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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: floridarandy on February 06, 2019, 06:43:20 am

Title: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: floridarandy on February 06, 2019, 06:43:20 am
DW is having a walnut shelf made to install in the kitchen of our 34'.  It will be "L" shaped, mounted about midway between the counter and the ceiling and face the driver side wall of the coach and the interior wall in common with the bathroom. Please advise best mounting method.

Thanks
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on February 06, 2019, 07:56:21 am
I'm far from being a carpenter, but seems to me you could use most any type of 90 degree shelf supports.  Wood, metal...whatever.  Size and number to be commensurate with the anticipated weight load on shelf.  The key is to locate the vertical metal ribs in the wall, and try to tap into those (if possible) with the attaching bolts/screws.  If you can't find enough vertical ribs, then use expanding hollow wall anchors.  The walls are normally a "sandwich" construction of fiberglass on the exterior, and plywood/FRP on the the interior, with the space between filled with foam.

Detail of wall construction here:  Construction question (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15602.msg95830#msg95830)

A "stud finder" is very handy for.....finding metal studs in the walls.
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on February 06, 2019, 08:59:02 am
PS: Please post photos of the completed (installed) shelf.  Sounds like a very nice and useful addition to your coach!
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on February 06, 2019, 09:21:39 am
Walnut shelf brackets with a design that compliments the OEM decor might be aesthetically pleasing.
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: DavidS on February 06, 2019, 09:47:56 am
Wife's number 1 complaint in our coach.. No counter space .. After you put the coffee maker out.. no room for much else... Maybe I need to upgrade the coach. That should fix it.. Hmm
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: juicesqueezer on February 06, 2019, 11:30:21 am
Wife's number 1 complaint in our coach.. No counter space .. After you put the coffee maker out.. no room for much else... Maybe I need to upgrade the coach. That should fix it.. Hmm

That could get pricey!  :o
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on February 06, 2019, 11:58:50 am
Or...........
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: floridarandy on February 06, 2019, 04:55:04 pm
Here's the area of the kitchen the "L" shaped shelf will go in.  Above toaster oven in place of silver rack (held on with Velcro).  I have a pretty good idea of fastening to outside wall thanks to Chuck's link. What about fastening to the interior wall?  Does electric from the outlet below come down from top or up from bottom?
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on February 06, 2019, 07:46:09 pm
What about fastening to the interior wall?  Does electric from the outlet below come down from top or up from bottom?
On our coach, the electrical romex cables run along the floor, and up the walls to the outlets.  At least all the ones I have investigated.  If you check in your closets, and under the sink, you'll find "false floor" panels that can be removed.  Will likely find the electric cables under those panels.  That interior wall is probably hollow with a wood frame.  You could use the expanding anchors there.  Just play it safe when you drill any holes.  Go carefully through the wall "skin" with a small bit, then stop and probe around through the hole to see if there is anything hiding in the wall.  If it is clear, then drill larger hole to set the anchor.
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on February 06, 2019, 08:17:41 pm
It looks like your MW is backed up to the sliding door pocket. There is some structure in there, you need a good stud finder.
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: BobW on February 20, 2019, 12:28:50 pm
  "Does electric from the outlet below come down from top or up from bottom?"

Randy: Unscrew the outlet in your picture.  The outlet is normally wired to your GFI and you should be able to see the direction from which all the wiring comes from.
Bob


Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: floridarandy on April 29, 2019, 11:51:55 am
Project if finished and installed using the tambour door we got from Foretravel.  Beyond my skills but well within that of a long-time friend.  Now I wonder what Karen will find to store in there?
Title: Re: Install Shelf in Kitchen Exterior Wall
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on April 29, 2019, 07:33:44 pm
Nice job....