Mount: Ultimate Adjustability
Enjoy flexible table placement in your RV with the Lagun RV Table System. This system swivels 360 degrees and eliminates bulky floor mounts for increased legroom, while right-hand handles easily lock the table in place.
The Lagun isn’t a table, but a revolutionary mounting system that eliminates the table leg entirely. It uses a clever cantilevered arm that mounts to a vertical surface, like the face of your dinette bench. This arm swivels at two points and allows the tabletop to be positioned exactly where you need it, then locked firmly in place.
Its genius lies in its infinite adjustability. You can swing the table over your lap to eat, pivot it out of the way to stand up, or move it between two seats. When it’s time to bring the slide-out in, you simply swing the entire assembly into a corner or remove the arm completely, leaving the floor 100% clear. No leg, no floor mount, no obstructions.
The primary consideration is the mounting point. The Lagun bracket needs a solid, reinforced vertical surface to handle the leverage. It’s perfect for smaller to medium-sized tabletops, but you wouldn’t want to mount a giant, heavy butcher block on it. For most dinettes, it’s the most versatile solution available.
RecPro Wall Mount Table for Tight Spaces
Easily build or repair your RV wall-mount sofa with this DIY kit. It includes two hinges, two legs, and two wall brackets for a sturdy fold-down design.
Think of the RecPro Wall Mount Table as an "on-demand" surface. This system consists of heavy-duty folding brackets that you mount directly to an interior wall, then attach your own tabletop. When you need it, you lift the table and the brackets lock into place. When you’re done, a simple release lever lets it fold down flush against the wall.
This is the ultimate solution for extremely narrow slide-outs where even a single pedestal leg would be too intrusive. Its folded profile is incredibly slim, often just a couple of inches thick. This makes it ideal for creating a small dining spot or a temporary workstation without permanently sacrificing any floor space.
The success of this system hinges entirely on its installation. You must anchor the brackets securely into the wall’s aluminum or wood studs. Using drywall anchors alone is a recipe for disaster, as the leverage from the table will pull them right out. It’s a fantastic, space-saving option, but it requires a bit more planning to install correctly and safely.
IKEA NORBERG: The Classic DIY Drop-Leaf
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one, and the IKEA NORBERG is a testament to that. This affordable, wall-mounted drop-leaf table has become a staple in the DIY conversion community for good reason. It’s a complete, self-contained unit that provides a surprisingly stable surface and folds down to a mere sliver when not in use.
For RVers, the NORBERG offers a quick and easy way to add a functional table without a huge investment or complex build. It’s perfect for solo travelers or couples who need a simple spot for a laptop or a meal. Its clean, minimalist design fits well in most modern rigs, and the installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with a drill.
The main tradeoff is its construction. Like most IKEA furniture, it’s made of particleboard, which can be susceptible to the moisture and temperature swings common in an RV. To improve its longevity, consider sealing the edges with paint or polyurethane. Alternatively, many builders simply buy the NORBERG for its excellent folding hardware and replace the stock top with a custom piece of solid wood or high-quality plywood.
Springfield Marine Taper-Lock Pedestal
If you love the rock-solid feel of a traditional pedestal table but need it to disappear, the Springfield Taper-Lock system is your answer. This is a two-part system common in the marine world: a low-profile base that mounts to the floor and a post that friction-fits into it. The tapered design creates an incredibly snug, wobble-free connection.
This system gives you the best of both worlds. For mealtime, you have a sturdy, reliable table that feels just like a fixed one. But when you need to retract the slide or open up the floor, you can pull the post and tabletop out and stow them elsewhere. It’s a simple, robust, and time-tested solution.
The key consideration is the permanent floor base. While it’s designed to be as low-profile as possible, it is still a small disc or ring on your floor. You need to plan its placement carefully to ensure it doesn’t become a trip hazard or interfere with the slide-out mechanism when the table is removed.
Lippert Solid-Top: A Sturdy Pedestal Choice
Enhance your RV entry with the Lippert Solid Step Double Step. Enjoy superior stability on its extra-wide platform and adjustable legs, while recessed feet minimize tripping hazards. This durable aluminum step folds neatly into your doorway for easy storage.
The Lippert Solid-Top is a common sight in many factory-built RVs, and it’s also available as an aftermarket upgrade. Unlike systems that mount to the floor or wall, this is a completely free-standing table. It typically uses two wide, sturdy legs connected by a crossbar, providing a stable platform without needing to be screwed down.
The primary advantage is its simplicity and non-destructive nature. You don’t have to drill any holes in your floor or walls. You can easily move the table around the dinette, push it tight against a wall to create more walking space, or even carry it outside to use as a picnic table.
The downside is its bulk. Because it’s free-standing, it’s also a single, large object that needs to be stored when the slide comes in. This system works best for those who have a designated, secure spot to place it during travel, like on a bed or in a large shower stall, where it can be strapped down. It’s less of a "folding" table and more of a "movable" one.
Garelick EEz-In: A Stowable Pedestal System
Similar to the Springfield system, the Garelick EEz-In is another marine-grade solution that works beautifully in an RV. It uses round, flush-mount or low-profile surface-mount bases that you install in the floor. The aluminum table legs then twist and lock securely into these bases, providing a stable dining surface.
The real magic of the Garelick system is its modularity. You can install multiple bases throughout your rig. Imagine having one tabletop that can be set up in the dinette for dinner, moved to a different base to serve as a coffee table, and then mounted on another base outside for enjoying the evening air. This level of versatility is hard to beat.
As with any floor-mounted pedestal, placement is everything. You must be certain the base locations won’t interfere with slide mechanisms or create trip hazards. It’s also important to measure carefully and order the correct leg height to match your dinette benches for comfortable seating.
Choosing Your RV Dinette Table Mount System
The best table system isn’t about a brand name; it’s about matching the hardware to your specific layout and lifestyle. Don’t just think about what the table looks like when it’s set up for dinner. The most important question is: how will this space function when the table is put away and the slide is in? Your answer will guide your decision.
To simplify the choice, consider these primary use cases:
- For ultimate flexibility and zero floor obstructions: The Lagun Table Mount is in a class of its own. It’s the best option for maximizing usable floor space.
- For the absolute slimmest profile in tight spaces: A wall-mounted system like the RecPro or IKEA NORBERG is your best bet.
- For traditional stability that’s fully removable: A marine pedestal like the Springfield Taper-Lock or Garelick EEz-In offers a robust, wobble-free experience.
- For a sturdy, non-permanent solution: The Lippert Solid-Top is great if you don’t want to drill holes and have a place to store it.
Ultimately, spend time in your RV with the slide-out retracted. Walk the path from the front to the back. Imagine where you’d need to step. This simple exercise will reveal more about your real-world needs than any product review ever could, pointing you directly to the perfect solution for your rig.
Your dinette table shouldn’t be an obstacle; it should be a versatile tool for better living. By replacing a bulky, fixed table with a smart, adaptable system, you’re not just saving space. You’re unlocking the full potential of your RV’s floor plan, one square inch at a time.
