Medicine cabinet in door

[captmath]

I saw a post some time back about mounting a medicine type cabinet in the bathroom door, but that person had built his own door. Has anyone just cut a hole in the inner panel and mounted a cabinet? I have seen a couple that would only stick out an inch or two compared to the basket I have stuck to the door now that sticks out about 3 inches.
I would like to know if there are any surprises between the door panels that would make this more difficult than i anticipate.

Dick

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by captmath

I saw a post some time back about mounting a medicine type cabinet in the bathroom door, but that person had built his own door. Has anyone just cut a hole in the inner panel and mounted a cabinet? I have seen a couple that would only stick out an inch or two compared to the basket I have stuck to the door now that sticks out about 3 inches.
I would like to know if there are any surprises between the door panels that would make this more difficult than i anticipate.

Dick

Personally I don't think the thin, stock door would work real well for a cabinet. I did this which looks possible on the 5.0TA. It would be even better because you may be able to recess it into the wardrobe towards the front (over the toilet) which makes using it in a tight space (door swing) even better than where I put it.

www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/bathroom-medicine-cabinet-retrofit-9784.html

[Ron in BC]

Also, the door hinges are cabinet door hinges. They're not very strong and I wouldn't add any weight to the door.

Ron

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Also, the door hinges are cabinet door hinges. They're not very strong and I wouldn't add any weight to the door.

Ron

Time for better door and appropriate hinges . Pat

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Time for better door and appropriate hinges . Pat

My door and hinges are just fine, thank you.
The door is only about an inch thick, so I have to ask if this medicine cabinet is going to stick out into the aisle? I also question, what is going to keep items in the cabinet when you open the door after travel? BTW, I have the same question about the one moulded into the new bath wall.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I also question, what is going to keep items in the cabinet when you open the door after travel? BTW, I have the same question about the one moulded into the new bath wall.

Already solved that one:
www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/bathroom-medicine-cabinet-retrofit-9784-6.html#post190247

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Already solved that one:
www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/bathroom-medicine-cabinet-retrofit-9784-6.html#post190247

Dave good for you thinking outside the box . Also Chris R. New door with medicine cabinet in his new bath door . I guess there are some of us always looking to better the lack of storage in our trailers . I get inspired by Trail Blazers and am always looking for ways to improve what is . Pat

[gbaglo]

I think the concept was to build a lightweight trailer that could be towed by a mid-size vehicle.
We keep our bath stuff in a small bag that can travel to the campground showers or be used in the trailer without transferring stuff. Medicines, etc. are in a small plastic box.

[cpaharley2008]

I use trays in the new medicine cabinet, the loose items remain in the tray which remains on the shelf inside, held by the door.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I use trays in the new medicine cabinet, the loose items remain in the tray which remains on the shelf inside, held by the door.

Charley ( tractors 1) also makes all kinds of items for storage and dividers for bath and cabinets . We have some for our cabinets from Charley . I also made a cabinet for the back of the toilet area and opened up a area under the heater for another cabinet as others have also done with the proper Escape door to match the trailers cabinet doors . Wasted space under heater now holds tolletries , hair dryer, etc. . But really like the idea for a new door like Chris R's for another cabinet . Pat

[Chris R]

A couple of comments about making the cabinet in door.
The classic trailers do not have a readily accessible place to store bathroom items. Yes you can attach hooks, little suction cup shelves, etc. I looked at what I needed to store, tooth brush/paste, tissues, etc, all thin stuff. All these things only need a narrow shelf, maybe 2 inches, so the cabinet does not need to be very thick. The existing door is about 3/4 inch thick, so making a 2 inch thick cabinet and cutting out the inner panel on the door would work, it would only stick out 1+ inches(plus thin door/mirror).
The hinges could be replaced with stronger ones, Lee Valley have some that works.

[CoolCampingKid]

Originally Posted by Chris R

A couple of comments about making the cabinet in door.
The classic trailers do not have a readily accessible place to store bathroom items. Yes you can attach hooks, little suction cup shelves, etc. I looked at what I needed to store, tooth brush/paste, tissues, etc, all thin stuff. All these things only need a narrow shelf, maybe 2 inches, so the cabinet does not need to be very thick. The existing door is about 3/4 inch thick, so making a 2 inch thick cabinet and cutting out the inner panel on the door would work, it would only stick out 1+ inches(plus thin door/mirror).
The hinges could be replaced with stronger ones, Lee Valley have some that works.

Thanks Chris for all your inspiring modifications. Your craftsmanship is amazing! My hat off to you. The simple Lee Valley hinges haved worked great and allow the door to open further. I was able to add a full length mirror on the inside (and yes she loves the mirror) The hinges do squeak when opening.... ideas on how to solve (yes I tried paraffin). I also made my own srep-up into my u-shaped dinett area (loved your curve idea there)
I am working on a few modifications for thr 5.0ta as well...
Bill

[emers382]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Also, the door hinges are cabinet door hinges. They're not very strong and I wouldn't add any weight to the door.

Ron

I found out how weak those cabinet hinges were when we replaced our mirror on the door with a heavier one this year and the door actually fell off on one trip, nothing broke just a little mark on the corner of trim by the fridge. I ordered new hinges on Amazon and replaced the three with five hinges.

Adrian

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Chris R

A couple of comments about making the cabinet in door.
The classic trailers do not have a readily accessible place to store bathroom items. Yes you can attach hooks, little suction cup shelves, etc. I looked at what I needed to store, tooth brush/paste, tissues, etc, all thin stuff. All these things only need a narrow shelf, maybe 2 inches, so the cabinet does not need to be very thick. The existing door is about 3/4 inch thick, so making a 2 inch thick cabinet and cutting out the inner panel on the door would work, it would only stick out 1+ inches(plus thin door/mirror).
The hinges could be replaced with stronger ones, Lee Valley have some that works.

Thankyou Chris for posting about medicine cabinet being doable and better hinges . I will check out the hinges on Lee Valley. I like the door you built with the outer curved door panel , giving extra space for cabinet but could use what you have . Your idea's are unbeatable . Pat