Community Forums

KandyApple · 05-22-2017, 06:35 PM

Hoping someone can help me work through the importance of cupboard construction in an RV. Hubby and I are looking at getting a new 5er to tow behind our F350 diesel. He has done a bunch of research and is set on making sure that cupboard construction is solid wood finish rather than wrapped. From the units we have looked at so far there is a mixture of cupboard construction through various manufacturers. We looked at Grand Design Solitudes today and was surprised that their cupboard frames were all wrapped. This leads me to think that maybe the wrapped finish is not the inferior finish as these units are definitely at the higher price point and based on R V reviews they are considered in the top 25%. We looked at a used Montana and the cupboards seemed to be solid wood. I would think that finished wood should be a better finish but have to admit I am a bit confused now. We looked at a used Montana and the cupboards seemed to be solid wood.
Not sure if I have asked my question properly, but if anyone has any input on the benefits of either construction method it would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Badlands Bob · 05-22-2017, 06:42 PM

Solid wood is always better than a picture of wood on vinyl. Dovetailed drawers are better than staples and glue. Better comes with a price.

tbos1958 · 05-22-2017, 06:42 PM

Very good and valid question. With the wrap if it gets chipped you see bare wood of a different type. It can also delaminate if it gets wet. Real wood doesn't chip like wrap and isn't as easily damaged by water exposure. I think both can be found in higher quality/expensive units.

Mr_D · 05-22-2017, 06:50 PM

When we ordered our two Dutch Star MH's we paid the upcharge for hardwood cabinets, some $3,000 on each rig. The present MH came with all hardwood, but it's cost was three times the cost of our last Dutch Star.
You are more likely to get all hardwood cabinets in higher cost units, one of the reasons for the higher cost.

Gigattime · 05-23-2017, 02:56 PM

I have seen many with solid doors, but wrapped frames. Just depends on what your priorities are and what price point you need.

KandyApple · 05-23-2017, 10:58 PM

Thanks everyone. I was getting confused because we are looking at some of the supposed to be better manufacturers such as Arctic Fox and Grand Design but they both have wrapped cupboard frames. My assumption is that they must put more of their dollars into other aspects of the construction. We also like the extra capacities in the Arctic Fox for those times we like to go off grid.

**Spdracr39** · 05-24-2017, 06:24 AM

Just as a side note and maybe irrelevant but better construction not only means higher cost but also more weight. Perhaps those mentioned manufacturers were trying to remain in a specific weight class with those models.

Cumminsfan · 05-24-2017, 08:04 AM

You need to jump up to the $100,000+ range to get solid wood frames. Moat all now use solid wood doors and drawer fronts. You won't find dove tail drawers unless you spend the really big $$$$$$.
Wrapped wood frames are really cheap. Lots of the wood work is wrapped.
Look at units like Redwood, DVR, etc if you want wood frames.

Jimwelch01 · 05-30-2017, 09:56 PM

We have. DRV Mobile Suites. Great quality, ducted air. Check them out!

KandyApple · 05-31-2017, 06:13 PM

We REALLY like the DRV but want to pull it with an F350 diesel SRW. I can't see anything that would fit. Any suggestions?

RPr · 06-02-2017, 02:05 PM

If you look at the wood work in my TT, it is a mix if wood and vinyl. Even the real wood had different shades. The cabinets may have been fabricated months apart, some may have been storage till needed.

Like many TT related issues, the attention to details costs.

plasma800 · 06-02-2017, 02:16 PM

I wouldn't even consider this to be a big issue.. I don't think for a second I would ever consider making my decision on whether or not the cabinets where solid wood or veneered.

I would, on the other hand, be interested in the quality of the veneer and the quality of the finish. But I know that just about every kitchen in the average American kitchen is veneer over substrate.

In my trailer, all vertical cabinet surfaces are veneered in high pressure laminate, and it looks fantastic,,, and that stuff is tough as nails.

I would also be interested int he quality of the substrate. Inspecting corners for any crushing or crumbling can provide a good clue as to the quality under the veneer.

I'm not saying your concern or question isn't valid.. I'm just thinking possibly it's placed too high on the priority list... I'd be far more concerned with the wall and roof insulation values, or whether or not the grey tank will empty properly because it was tapped too high on the side... things like this.

Cumminsfan · 06-02-2017, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasma800

I wouldn't even consider this to be a big issue.. I don't think for a second I would ever consider making my decision on whether or not the cabinets where solid wood or veneered.

I would, on the other hand, be interested in the quality of the veneer and the quality of the finish. But I know that just about every kitchen in the average American kitchen is veneer over substrate.

In my trailer, all vertical cabinet surfaces are veneered in high pressure laminate, and it looks fantastic,,, and that stuff is tough as nails.

I would also be interested int he quality of the substrate. Inspecting corners for any crushing or crumbling can provide a good clue as to the quality under the veneer.

I'm not saying your concern or question isn't valid.. I'm just thinking possibly it's placed too high on the priority list... I'd be far more concerned with the wall and roof insulation values, or whether or not the grey tank will empty properly because it was tapped too high on the side... things like this.

All good point. I would add that even with the best of the best in parts. if the assembly is 2nd rate then it's all mute. Stripped screws, mis-aligned door, poorly assembled drawer slides and catches won't make real wood construction any better.

My 5er cabinets are vinyl wrapped wood, but the doors and drawer fronts are real wood. I've only had one upper cabinet door front come loose. I attribute it to a really rough washboard rode we traveled on for about 3 miles. We could barely go 10 mph because of the bouncing. I'm guessing that the door, which is a narrow longer one popped loose and with the bouncing just jiggled loose. I added some reinforcement and no problems since.

Ironically an Airstream past us going the other way pulled by a 1/2 ton truck. He was having no issues with the rough road. No doubt that independent torsion suspension will keeps things from taking a pounding. which in the end will make everything last longer.

Mr_D · 06-02-2017, 03:55 PM

Our '98 35' Santara MH at $98,000 had wrapped frames. I had to keep a box of wood matches and wood glue in the rig at all times to repair all the stripped out hinge screws. That was the reason for wanting real hardwood cabinets in the two DSDP's.