Our new TT has virtually no counter space so I'm hoping to create a solution so that it doesn't become an issue.
It does have a custom cutting board that fits over the left side of the sink but since it's a single-bowl sink, there's nothing in the center to support it and it slides around. We tried putting a bead of silicone on the back of it hoping for a snugger fit, but it wouldn't stick to the poly.
My thought is this: get a poly cutting board cut to 12x30 that would span the entire width of the sink and mount rubber bumper feet to raise it above the lip of the sink and keep it from sliding. 12" would be narrow enough that you could still run water behind it if needed.
Does anyone have any other suggestions? Just looking for something lightweight, easy to clean, and easy to move and stash when not needed.
It does have a custom cutting board that fits over the left side of the sink but since it's a single-bowl sink, there's nothing in the center to support it and it slides around. We tried putting a bead of silicone on the back of it hoping for a snugger fit, but it wouldn't stick to the poly.
My thought is this: get a poly cutting board cut to 12x30 that would span the entire width of the sink and mount rubber bumper feet to raise it above the lip of the sink and keep it from sliding. 12" would be narrow enough that you could still run water behind it if needed.
Does anyone have any other suggestions? Just looking for something lightweight, easy to clean, and easy to move and stash when not needed.
chezmoose wrote:
That black cutting board would work if it were more stable but we haven't figured out a way to secure it since silicone didn't stick to it and neither did adhesive-backed weather-stripping.
I thought the black cutting board was for the cooktop? They make one large enough to fit over the entire grate. If you want the black one to fit in the sink, there is a recess ledge around the perimeter of the sink. Use a jigsaw and cut it to fit the recess. You can make a template from cardboard to ensure you cut it correctly. Then the cutting board will just stay in place in the sink and you won't need anything else. This is a pic from a previous TT of a wood cutting board that I cut to fit the sink. You could cut one to fit both sides of the sink together.
Thank you for all the helpful suggestions!
This photo shows the original cooktop and the existing cutting board. DH really wanted a 3-burner, so we had the dealer swap it out and I had them add the cover so there'd be more space for doing dishes, etc. That black cutting board would work if it were more stable but we haven't figured out a way to secure it since silicone didn't stick to it and neither did adhesive-backed weather-stripping.
What I'm really hoping to accomplish - in addition to prep space - is a place to set dishes, ingredients, etc. while cooking, so I'm thinking closer to the stove would be better.
I do like the idea of a fold-down board above the drawers. That's not something I would have thought of and it's one of the very few spaces that's not already being utilized for something!
This photo shows the original cooktop and the existing cutting board. DH really wanted a 3-burner, so we had the dealer swap it out and I had them add the cover so there'd be more space for doing dishes, etc. That black cutting board would work if it were more stable but we haven't figured out a way to secure it since silicone didn't stick to it and neither did adhesive-backed weather-stripping.
What I'm really hoping to accomplish - in addition to prep space - is a place to set dishes, ingredients, etc. while cooking, so I'm thinking closer to the stove would be better.
I do like the idea of a fold-down board above the drawers. That's not something I would have thought of and it's one of the very few spaces that's not already being utilized for something!
Here is what we did: Wooden cutting board on range top (took off the metal cover) and then DH bought a wood round from Lowes and cut it to fit our rounded countertop. Installed 2 fold down brackets.
Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.
You have a very common issue in RVs. I don't understand why manufacturers do this - even in very expensive units. Obviously designed by men with no kitchen experience.... They could often re-jig layouts to make a little a little more surface area. One feature that sold us on our TT is the rear kitchen. In comparison to many counters, our surface area is huge.
1. Yes on the folding extension to right of sink. Go buy an inexpensive wood cutting board somewhere. Lee Valley has some nice folding brackets which are very strong: Lee Valley brackets
Nape & Vogt also has a similar one: Nape & Vogt bracket
On this folding extension, it was a very tight squeeze into the dinette seat, so I could not make the surfaces the same height.
2. Making a cutout for the sink is a good idea. Use HDPE plastic and not wood. I made a wood one once and even though it was well coated with mineral oil, the constant water on it caused it to warp and cup. HDPE is easy to cut with a jigsaw and fine tooth metal blade and sanded with ordinary sandpaper. Drill a 1" finger hole near the perimeter. HDPE is readily available at plastics shops in various thicknesses.
