Help with Counter Extension

amirie · 03-22-2009, 09:38 PM

A little problem..

We bought our 17' with real nice 5" cushions and me being a real"princess and the pea" didn't like the seams between the cushions. Doug went out yesterday and bought a very nice 3" eggcrate mattress topper. (Just like we had with the Boler and we slept SO well on it) Now, this means we have an 8" mattress. Very comfy for sleeping, but alas we can not fold the countertop down without taking the whole bed apart.
I do use proper sheets/blankets and comforter, so this would be a real pain to take up and down every night.
I think leaving it up would be in the way when sleeping. For feet when laying on your back and for bathroom trips in the middle of the night and crawling over your partner. Our heads will usually be at the fridge end..

So, any ideas on what to do with it?? How to fold it down...I tried folding the counter down as far as I can then pushing the cushions down, but too dense to really move. Pulling it back when counter is in upright position doesn't work either...

I really like the idea of the countertop because I always wanted one in our Boler, so handy to put dirty dishes on.....
Another type of hinge so it can flip over the counter backwards? A hinge in the middle so it just folds part way out of the way?

Help??!!!!

Sandra L · 03-22-2009, 10:20 PM

I have been thinking about that also since I will be getting a 17". However, I will be leaving the counter extension up and sitting in the corner to read and watch TV which will be mounted on the fridge cabinet. For sleeping since I am short, my head ( I think) will be at the fridge cabinet end. That way I don't think it will be in the way. One idea however would be to be able to flip it up vertically if folding over the sink top didn't work. Another thought would be to make it easily detachable, if it could be made sturdy enough. I'll be interested in what others have to say, and/or how they've dealt with the situation.

gbaglo · 03-22-2009, 10:48 PM

Once again, I have to advise visit Leevalley.com
They have a hinge for every application.

But, I'd probably just cut a chunk out of the topper to allow the counter to fold down. I doubt your feet would notice.

baglo

amirie · 03-22-2009, 10:54 PM

Glen--even with the 5" foam it was a very tight fit....

Maybe Reace will have an idea..

.But, I do live quite close to Lee Valley.......

reace · 03-23-2009, 12:51 AM

We can trim the counter extension down a bit....maybe a couple inches would do?

Sandra L · 03-23-2009, 11:21 AM

Not for me, thank you. Perhaps on a case by case basis?

amirie · 03-23-2009, 12:43 PM

Hmmm, just went out and measured and I don't think a couple inches would do it..
It almost looks like the extension should be cut in half with some kind of a hinge that we could then fold the counterand then flip it up

I can almost picture what I am thinking.....

escape artist · 03-23-2009, 08:15 PM

Hi: All...This may not be a solution but I have seen the counter extension added to the closet door or the pantry cupboard door...but then it's not a counter extension any more

escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

brain · 03-23-2009, 09:26 PM

How about making the extension so you can take it off and attach it as needed, storing it in a cabinet when not needed.

amirie · 03-24-2009, 02:16 AM

Doug said I didn't explain what I meant very clearly.
I was thinking of cutting the extension in half, installing a hinge so that the bottom half would flip up and velcro/snap to the top piece and then it could fold down on the original hinges---but it would be double thickness and half the length to the mattress...

Looking around the trailer I didn't really see anywhere else I would want it--I really DO like it as a counter extension...
As for removing easily and installing when needed---hmmm how could that work

??

brain · 03-24-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirie

Doug said I didn't explain what I meant very clearly.
I was thinking of cutting the extension in half, installing a hinge so that the bottom half would flip up and velcro/snap to the top piece and then it could fold down on the original hinges---but it would be double thickness and half the length to the mattress...

Looking around the trailer I didn't really see anywhere else I would want it--I really DO like it as a counter extension...
As for removing easily and installing when needed---hmmm how could that work

??

I don't know exactly how the extension is hinged on the Escape but perhaps switching it to a removable type would allow you to remove it as needed. http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_...ts.asp?Cat=928
Check out this source for hinges. If this one doesn't work perhaps there is another one that will work for your idea of flipping it back upon itself.

Sandra L · 03-24-2009, 07:46 PM

I believe there is a support bracket that adjusts also, so that would have to be changed as well, but that shouldn't be too hard. Great idea Brain on the detachable hinge!

That knowledge can come in handy.

Jim Bennett · 03-24-2009, 08:59 PM

I like the idea of a removable bit counter extension. I have a couple ideas, but need to get my Escape first in order to formulate them better. One thing I am thinking of is something that mounts out at a right angle from the existing counter with some kind of brackets or hinges.

Sandra L · 03-25-2009, 12:17 AM

I liked the extension so much that I've requested one for the dinette side of the wardrobe cupboard. I'm also requesting shelves inside as I don't plan on bringing long dresses (at least ones that don't fold).

amirie · 03-25-2009, 01:12 AM

Sandra--We have shelves in our wardrobe too---(what you don't wear formal dresses camping

? ) and I think they will be very well used. I bought some small baskets from the $ store and will have different ones for different "sets" of articles... The floor area is where the shoes will be stored...

As for the darn counter top thing---I think we will leave it be for the time being--- I went out tonight and I guess I just have to pull up the one corner of the bed (and bedding etc) but then the countertop folds down right to the top of the cushion.....the other stuff then gets all squished back in place... I may just tuck the sheets at that corner just under the topper instead of all the cushions, so it will be easier to do

I know I'm not that tall (LOL--for those that know me!)so we may just cut down the topper if we need to and save it for whenever we have our heads at that end..

Thanks though for all the ideas--and maybe one day there will be an easy way to remove it....