Community Forums

calico · 10-09-2011, 09:19 AM

We are going to replace the countertop in the kitchen of our class A. Yesterday after we removed the old counter we discovered a large empty space behind the kitchen drawers. We think it would be easy to cut an opening, add a door and shelving to gain storage. Has anyone ever done this? I'm surprised manufactures allow this waste of space.

I have very limited counter space, we're taking out the double sink and installing a bar sized sink which will give me nearly six inches extra counter. Plus the new counter will have a flip up extension above the kitchen drawers adding even more.

Ramblin · 10-09-2011, 09:25 AM

Looks like the new door would be just above the switch bank at the entry door. Great place for a little extra storage as you enter/exit. Flashlight, etc could go there. Great find!

Cougarkid · 10-09-2011, 09:36 AM

Extra storage is good where ever you can find it.

Drawers can only be so long before they will not function right. Plus, manufacturers typically try to use the same pieces in all their models to save money.

Add a door and shelves, but watch out for that grab bar at the steps. I sure would.

Darrel · 10-09-2011, 08:34 PM

Yes I did utilize this space on a MH I owned. I found a cupboard door about the right size and cut an slightly smaller hole and added hinges and a catch. I found it neccessary to fabricate a "wall" so that items in this space would not get tangled in the drawer slides. It was a very convenient improvement.

Good luck - Darrel

D in Davie · 10-09-2011, 08:48 PM

There are other locations that you can use for extra storage. I had to change out the old TV's for flat screens. The space in the bedroom that used to house the old tv now has a new flat screen and I store my large cowboy hat behind it as well as a power strip that I use to recharge all my electronic devises.

IC2 · 10-09-2011, 09:10 PM

I've been doing some remodeling in my 5er this past week, mostly replacing that bonded on wood grain faux junk Thermofoil with real wood. So far, I found space for one 15x28x11+ tall shelf. I've increased the height of one of my outside compartments by 2x, will increase the kitchen drawer depth by about 8-10 inches plus there is a 4-5 inch area under the counter bottom shelf. There will be more - but that's just the unutilized space that I've found within the past few days, much of it to be claimed for possible use.

Now - the OP and his extra space. Why not extend those drawers? Many RVs and MHs have, as said above, standard depth drawers. And these drawers are so often installed with really low end hardware. Since you have the counter top off, stop at a Home Depot or similar store and take a look at the number of different types of roller slides - bottom, side, combination. They also have different lengths as well as weight support capacity. As most of the drawer sides seem to be made from either MDF or a really low grade of wood, you can just remove the front, make a new box from 1/4 or 3/8 inch poplar, available at Lowe's. Add that removed front, a new set of slides and you will make a DW very happy. My local Home Depot stores don't have a good selection of that kind of wood nor thickness which is why I said Lowe's. If you can resaw 1x or 5/4 stock, better yet. I am assuming (a frightening word) that the OP does have at least a table saw - if not

Midnite-CTD · 10-09-2011, 10:56 PM

I have the same counter setup as the OP, except mine already utilized the space as a 'cupboard' but no shelves, and it is right by the exterior door. (Can't tell if that is the entry way or not in the pics?) I added in some shelves, and now it's the perfect place to put away shoes, since we have three kids, and apparently dead center in the doorway is the best place to leave three or more pairs of shoes...

okmunky · 10-10-2011, 12:07 AM

I removed the screws holding the dinette seat platforms and found enough space to store winter clothing, blankets and 2 cases of diapers! Can't believe they let all that space go unused.

I'm only 5'4" tall which leaves about 8" between driver's seat and dinette. Anyone got any great ideas for how to utilize it? Thinking maybe a pull-out pantry?

I gave my tablesaw to my daughter since I full-time and I won't be back there until summer. I bet I could find a good carpenter along the way somewhere.

EngineerMike · 10-10-2011, 01:11 AM

Calico- here is another idea.
On my coach I have this same type of space in the back corner of the kitchen counter/cabinet. It has a removable lid that w/a 3" hole in it. Under the lid is a standard size kitchen waste basket. 90% of trash is can or bottle diameter or paper & plastic that can be wadded up, & dropped in the 3" hole. Anything larger and you just pop off the lid to drop stuff in. Also pop off the lid to take out the trash. Nice large receptacle size, ease of use, out of sight & out of the way, no trash can taking up floor space or under-sink, which in many RVs isn't big enough for a good size waste basket anyway.
Good luck w/the remodel.

njs42 · 10-10-2011, 06:58 AM

How nice of National RV----mine came with a cabinet door and a storage place in the same spot----great spot to keep our coffee maker and our blender on the top shelf and extra rags and dust pan etc for outside clean up etc;