Community Forums

RickS · 06-05-2012, 10:44 PM

Just noticed that all the GKE model have gone to a island from the L-shape counter and cabinet. We couldn't imagine losing the valuable counter and cabinet storage space. What do you think?

ExcelRVGuy · 06-06-2012, 06:36 AM

You're actually gaining a considerable amount of usable cabinet space. In the cabinet that used to slide over the peninsula, we have created a stack of at least 6 pull-out pantry drawers (that sit behind a single cabinet door). The drawers are about 20" wide and are very usable. Much more usable then bending down and reaching under the "L" of the sink.

We are currently doing our 2013 photo shoot so I will try to post pictures when available.

Since we are in transition, we have offered the kitchen both ways, either with the island or the peninsula, and nearly all of the ladies have chosen the island. They feel less confined behind the sink.

Bryan

RickS · 06-06-2012, 10:19 AM

Bryan,

I look forward to seeing the pictures. I guess the lady that was sitting next to me on the sofa when I showed her the layout has a different opinion and really likes the L-shape counter top that we make very good use of when we are entertaining 5-10 people.

I can see this design eliminating such a steep transition to move the slide up to move over the counter as it slides in. The GKE's do have large slides that I'm sure can be taxing on the gears and hydraulic's. Maybe the reason for the change?

rockintom · 06-06-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickS

Bryan,

I look forward to seeing the pictures. I guess the lady that was sitting next to me on the sofa when I showed her the layout has a different opinion and really likes the L-shape counter top that we make very good use of when we are entertaining 5-10 people.

I can see this design eliminating such a steep transition to move the slide up to move over the counter as it slides in. The GKE's do have large slides that I'm sure can be taxing on the gears and hydraulic's. Maybe the reason for the change?

Thanks for mentioning this Rick, as I was wondering the same thing. I haven't seen the pennisula style that PI uses on SOBs. Other manufacturers don't use a large single slide and "ramp up" the counter when the big slide retracts. They mostly use 2 slides on the road side and leave the pennisula area stationary to the side wall.

Bryan, could you comment on why you guys chose to do it your way? You know me, just curious.

Bryan, thanks for explaining about the additional cabinet space. More cabinet space, less countertop, but I did notice a counter flip extension on the bar counter. rockin'

ExcelRVGuy · 06-06-2012, 12:10 PM

There are acutally several mfgrs who have the large s/o coming in over the peninsula... Our major competitor being one of them. The difference between Excel and them is that they are ALL utilizing a NON-flush floor slide out..... This method creates one of two problems. Either you set the cabinets in far enough to "hide" the floor ledge (usually 5" or so x 2" high) losing valuable interior space, or you have to work around the raised floor making you stand away from the range, which feels kind of awkward. It also is a trip hazard.

We chose to make that slide out a flush floor. This gives us an extra 5" - 6" of depth between the range area and the island. By being flush floor, you don't have the ledge to worry about.

Engineering the peninsula to hinge upward during room transit actually poses no problem. The biggest issue is just that it's "Different" from what customers are use to seeing.

The only real negative to the whole concept is that there has to be a carpet strip in front of the range to hide the s/o ramp & rollers. We fell that is a pretty fair trade-off for not having a ledge to trip over.

Bryan

rockintom · 06-06-2012, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExcelRVGuy

There are acutally several mfgrs who have the large s/o coming in over the peninsula... Our major competitor being one of them. The difference between Excel and them is that they are ALL utilizing a NON-flush floor slide out..... This method creates one of two problems. Either you set the cabinets in far enough to "hide" the floor ledge (usually 5" or so x 2" high) losing valuable interior space, or you have to work around the raised floor making you stand away from the range, which feels kind of awkward. It also is a trip hazard.

We chose to make that slide out a flush floor. This gives us an extra 5" - 6" of depth between the range area and the island. By being flush floor, you don't have the ledge to worry about.

Engineering the peninsula to hinge upward during room transit actually poses no problem. The biggest issue is just that it's "Different" from what customers are use to seeing.

The only real negative to the whole concept is that there has to be a carpet strip in front of the range to hide the s/o ramp & rollers. We fell that is a pretty fair trade-off for not having a ledge to trip over.

Bryan

Thanks Bryan....I knew you'd explain it well. I guess I just missed the competitor's floorplan. rockin'

RickS · 06-06-2012, 12:42 PM

Thanks Bryan,
Looking forward to the new pictures....tells a 1000 words.

TEAMTJ · 06-06-2012, 09:36 PM

When we were in SC, the new island GKE design was mentioned. I told Trace about it and we both agreed we are really happy with the L-shape counter. The problem with our previous trailer is that it lacked usable countertop space. We feel the L-shape counter takes care of this problem. This works for us...different strokes for different folks. I'm sure many people would prefer storage space over countertop space....since everything is a trade-off.

As far as the benefit of the island design with the extra drawers, with all of the custom storage things we added to our unit, I think we came out on top with storage

! I'm sure the new design will be a hit with many people and and I can't wait to see the pics. But the beauty of PI is that if you don't like it, you can change it!

Bryan, do you think you might be able to post a pic of the new tile backsplash y'all are offering? It looked really nice!

RickS · 06-07-2012, 09:37 PM

Hey Tim,

Well, like mentioned above we would never choose to have less counter space even if there were a few more drawers.

ExcelRVGuy · 06-08-2012, 06:45 AM

Once I've uploaded a picture, how do I find the URL to post it?

Bryan

rockintom · 06-08-2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExcelRVGuy

Once I've uploaded a picture, how do I find the URL to post it?

Bryan

Bryan,

Once you're at the "reply to thread" screen than push "go to advance" and then scroll down to "manage attachments" and you can browse and then upload pix from your computer (one at a time). I make sure my pix are sized to approximately 800 X 600 before doing this. There are other ways, but this is clearly the simplest for me!!!. HTH's

RickS · 06-08-2012, 10:09 AM

Rick

Workshop · 06-08-2012, 10:37 AM

I think this is the photo....

RickS · 06-08-2012, 11:14 AM

Well, doesn't look like any more usable storage space to me! Nice to have our coffee pot/electric fry pan/kettle behind a roll-up and not have to open a door to access without opening a slide. Also, nice to have 120 volt plug in there. I also think the lower cabinets under the counter top provides more storage.