3. Get or make a wood cutting board large enough to go over the entire cooktop to the rear wall and side wall. They are available at Country Mouldings: Country Mouldings wood countertops They aren't cheap. I bought a 24"x24"x1" maple one from Country Mouldings last winter and it looks like the price has gone up quite a bit. Easy to make if you can fine some good edge grain maple or other species. You'll need to raise it an inch or so from the counter surface to clear the grate. Be aware that RV countertops are often warped so you will need to take that into account for whatever method you use to support the countertop.
If your kitchen is relatively centered over the axles, you will find that you can leave a wood cutting board over the cooktop and a cutout in the sink without having them bounce onto the floor while in transit. Our first TT was 20' with the kitchen over the axles and the large cutting board I made for the cooktop and the sink cutout stayed firmly in place while travelling. A rear kitchen is a different matter.
If you need a receptacle for the newly acquired counter space, you can hide romex under the counter top and run to the nearest recept. You can also mount a recept. to the underside of an upper cabinet.
I note that you have a smaller TT. Every square inch of storage space is important in a smaller TT. I note that there is a blank panel on an opening under the sink. If it were me, I would see if you can get a stock cabinet door from the factory to cover the opening and have either a hinged door or make a drawer. For a drawer, it would probably have to be only partial depth and be L-shaped to clear the waste pipe. You can relocate waste and water piping if needed which is relatively easy to do. You could get a custom door made at a cabinet shop but it would cost more than a stock door.
1. Yes on the folding extension to right of sink. Go buy an inexpensive wood cutting board somewhere. Lee Valley has some nice folding brackets which are very strong: Lee Valley brackets
Nape & Vogt also has a similar one: Nape & Vogt bracket
On this folding extension, it was a very tight squeeze into the dinette seat, so I could not make the surfaces the same height.
2. Making a cutout for the sink is a good idea. Use HDPE plastic and not wood. I made a wood one once and even though it was well coated with mineral oil, the constant water on it caused it to warp and cup. HDPE is easy to cut with a jigsaw and fine tooth metal blade and sanded with ordinary sandpaper. Drill a 1" finger hole near the perimeter. HDPE is readily available at plastics shops in various thicknesses.
3. Get or make a wood cutting board large enough to go over the entire cooktop to the rear wall and side wall. They are available at Country Mouldings: Country Mouldings wood countertops They aren't cheap. I bought a 24"x24"x1" maple one from Country Mouldings last winter and it looks like the price has gone up quite a bit. Easy to make if you can fine some good edge grain maple or other species. You'll need to raise it an inch or so from the counter surface to clear the grate. Be aware that RV countertops are often warped so you will need to take that into account for whatever method you use to support the countertop.
If your kitchen is relatively centered over the axles, you will find that you can leave a wood cutting board over the cooktop and a cutout in the sink without having them bounce onto the floor while in transit. Our first TT was 20' with the kitchen over the axles and the large cutting board I made for the cooktop and the sink cutout stayed firmly in place while travelling. A rear kitchen is a different matter.
If you need a receptacle for the newly acquired counter space, you can hide romex under the counter top and run to the nearest recept. You can also mount a recept. to the underside of an upper cabinet.
I note that you have a smaller TT. Every square inch of storage space is important in a smaller TT. I note that there is a blank panel on an opening under the sink. If it were me, I would see if you can get a stock cabinet door from the factory to cover the opening and have either a hinged door or make a drawer. For a drawer, it would probably have to be only partial depth and be L-shaped to clear the waste pipe. You can relocate waste and water piping if needed which is relatively easy to do. You could get a custom door made at a cabinet shop but it would cost more than a stock door.
Use this;
or here is a complete stainless steel shelf and brackets;
http://www.amazon.com/Workstation-Stainless-Wall-mount-Folding-Laptop/dp/B0035A3UVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UT...
I bought the stainless shelf a few years ago and mounted it to the outside of my Aliner as a cooking/utility shelf. If it fits the space you could mount it by the sink.
or here is a complete stainless steel shelf and brackets;
http://www.amazon.com/Workstation-Stainless-Wall-mount-Folding-Laptop/dp/B0035A3UVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UT...
I bought the stainless shelf a few years ago and mounted it to the outside of my Aliner as a cooking/utility shelf. If it fits the space you could mount it by the sink.
