What Is An RV Recliner?
Back in the day when campers and RVs were a lot smaller and all about furniture that could double as a bed you didn’t see a lot of recliners.
Today, with all the huge travel trailers, 5th-wheels, and motorhomes out there space for both recliners and sleeper furniture like sofas and dinettes is becoming more available.
If you’ve ever been inside a rear living camper there are normally two RV recliners sitting in the back with a small table between them.
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RV recliners aren’t that different from regular home recliners. They are normally a little smaller and more lightweight but a small home recliner is basically the same thing.
Some RV furniture can be bolted down but that’s more common in motorhomes than camper trailers and I’ve yet to see an RV recliner that’s been nailed to the floor.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and secure your camper recliner for travel. I just mean that if you get a small lightweight recliner it will work just as well as an RV specific recliner.
In our travel trailer, we had a lightweight armchair from IKEA like this one (click to view on Amazon).
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I would bungee it to the wall for travel and we enjoyed having some more comfortable regular furniture in our camper.
In this review, I’m going to go over some camper recliners that are made specifically for RV use and a few other options that are similar in size and weight that are not technically made for campers but they are still a fantastic option.
I’m going to focus on single seat recliners, not reclining sofas.
If you are looking for RV theater sofas, the loveseats with two recliners and cup holders built together, you can check out an awesome option by Recpro here (click to view on Amazon).
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Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best RV Recliners Reviewed
1. RecPro Charles Wall Hugger RV Recliner
The RecPro Charles Collection is the biggest and heaviest RV recliner in this review.
There are a few different color and fabric options. The one linked to above is upholstered with a strong but soft linen cloth that is sold in a light brown or grey.
There’s also a faux leather option (click to view on Amazon) that comes in multiple colors but has the same specs as the cloth version.
The most RV friendly feature of the RecPro recliner is the zero wall also known as the “wall hugger” design.
Most recliners often need to sit at least a few feet from a wall so the backrest doesn’t hit anything when you recline back. A “wall hugger” recliner is designed to be able to sit near or even against a wall and still be able to recline.
It works by using a moving base so the backrest moves out and away from the wall instead of back into it.
This zero wall camper recliner needs only 3 inches between the back wall and the headrest to be able to fully recline.
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It’s one of the best features for saving space in a camper. It’s not always necessary, especially if you have a large travel trailer or 5th-wheel but it’s nice to have the option to keep the recliner closer to the wall.
The RV chair sits on a metal frame with a large square base. It could be bolted to the floor but it doesn’t always need to be since the weight and base should keep it from moving around during travel.
The reclining mechanism is manual and uses a lever on the right hand side below the armrest.
When in an upright position the RecPro is 38 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 30.25 inches deep. The depth measurement is at the base. The backrest does angle back a little bit so you may need around 34 inches of space to fit this camper recliner.
When fully reclined the entire chair takes up 62 inches of space.
It weighs 88 lbs in total.
There is no stated weight limit but it’s a large chair that should be able to hold the weight of most people.
The RecPro Charles Wall Hugger RV Recliner is one of the most comfortable and best camper recliner out there.
It’s has a lot of comfortable padding, it uses the “wall hugger” design, and it’s lightweight for its size.
PROS
- Wall Hugger Recliner
- Big Size
- Multiple Fabric & Color Options
- RV Specific
- Lots Of Armrest Padding
CONS
- Heavy (88 lbs)
- No Swivel
2. Thomas Payne Swivel Pushback Camper Recliner
The Thomas Payne RV recliner is another popular option for motorhomes and trailers.
It uses a slim design but it’s stuffed with thick high-density foam which makes it comfortable even if it doesn’t look as puffy as a regular recliner.
There are multiple color and fabric options. The most popular choice among RVers is Thomas Payne’s own “PolyHyde Vinyl”. It’s soft but very durable and easy to clean. There’s also a fabric option if you aren’t a fan of vinyl upholstery.
