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Topic: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install (Read 953 times) previous topic - next topic

Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

While I love the kitchen and living room area of the 36', the counter space could always be improved.  After seeing Tom Lang's coach and specifically his flip up counter, I've been on the hunt to get one built.  And the little table with the lamp in the living room was so unusable, that it could hardly hold a couple of remote controls.  I really wanted to replace that top with a small desk top that could also add some additional dining space.

I really wanted a factory look, without having to trek to the factory.  It would take quite a bit of vacation time just for this work that could possibly be done myself.  And since what I've read, it would have been a challenge for them to add new Corian counters with the same routed edges.

The first obstacle was to find the Corian material, and second was to find a router bit to be able to match what is already in the coach.  After several trips all over town, collecting many samples, and many calls later, I finally found a great match for the 2003 FT "Corian," Wilsonart Marzipan Mirage.  Since the routing was done with some type of custom router bit, the only option was to get one made.  After sending in a drawing of the profile and dimensions to Ridge Carbide Tool, they created the bit and sent it in a week or two.  Next step was to have a local shop, GW Surfaces use my templates to cut, router, and finish the pieces.  Final step was to install them.  Installation was easy, that only took a couple of hours. 

All told, the cost was $830 for the Corian and labor to cut and shape the two pieces, and about $300 for the custom router bit, and still have at least half of the full sheet of Corian left to do future projects.

Here are a couple of before pics, one showing the original (on left) and new Corian (on right,) and then several of the finished products for each the flip up counter and the counter/desk.  These were both such a great addition during a fun trip to Lake Tahoe this last week.  Was nice to be able to sit two additional adults for dinner.

Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #1 –
Jennifer, great job! Where did you find the hinges for your table/counter top?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #2 –

Thanks!  The chrome bead catch was from Amazon, and the hinges were from Kitchen Source, 30mm x 250mm

Edited to add correct source for stainless Hafele hinged spring brackets. $47.50 each and free shipping over $99, no tax except in CT.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #3 –
Very nice, Jennifer. I have been toying with the idea of a desk surface in the same place.  Still thinking.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Very nice, Jennifer. I have been toying with the idea of a desk surface in the same place.  Still thinking.
Thanks.  Yes, I was contemplating putting more of a gradual curve on the desk top, but opted to go with the same rounded corners the rest of the counters have.  I made a template out of thin plywood, mocked up with metal brackets and command hanging strips and used that for about a year, just to be sure everything worked in that configuration.  Had to be sure the passenger seat would still pivot around completely and that it was usable as a dining table with the passenger seat turned around.  And the passenger seat still needed to be able to recline comfortably.  Also needed it just deep enough to hold a standard laptop on the thinnest part.  So far, so good.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #5 –
Great update, looks like it came with the coach!
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #6 –
Jennifer, I am mightily impressed...how did you get so handy?!!!  Beautiful job, especially like the desk + additional counter space always a plus.  Good job!  ^.^d

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #7 –
Makes that receptacle on the back of the galley a lot more sensible!
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
Great update, looks like it came with the coach!
Thanks, that's just what I was going for!

Quote from: Miz Dani –
Jennifer, I am mightily impressed...how did you get so handy?!!!  Beautiful job, especially like the desk + additional counter space always a plus.  Good job!  ^.^d
Thanks, yes, that extra counter space is so much better.  Now there's actually a place for dirty dishes to wait for their turn in the sink.  Aside from a Dad who had me out in the garage, under the hoods of cars and in ATV motors whenever he could, I have very handy friends!!!!

Quote from: toyman –
Makes that receptacle on the back of the galley a lot more sensible!
Yes, that was always a very awkward receptacle to access, other than plugging in the occasional coffee maker or toaster, I never really made much use of it.  Now it's right there, great for the computer and other desk devices.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #9 –
I love it. Looks like factory original. 
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #10 –
very nice
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #11 –
Nicely done with the flip up.  Did you put a support behind it to screw the hinges into. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #12 –
Thanks Tom and propman! 

Thanks John.  Yes, supports both behind the hinges and the bead catch. 

The joinery was accomplished with a Kreg Jig Tool, in keeping with the factory look inside the cabinet as well.  Essentially, the holes are drilled at an angle from the face of the board through the end, painted black, then attached to the frame inside the cabinet.  This way, you don't even see any screws, and can hardly see the board supports.  I'll attach pics of those also.  Here is a pic from the net, just showing the basics of the jig tool and how the supports are attached to the frame.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #13 –
Nice work.  You might be FOT west.  Care to take on some remodel jobs for forum friends?  I'm just 40 miles from you.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Flip Up Counter and Small Desk/Counter Install

Reply #14 –
FOT West, thanks Tom!  If there was FOT West, I would have gone there.  Or even if FOT was on this side of Texas, I might have gone there. 

I don't think anyone would be willing to wait as long as this project took.  So, no remodels, even for forum friends!
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA