Community Forums

lonestarace · 12-08-2010, 07:32 PM

We have a 98 DutchStar DP, model 3865, with a kitchen slide. We would like to replace the existing kitchen counter top with granite. Our main worry is if the slide can handle the additional weight, approx 250 Lbs?

What are ya'lls thoughts?

Don, Lisa, & Alexa

Gary RVRoamer · 12-08-2010, 07:53 PM

How deep is the slide? Back then, many of them were only 12-18 inches deep, so there would be little danger of the excess weight bending anything, since most of the weight stays inboard anyway.

On the other hand, these days you can get formica or similar laminates that is a almost a dead ringer for granite and not have to worry about the weight. Don't reject that notion until you see the latest materials - they are amazing.

KIX · 12-08-2010, 08:04 PM

I have to agree with Gary......solid surface tops in new materials are very nice looking and very serviceable too

**NLOVNIT** · 12-08-2010, 08:14 PM

You might check into granite overlays. There's a company called Granite Transformations that does this sort of thing.

Lori-

RJay · 12-08-2010, 08:24 PM

Corian counter tops are very nice and can very closely replicate granite. I guess if you want to know if the slide will handle the extra weight of the granite you could always have a couple of friends sit on the counter while you operate the slide.

lonestarace · 12-11-2010, 04:06 PM

We have gotten 2 quotes for replacing the kitchen and bathroom countertops w/2 cm granite. $1800 & $1250 installed with 2.5" backspash. $1250 is very
reasonable, but then again it is a 98 DSDP. And again, we're in way to deep already, what's a little deeper gonna hurt.

We tested the slide. My 100 Lb Rottweiler layed on the couch. DW and I took turns joy riding on the kitchen countertop, while the other operated the slide in and out a couple of times. No problem. Our slide is a shallow slide(19").

BUT

We are also looking at lighter and cheaper
alternatives.

The cheapest is "Modern Masters DIY Countertops". It is a new 3 step paint type product we found at Lowes.

Lighter are the solid surface acrylics like Corian, etc, especially when you can get it only 1/4" thick.

Well see?

Don

JayGee · 12-11-2010, 04:35 PM

I agree with NLOVINIT said. They look great.

mahon1993 · 12-11-2010, 04:58 PM

We re-did the kitchen counter tops ourselfs in our stick house with granite tiles. They are designed just for counter tops. They are 24" X 24" and 3/8" thick. We bought them at Tile Mart. They have a whole system of pieces and parts. It was about 1/3 the price of solid granite. If you are a good DIYer you could handel the project.
Greg

bldrbob · 12-11-2010, 07:25 PM

Do you have the capacity for the extra weight ?The slide probably isn't a problem but I would check the tire loads to make sure you have the capacity.
BOB

dons2346 · 12-11-2010, 09:22 PM

Take a look at granite light Granite-Light.com - Lightweight Alternative & Replacement Granite Countertops. I have seen this stuff and it looks great. If we didn't have corian tops, I would install it.

bldrbob · 12-12-2010, 06:07 AM

My neighbor in Ct accidently bumped the edge of her granite counter with a bottle and took out a large chip. The bottle was fine.
BOB

lonestarace · 12-12-2010, 08:15 AM

Thanks for ya'lls input.

We have enough tire on the vehicle to carry 6k Lbs more than its GVWR. Also, Newmar put a 12k Lb IFS under it, but limit the frt axle wt to 10.4k Lbs. We never get anywhere near the vehicles GVWR of 27.4k Lbs.

Granite-Light sounds wonderful, but they only work/sell to the RV OEMs.

Don

lonestarace · 12-22-2010, 10:42 PM

We found a less expensive Acrylic solid counter top surface called www.livingstonesurfaces.com. We got a quote for a new kitchen counter top, bath vanity w/three 1.5"slashes, and dinette table, for a total of 38sf, installed for $1370 re-using the sinks. I'll remove everything. If we install it ourselves we can save $8/sf.

It is 1/2 in thick, so it is much lighter than granite.

15 yr transferable warranty too.

Don