This is not a “wall hugger” recliner but it does sit on a swivel base that allows it to spin 360 degrees. You can have it close to the wall and spin away from it when you want to recline.
The metal swivel base is something you use to bolt this camper recliner to the floor with but it’s not always necessary since the weight should keep it in place during travel. Especially if it’s sitting on carpet.
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When in an upright position the RV chair measures 41 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 34 inches deep. You will need around 25 inches of space behind the chair in order for the backrest to fully recline.
It weighs 76 lbs and has a rated weight capacity of 350 lbs.
The backrest comes off to make it easier to fit through small RV entryways and doors.
This is a pushback recliner which means there are no levers you have to pull to recline. Just push back and the footrest will automatically pop out.
The Thomas Payne Swivel Pushback Camper Recliner is a small but comfortable RV furniture option that has some great features.
The 360 swivel makes it great for small spaces since you can simply turn the backrest away from the wall when you want to fully recline.
PROS
- 360 Swivel
- Easy To Clean Vinyl Option
- Multiple Fabric & Color Options
- RV Specific
CONS
- Not A Wall Hugger Recliner
- Heavy (76 lbs)
3. Thomas Payne Euro Camper Recliner
Euro recliners are the RVing world’s answer to lightweight furniture that’s still full sized and comfortable to sit in.
This version of a Euro camper recliner by Thomas Payne weighs only 45 lbs!
It’s basically a recliner without the heavy metal frame inside. Instead, two wooden legs are used to hold up the chair. The curve of the wood actually allows the chair to rock slightly which gives it a comfortable zero gravity feel.
The downside to this design is a low weight limit of 250 lbs.
The wooden bottom sits on a metal swivel base. It can turn 360 degrees and can be bolted to the floor.
There’s a small lever on the side of the bottom seat cushion you pull to release the backrest and footrest.
It can recline to a 45 degree angle. Maybe not quite as far as a regular recliner but it’s enough for leaning back and relaxing in front of the TV.
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When in an upright position the RV chair is 39 inches tall, 26 inches wide, and 33 inches deep. When fully reclined it’s 50 inches long.
You will need some space behind the chair to fully recline since this isn’t a wall hugger RV recliner.
Like the Thomas Payne RV recliner reviewed above this euro recliner has multiple color and fabric options including the PolyHyde vinyl that’s easy to clean and very tough.
It’s padded with high density foam and there is even some cushion on the armrests.
The Thomas Payne Euro Camper Recliner is a fantastic option for RVers who need to save on weight and space but still want a recliner.
The design is almost exactly the same as the IKEA chair we had in our travel trailer. The only difference is it’s on a swivel and has a reclining backrest and a footrest.
PROS
- 360 Swivel
- Easy To Clean Vinyl Option
- Multiple Fabric & Color Options
- RV Specific
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not A Wall Hugger Recliner
- Not Great For Large People
- Low Weight Capacity
4. RecPro Charles RV Euro Chair
The RecPro Charles Collection RV Euro Recliner is their version of this popular lightweight camper chair.
Much like the Thomas Payne reviewed above it uses two curved wooden legs for support instead of a heavy metal frame.
This euro recliner also sits on a metal swivel base and can turn 360 degrees. It uses a lever on the bottom cushion to release the recline mechanism and there are two recline positions.
It’s a little heavier than the other RV euro chair weighing 50 lbs and there is no stated weight capacity.
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When in the upright position it measures 40 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 34 inches deep. When in the first recline position it will be 40 inches long and 52 inches long in the second, full recline position.
It needs at least 13 inches of space from the base to the wall in order to fully recline.
The version linked to above is upholstered with soft fabric in a light brown color.
There is also a faux leather option (click to view on Amazon) that comes in multiple colors and has the same specs and the fabric one.
The RecPro Charles RV Euro Chair is another awesome lightweight RV recliner that doesn’t take up a lot of space but is very comfortable.
