OK ... second day in our 5th wheeler (see our signature for model) ... and we're trying to get a three bedroom house into a one bedroom RV. We're doing pretty good but, have a little problem that has come our way.
The kitchen cabinets are big ... plenty of space ... but only have one shelf in a cabinet where there is room for 3 or 4 shelves in that cabinet. We could use that space so much more efficiently if we knew how to install more shelving!
My main problem is: How do I install a shelf in a cabinet that has a 1/8" backing thickness and 1/8" side thickness? Yes, the cabinets have a 3/4" or more solid wood frame to maintain their integrity but, I'd like to install some of those interchangeable/adjustable white epoxy-covered shelving system units inside there. See Lowes or Home Depot for what I'm talking about.
But, how do I add the back railings to the back of the cabinet so they can hold up the shelves? Can I just use a very SLIM version of a drywall anchor?
If I'm not making myself clear, please just send me a PM. :) Or, if you have a better idea, just let me know!
Paul
bubbadan said
06:45 PM Sep 18, 2010
The container store, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowes have stacking shelves that lock into each other. Works better than drilling holes in you 5er.
Luvglass said
07:45 PM Sep 18, 2010
Emphasizes the importance I think, of really carefully inspecting your potential new home before making a final decision.
It's easy to be impressed with the glitz and miss that there aren't enough shelves to store your stuff.
Waggin Tails said
07:48 PM Sep 18, 2010
Adding to what Bubbadan said, look at the wire shelves. We have them in our kitchen and they work well.
By the way, you have our dream RV and tow vehicle. We would be interested in hear from you on how well you like the combo. We've also considered the 3400RL as well.
Travel safe.
NorCal Dan said
09:17 PM Sep 18, 2010
We used something like this in our cabinets. Maybe it will give you some ideas on other ways to solve the problem.
Donna162 said
04:23 PM Sep 19, 2010
We used the same wire shelving that just sits inside the cabinets.
Paul and Jo said
10:06 PM Sep 19, 2010
Actually have more then enough storage space. Still have a few empty cabinets. The problem is the height. Seems they should have had shelves put at closer intervals, but I guess that would mean more weight. We found the wire shelves at Wal-Mart, they were exactly what was needed.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Jo
TxYellowRose said
12:19 PM Sep 20, 2010
I know exactly what you mean, Jo. We have plenty of space, but there's one corner cabinet in the galley that is just big cave. No shelf in it except the wire thingie I put in. The space inside is large but the door is not that big. Can't really put anything of any size in it. So it's become my plastics cave . . . all the plastic containers, collander and so forth. Stuff I don't use often is at the back.
Isn't loading and arranging the 5er fun! I have been told and have discovered that arranging and organizing is an ongoing process. So is tossing out stuff!
Enjoy!
Betty
The Bear II said
04:47 PM Sep 20, 2010
We've used plastic drawer units, free standing metal shelving and plastic shelf units in cabinets. Just take the measurements to the container store, Walmart, Target or a home store like Lowes and look through the storage solutions.
In one cabinet, I wanted the maximum side to side space so I took 1/4 plywood and cut it to fit the inside of the cabinet from top to bottom. I glued this plywood to the existing panel using liquid nails. Glued in cross pieces of plywood at the top and bottom to help keep the new sides in place. Then I screwed the long metal shelving brackets that use the little movable metal clips into the new plywood using 1/4 inch long screws. Cut shelves to fit and clipped them in place.
This was a floor to ceiling closet that I turned into a small appliance cabinet. We have travelled 1000s of miles and haven't had a shelf fall yet....knock on plywood.
Paul and Jo said
05:54 PM Sep 20, 2010
The Bear II wrote:We've used plastic drawer units, free standing metal shelving and plastic shelf units in cabinets. Just take the measurements to the container store, Walmart, Target or a home store like Lowes and look through the storage solutions.
In one cabinet, I wanted the maximum side to side space so I took 1/4 plywood and cut it to fit the inside of the cabinet from top to bottom. I glued this plywood to the existing panel using liquid nails. Glued in cross pieces of plywood at the top and bottom to help keep the new sides in place. Then I screwed the long metal shelving brackets that use the little movable metal clips into the new plywood using 1/4 inch long screws. Cut shelves to fit and clipped them in place.
This was a floor to ceiling closet that I turned into a small appliance cabinet. We have travelled 1000s of miles and haven't had a shelf fall yet....knock on plywood.
Larry,
This is EXACTLY the answer I was looking for when I made the original post!
