Airstream How To Convertible Dinette

One of the most common questions we get is “what is a convertible dinette?” It is Airstream’s clever way of adding a bed to a compact trailer: the table and bench seats you eat at turn into a bed at night in a couple of minutes. It is a big part of why a small Airstream still sleeps four, and why our fleet sleeps four to eight depending on the trailer.

How do you turn an Airstream dinette into a bed?

1. Take off all the seat cushions and set them aside.
2. Fold the table leg. Push down on the black tab on the leg, then swing the leg up under the table. If it does not swing easily, do not force it. Forcing it is the number one way these legs break.
3. Unlatch the table. Hold the edge of the table and lift it to release the metal tabs from the wall.
4. Lower the table between the benches. Swing it down so it rests on the base of the seats. Some Airstreams have tabs for it to sit on, others rest it right on the seat frame. Either way, you get an even surface.
5. Lay the cushions back down, with the backrest cushions filling the middle over the table. That’s your bed.

To turn it back into a dinette in the morning, do the same steps in reverse.

How many people can sleep on the dinette bed?

It is best for two kids or one adult, and two adults who do not mind being cozy. Bring sleeping bags or ask for them: bedding comes with the main bed, and sleeping bags are available for the other beds.

Do any Airstreams have more beds up front?

Yes. Our 25 foot Flying Cloud has a front lounge that pulls out into a full bed, so you get two full beds up front. On the other trailers you can take the back cushions off the lounge to make a twin-size bed. The 30 foot Flying Cloud Bunk sleeps eight with a queen bed, a full bed and a bunk. Our size guide compares every floor plan.

Any tips for using the dinette bed?

• Practice converting it once at pickup, while we are walking you through the trailer.
• Clear the table completely before you start. Anything left on it ends up on the floor.
• Never stand or kneel on the table while it is up on its leg.

Book your Airstream

Browse our Airstream fleet and check dates here. Every rental comes stocked and trip-ready, and if you would rather skip the towing altogether, ask us about delivery and setup. Here is exactly how the rental process works.