PROS
- 360 Swivel
- Easy To Clean Vinyl Option
- Multiple Fabric & Color Options
- RV Specific
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not A Wall Hugger Recliner
- Not Great For Large People
- Low Weight Capacity
5. Homall Recliner Chair
The first four chairs in this review are made for RVs which mostly means they are a little smaller in size and lightweight. Not all regular recliners will work in an RV or even fit in one but there are a few out there.
The Homall recliner is your basic budget chair. It’s not made to be big or heavy duty but those features are what make it perfect for RV use.
It’s measures 38.6 inches tall, 27.6 inches wide, and 35.8 inches deep. It’s not that far off from an RV recliner.
When fully reclined it can be up to 64 inches long.
It weighs only 57 lbs even though it’s still made with a steel frame inside.
The weight capacity is 265 lbs.
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It’s upholstered with vinyl faux leather that’s easy to clean and fairly durable. The padding used is high density sponge that’s soft but resilient.
There are multiple color options in the faux leather.
Instead of sitting on the metal frame the Hommel has 4 plastic feet like normal home furniture.
This makes it a little more difficult to mount to the floor but if you find the right spot for it you shouldn’t have to secure it to the floor at all.
Most regular recliners are too heavy and big for campers, but the Homall Recliner Chair isn’t.
Sure it’s just a very basic and affordable recliner but that’s the kind of thing you are looking for in RV furniture.
It’s a great choice if you aren’t a full time camper but you want something comfortable to sit in during your weekend camping trips.
PROS
- Easy To Clean Vinyl
- Multiple Color Options
- Lightweight
- Budget Friendly
CONS
- Not A Wall Hugger Recliner
- Not Great For Large People
- Low Weight Capacity
- No 360 Swivel
6. GDFStudio Mid-Century Recliner
This isn’t your everyday camper furniture, but the GDFStudio mid-century recliner is going to make a newly remodeled RV look fantastic.
A full sized recliner is going to be too heavy for an RV. So the only other options are the budget friendly chairs like the one reviewed above or smaller midback recliners like this one.
Since weight is one of the most important things when looking for irregular RV furniture I’ll get right to it.
This recliner weighs 57 lbs, which isn’t too bad for the size and quality.
The weight capacity is 300 lbs.
When in the closed, upright position it measures 38 inches tall, 27.25 inches wide, and 34.25 inches deep.
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When fully reclined it’s 56 inches long. It only has one recline position and the footrest is kind of small but it’s still more comfortable than a straight back chair when you want to sit back and relax after a fun day out in nature.
There is no wall hugger design so you will need some space in the back for it to recline.
It sits on tall wooden legs and is upholstered with 100% polyester fabric that is durable and stain resistant.
The GDFStudio Mid-Century Recliner may not be the obvious choice when looking for a comfortable RV chair but it’s a great way to mix things up and possibly match more modern interior decoration.
It could be bolted to the floor using L brackets or just placed in the corner during travel.
PROS
- Uses Soft Durable Polyester Fabric
- Lightweight
- Budget Friendly
- Modern Design
- Small
CONS
- Not A Wall Hugger Recliner
- Not Great For Large People
- No 360 Swivel
What To Look For In An RV Recliner
Lightweight
When I first started looking at recliners for my travel trailer I had no idea how heavy even a small recliner could be.
Many are over 100 lbs which is just too much weight to be pushing around inside a camper.
In this camper recliner review, the heaviest chair is 88 lbs, which is heavy but it’s also the biggest option.
There are other more lightweight options as well that use different designs to make a comfortable recliner that’s easy to transport.
Even the non RV specific recliners in this review are still lightweight and will be easy to move around inside a camper.
Non-Powered vs Powered
Even if you mostly camp connected to power I still recommend getting a manual recliner over a powered one.
Powered recliners will only work when connected to shore power or a generator in a camper and you don’t want your fancy recliner to be just a regular chair because you don’t have power.
It’s surprising how hard it can be to find a non-powered recliner but most RV recliners are manual and so are all the recliners in this review.
