Which modification is easier: adding a u-shaped dinette or an oven?

[Sarah P Gibson]

Hello All,
I am searching for a gently used 5.0. I have two good options however on my list of must haves is a propane oven (for boondocking) and the u-shaped dinette. Unfortunately, my current options either have one or the other so I will need to modify if I purchase. Does anyone have experience with retrofitting either of these items? Which might be cheaper and easier???

(Please don't tell me not to have either, I lived on boats for a long time and know what I need.)

Thank you, Sarah P.

 

[Ron in BC]

The interior cabinet work on Escapes is the most basic level of construction. It's easy to take apart, mostly with a Robertson screwdriver. A few dabs of glue and some pin nails. Frame work is mostly pine 1"x3". Simple to take apart.

For modifying the counter to install a stove with an oven nothing more than simple hand tools are required.

I don't know where the converter panel is in the 5.0. If it's at the rear and would be enclosed by constructing a rear bench there that might be a consideration especially if it's half in and half out. Very little construction is required to turn it into a U shaped dinette.

Either option is very workable and doesn't have to be the deciding factor.

Ron

 

[CharlesinGA]

Have you ever used an RV oven? The vast majority of them are the short models (17 in tall) that really don't cook well. There is a taller model (21 in) made that is some 4 inch's taller than "standard" ones.

21 inch model

17 inch model of same unit

An alternative, depending on what you cook and how often is the Omnia Oven, which works well once you adapt to it.

Charles

 

[occer]

Both require wood working.
U-shape seating adding wood, Oven removing wood.
The oven adds gas line work. Whichever you are more comfortable with.

The oven would require buying the oven an expensive part.
The U-shape seating would require new cushion and fabric.

Cost wise, adding the oven would probably be more expensive.

 

[Sarah P Gibson]

Thanks for your reply, will add asking about location of converter panel onto my list of questions. Much appreciated, Sarah P.

 

[Sarah P Gibson]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I appreciate your sharing the tall version vs short and will research that further. I also heard that Escape had trouble with the earlier Suburban ovens so am trying to see if there are any preferred makes/models?

As I shared, I've used many boat ovens and know well their shortcomings. In fact, I've cooked for 36 people on a woodstove on a windjammer. I only share that to say I am used to working with wonky stoves with uneven heat. I like using an oven because it's simple cooking, contains the mess, and heats and dries the space. Kind regards, Sarah P.

 

[Sarah P Gibson]

Good point about the cost, thanks for replying.

 

[GinoandLinda]

The most oven will be your easiest option and n my opinion. Basic tools and carpentry skills are all you would need. All though the dinette is basically just boxes and upholstered pads, there can be a lot of electrical involved depending on how it was configure. I’d pick the oven DIY.

BTW, we love our oven and use almost every time we boondock.

 

[Ron in BC]

In fact, I've cooked for 36 people on a woodstove on a windjammer. I only share that to say I am used to working with wonky stoves with uneven heat.

Can't imagine cooking under those conditions. My best is cooking a hindi, Turkish for turkey, for 10 expats on a friends somewhat temperamental diesel stove.

, there can be a lot of electrical involved depending on how it was configure.

The wiring shouldn't be an issue. It runs side-to-side hidden behind this panel. The panel is just held on by screws but it could stay in place. If the converter ends up being an access problem then the area could just be bridged with a fill-in piece as many have done. The only negative is not gaining a bit of storage space under the new seating area.

Ron

 

[Sarah P Gibson]

Hi G-Linda, Thanks for the reply, glad to finally hear from someone who likes their oven and appreciate the advice. Cheers, Sarah P.

 

[Sarah P Gibson]

Thanks for sharing info & pic...now I really know what to look for & discuss. Cheers, Sarah P.

 

[Sarah P Gibson]

Note: learning to cook using a wood-fired stove on a heeled-over windjammer was certainly an experience...I hope this will be a bit easier...��