Tell me your opinion about rear kitchens

[lizzie]

I knew full well that a rear kitchen can be problematic in a TT but I liked the Bullet 24RKS so much that I bought it anyway. After 9 weeks on some pretty rough roads, I think I have learned how to deal with most anything and there isn't much left to break. We are thinking about Alaska again next summer though, and I need more ideas before taking that on. Need advice, suggestions, etc. lizzie

[crcr]

Our rear kitchen also has a wrap around counter, with the fridge in the deep slide -- this all gives a wonderful amount of usable counter space.

[myredracer]

We're on our 2nd rear kitchen and absolutely love it. We have the fridge in the slide and have a LOT of counter space compared to most non-rear kitchen models. We can have several appliances on the counter and still have plenty of working space. It makes for a very efficient use of overall floor space.

On our previous rear kitchen TT, we had occasional problems with the range grill jumping off, things bouncing out of the sink, the open/close rod on the rear window blinds jumping off, and a couple of times, the pantry door opened spilling many items. That particular TT had a more flexible frame which aggravated the problems.

If looking at rear kitchen models, I'd avoid one if it has the 3-piece "fabricated" I-beams in the frame that is on a few makes and models as there is a lot more flex at the rear end. We have shocks on our current TT which has further helped to reduce any bounce at the rear end. We've been on some pretty rough roads this summer and had no issues with bounce. I added a middle shelf in the upper cabinets and added non-slip shelving liner to prevent anything from moving around.

The only downside might be that you will not get a very big window at the rear. We used to have a large picture window at the rear of our first TT and it was nice to have a great view of scenery out the back and is something I really miss.

[Ex-Tech]

Loved the one in my Springdale because it opened up the living area from slide-out to curb window and gave me a wrap around kitchen counter. Would buy another next time.

[wrenchbender]

The only thing about a rear galley that turns me off, is that in many cases the entry door is also in the rear and that leads to a congestion point if the galley is in use.

[DanKirk]

We have had our Wilderness 240RKS for 6 years, and love the floorplan. We have had no problem with things breaking or bouncing around. The counter space is awesome compared to mid-kitchens I've seen. I would not hesitate to get another rear kitchen model in the future.

[dadmomh]

Definitely agree on the paper towels...lightweight and you're gonna need them anyway. Strange as it may sound, going back to my CA earthquake days, cabinets running, say, north to south vs east to west took a beating. Could be either direction, but it can make a difference. In our ROO we had one cabinet that would come open just occasionally and we got some of the small bungy cords at Harbor Freight and wrapped like a figure 8 and hooked back on itself and no open doors at all. Obviously, open cabinets very slowely and carefully. We routinely set up our plastic glasses on every trip regardless. Part of the charm of camping. Sounds like a great trip!

[westend]

lizzie wrote:
Thanks for all the positive input. We have had the rear kitchen TT since February and I love it but had concerns about Alaska. This is my 4th RV with a complete kitchen and it has been more of a problem but I'm wondering if some of the issues are not with shoddy workmanship. We have broken two of the plastic roller things in the microwave and one microwave dish. All of the plastic racks in the fridge have broken and the blind on the window at the very back of the coach has come loose. Screws had pulled completely out. The other issues, like spilling stuff, I can deal with. I just make sure that everything is inside a plastic container with a tight lid. I have not had problems with the cabinet doors coming open. I pack all breakable items in bubblewrap and put them under the dinette seat. That said, I love the floorplan of this TT and plan to put up with the inconveniences. lizzie

Tip: Rolls of paper towels, they are an indispensable way of packing everything while moving. I buy a case of them when on sale and put the extras in a plastic bag when not in transport mode. They always seem to get used, too.

[Tachdriver]

I have a rear kitchen as well, no problems at all, had the TT since Feb 2012. I even have glass ware with no issues and my refrigerator makes killer milkshakes too. :B

[Stickbowhip]

We have a rear kitchen in our new TT and really hadn't thought of it being a problem at all. The only issue we have noticed is things in the refrigerator sometimes slide forward and fall on the floor when it is opened. Solved that by buying the spring loaded bars they sell for that purpose.

[crcr]

Rear kitchen, have had two now. Nothing broken, no cabinets or drawers flying open, no problems at all. Would buy another rear kitchen in a heart beat.

[Passin_Thru]

My opinion is they are in the rear. Never heard anyone complain too much. Going to AK isn't that bad. They have paved all the roads since last year and it's smooth as a baby's bottom. LOL

[lizzie]

Thanks for all the positive input. We have had the rear kitchen TT since February and I love it but had concerns about Alaska. This is my 4th RV with a complete kitchen and it has been more of a problem but I'm wondering if some of the issues are not with shoddy workmanship. We have broken two of the plastic roller things in the microwave and one microwave dish. All of the plastic racks in the fridge have broken and the blind on the window at the very back of the coach has come loose. Screws had pulled completely out. The other issues, like spilling stuff, I can deal with. I just make sure that everything is inside a plastic container with a tight lid. I have not had problems with the cabinet doors coming open. I pack all breakable items in bubblewrap and put them under the dinette seat. That said, I love the floorplan of this TT and plan to put up with the inconveniences. lizzie

[3_acat]

3rd year for us & NEVER had any cupboards open or things fall. Been over dirt roads, highways and some rough campground roads too.

[DHCamper]

The best thing is the kitchen and cook does not get in the way!