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360 Swivel
The 360 swivel comes in handy more than you would think in an RV. It’s great if you have your camper recliner in front of a window.
You can turn around and watch the sunrise then turn back around to visit with family.
It’s also great for when you want to put the backrest out because you can just turn so you are angled away from the wall to give the backrest space to extend out.
Swivel recliners often have a heavy base which will help keep the RV chair in place during travel.
Wall Hugger Recliner
A wall hugger recliner uses a special design that pushes the chair out instead of back when reclining.
They require a lot less space behind the chair which helps save room.
Space is something a lot of campers don’t have a lot of which means using a wall hugger recliner that can sit close to a wall is going to be really helpful.
My Choice For Best Camper Recliner
RecPro Charles Wall Hugger RV Recliner
Even though it’s the heaviest RV recliner in this review I still choose the Recpro Wall Hugger Recliner as my top pick.
The number one reason is the wall hugger design.
Having to slide chairs around inside a camper just to be able to use them fully is going to get old really quick. I think it’s better to get something that can stay put and not take up a ton of space.
I also like how padded it is. Many RV recliners are pretty slim but the RecPro Recliner has a lot of soft foam everywhere.
It’s going to be the closest thing to the recliner you have at home and it’s a great way to get stay comfortable while camping.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Recliners
Can you put a regular recliner in an RV?
If there’s room for it, and you aren’t going over the total weight capacity of your RV then yes, you can put a regular recliner in an RV.
Regular recliners are normally just a bit bigger, and heavier than RV recliners. But if you can fit it through the small door of your camper and have space for it then you’re good to go.
Can I replace my RV couch with recliners?
Yes. But the next question is, how hard will it be to remove the RV couch?
Many RVs and trailers have sofas that are just sitting in place. They can normally be removed pretty easily and if this is the case for you replacing the couch with a camper recliner should be easy.
Some RV couches are built into the slide or wall of the RV. Sometimes they are used to cover other camper parts like a freshwater tank or plumbing.
If this is the case it might be a little more difficult to replace your RV couch with recliners.
With that being said most RV furniture can be removed even if it takes a little work. Even dinettes aren’t that hard to unscrew from the walls and floor.
They normally even have carpeting or flooring underneath them which makes it easy to just take them out and have your camper still looking good.
Before you start removing the original RV furniture in your camper just take a look underneath everything to make sure there’s nothing important being covered by the couch or dinette.
Usually, there isn’t but it’s better to check and make sure before you purchase a new RV recliner.
Are RV couches bolted down?
If the RV couch is built into a slide out or being used to cover something like a freshwater tank, water pump, or plumbing then it’s most likely bolted to either the wall or the floor.
This is most common in small motorhomes and travel trailers that don’t have a lot of space.
Most of the time in 5th-wheels and large travel trailers the couches are not bolted down. They don’t normally bolt down RV recliners even since their weight is enough to keep them from moving around during travel.
How do you secure an RV recliner?
If you want to be extra careful and secure your RV recliner for travel you have a few options.
You can either bolt it permanently to the floor or install anchor points you can put a strap or bungee through to secure the recliner to the wall or floor during travel.
If you bolt it to the floor you can use things like L-brackets (click to view on Amazon) to secure the feet.
The downside to this method is you won’t be able to move the RV recliner at all once it’s in place. You will have to make sure it’s far enough away from the wall to be able to recline and also not in the way when you put the slide outs in for travel.
Installing secure anchor points you can use to strap or bungee the camper recliner is my favorite method.
Being able to move the recliners out of the way or to a new spot is a nice option to have and you may end up wanting to do it more than you think you will.
D-ring tie downs (click to view on Amazon) can be installed on the floor or walls.
Make sure you secure them to the wall studs since RV wall paneling is just thin sheets of plywood that won’t be able to hold a recliner very well.
Once you have a good anchor point you can use bungee cords (click to view on Amazon) or tie down straps (click to view on Amazon) to secure the camper recliners in place for travel.
Have any questions about RV recliners? Leave a comment below.
