Anyone buy or make a kitchen island for more counter space?

I'm the researcher in the family. When we considered a floor plan with a kitchen that only fit along two walls, I scoured the internet for movable Islands. Wanted movable, because when slides pull in, you lose some of the width depending on the set-up. So we wanted something we could push towards the back of the unit where there was more space.

I'm also a big fan of HGTV remodel shows and they've taken standard wall cabinets (because they are narrower) and turned them into Islands. Just add a lightweight wood look countertop, maybe some wheels and you're in business.

In our home I have a small island on wheels. That might work for you if there is space in the RV for it. You would need a place for it to be wedged in when you travel.

My TT has a resedential size double basin steel sink, there really is no counter. I use a wood cutting board to cover one side giving me work space and still 1/2 a sink. You can also buy folding shelf brackets and add your own extension (I want to do this one day)

korbe wrote:
I found a roll-around hospital cart,(the type you would eat from while in a hospital bed) and replaced the top surface to one that matched our counter. This cart has wheels and the top adjusts to whatever height we want. We will use it to extend our dinette, adjust it and roll it over to the sink, lower it and roll the wheels under the couch for a table, and normally set it in an area above where we put our dog bowls.

That is ingenious!!!

I found this one on Amazon for $52.00 free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Invacare-Over-Bed-Table/dp/B000QA0EHI

Is this like what you have, Korbe? Is it stable enough to do cooking prep on? Are there any locks for the wheels to keep it from moving around while chopping?

This is a stainless steel one, I guess it would work, it has locking wheels but the height is not adjustable.

http://www.amazon.com/TRINITY-EcoStorage-Stainless-Wheels-48-Inch/dp/B007W5Y91C/ref=sr_1_14?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1378754149&sr=1-14&keywords=stainless+island

Yes. The one we have is similar to The Amazon clicky
My handle to raise and lower is different though. No wheel locks but haven't noticed a problem with rolling around while using it.

MookieKat wrote:

loulou57 wrote:
Are you asking.....what TT or fifth wheels have more counter space?

.....how to make a counter or island?



You will find that most TT or fifth wheels have the same amount of counter space. Except for a few high end 5rs that have an island. The odd TT that has an island has the sink in so you are not gaining
Our TT has a breakfast bar to the left as you first go in, with 2 stools, as well as the reg table. I use that for extra counter.

I thought you found a fifth wheel that you like the layout.

Have not settled on one yet. Still shopping.

This is a mod forum, so I am asking for counter space mods.

It is impossible to give any ideas on such a mod without KNOWING the EXACT LAYOUT of said RV.

As someone else NOTED, RVing is about COMPROMISES, you have a limited amount of SPACE to work with. You can't simply build a 6ft deep 20 ft long "island" into a RV that is 8ft wide and perhaps 40ft long like you can at your sticks and bricks home.

It seems to me that you NEED to trim down your "expectations" or perhaps you should consider just staying a Hotels. Or perhaps look at some 50+ ft Motor homes with quad super slides. Then perhaps you will find "space" for more counters..

As far as kitchen counter space, we USE THE OUTDOORS for all of our cooking. Prep work, cooking and clean up is all done outdoors, keeps the mess out of the RV. Helps to keep ANTS outside (AND YES, YOU WILL "learn" to "enjoy" ANTS when camping :M ). That works for us but we don't camp in winter nor do we full time.

korbe wrote:
Yes. The one we have is similar to The Amazon clicky
My handle to raise and lower is different though. No wheel locks but haven't noticed a problem with rolling around while using it.

Thank you! This is very encouraging! Now we can think in terms of supplementing what is there with a small island. That opens up more options, as it has been difficult to find one with a lot of counter space in the middle price and length range.

These countertops are in my 24' TT:





You asked for mods......:B