I did not want to just "adapt" a "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" (or WalMart) cabinet or flimsy plastic frame or box to an area that existed in the RV. I wanted to modify the existing area to be able to use it as I wanted to! Yes, I wanted to put in that shelving bracket system but, did not know how to attach it to the thin back and sides of the cabinets. The cabinets themselves are solid ... the sides are thin to reduce weight.
You have given me a whole set of new and fresh ideas!
Any particular brand of shelving brackets that you used? I like to follow ideas that have actually worked rather than reinvent something.
Thanks again, Larry.
Paul
Paul and Jo said
07:00 AM Sep 21, 2010
TxYellowRose wrote:
I know exactly what you mean, Jo. We have plenty of space, but there's one corner cabinet in the galley that is just big cave. No shelf in it except the wire thingie I put in. The space inside is large but the door is not that big. Can't really put anything of any size in it. So it's become my plastics cave . . . all the plastic containers, collander and so forth. Stuff I don't use often is at the back.
Isn't loading and arranging the 5er fun! I have been told and have discovered that arranging and organizing is an ongoing process. So is tossing out stuff!
Enjoy!
Betty
I've use the highest shelves for the things I know won't get used often. Think I packed too many clothes, but decided if we don't use it in the first year, out it goes!
You are right! Arranging is going to be ongoing. Seems I keep finding a better spot for things!
Jo
Paul and Jo said
07:13 AM Sep 21, 2010
Waggin Tails wrote:
Adding to what Bubbadan said, look at the wire shelves. We have them in our kitchen and they work well. By the way, you have our dream RV and tow vehicle. We would be interested in hear from you on how well you like the combo. We've also considered the 3400RL as well. Travel safe.
So far we are loving it! I'll keep you up to date as we live in it a little longer and after we get on the road!
Jo
Cosmo said
05:46 PM Oct 7, 2011
TxYellowRose wrote:
I know exactly what you mean, Jo. We have plenty of space, but there's one corner cabinet in the galley that is just big cave. No shelf in it except the wire thingie I put in. The space inside is large but the door is not that big. Can't really put anything of any size in it. So it's become my plastics cave . . . all the plastic containers, collander and so forth. Stuff I don't use often is at the back.
Isn't loading and arranging the 5er fun! I have been told and have discovered that arranging and organizing is an ongoing process. So is tossing out stuff!
Enjoy!
Betty
Have you thought about installing a lazy susan? I saw one in the Elite Suites we looked at a couple weeks ago.
The kitchen cabinets are big ... plenty of space ... but only have one shelf in a cabinet where there is room for 3 or 4 shelves in that cabinet. We could use that space so much more efficiently if we knew how to install more shelving!
My main problem is: How do I install a shelf in a cabinet that has a 1/8" backing thickness and 1/8" side thickness? Yes, the cabinets have a 3/4" or more solid wood frame to maintain their integrity but, I'd like to install some of those interchangeable/adjustable white epoxy-covered shelving system units inside there. See Lowes or Home Depot for what I'm talking about.
But, how do I add the back railings to the back of the cabinet so they can hold up the shelves? Can I just use a very SLIM version of a drywall anchor?
If I'm not making myself clear, please just send me a PM. :) Or, if you have a better idea, just let me know!
Paul
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Jo
I know exactly what you mean, Jo. We have plenty of space, but there's one corner cabinet in the galley that is just big cave. No shelf in it except the wire thingie I put in. The space inside is large but the door is not that big. Can't really put anything of any size in it. So it's become my plastics cave . . . all the plastic containers, collander and so forth. Stuff I don't use often is at the back.
Isn't loading and arranging the 5er fun! I have been told and have discovered that arranging and organizing is an ongoing process. So is tossing out stuff!
Enjoy!
Betty
This is EXACTLY the answer I was looking for when I made the original post!
I did not want to just "adapt" a "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" (or WalMart) cabinet or flimsy plastic frame or box to an area that existed in the RV. I wanted to modify the existing area to be able to use it as I wanted to! Yes, I wanted to put in that shelving bracket system but, did not know how to attach it to the thin back and sides of the cabinets. The cabinets themselves are solid ... the sides are thin to reduce weight.
You have given me a whole set of new and fresh ideas!
Any particular brand of shelving brackets that you used? I like to follow ideas that have actually worked rather than reinvent something.
Thanks again, Larry.
Paul
You are right! Arranging is going to be ongoing. Seems I keep finding a better spot for things!
Jo
I'll keep you up to date as we live in it a little longer and after we get on the road!
Jo
Have you thought about installing a lazy susan? I saw one in the Elite Suites we looked at a couple weeks ago.