kitchen on shelves with draining sink??

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WriterMs

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I'm not sure about having this subject in this section of the forum, but it has a "kitchen" build that could apply across all types of vehicles.

In a new-person introduction, member johnny b  posted a pic of a kitchen he liked made on metal shelving.  Today, I saw something a bit more intricate but similar on a Pinterest post.

I thought this was a nice set up for occasional use but I wonder at its ability to hold up for those boondocking a lot.. or for use as a permanent installation within a rig?

I do think the way the drain is set up is like many here have done inside a wood cabinet. So this pic and the instructions are sort of a good view into the inner workings.

Just an idea to throw out for johnny b or others who want a light-weight kitchen. (IF this would stand up to the shaking of traveling in a van or trailer.)

Here's the link to the article:
http://diyforlife.com/build-portable-diy-camping-kitchen-working-sink/
diy-camping-kitchen.jpg
 

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I personally would not rely on it long term. the plastic shelves seem to sag over time. having said this I use one for food storage at camp. why you might ask, because they are cheap and will last a few years. but I wouldn't sink good money into them thinking it would be a long term thing. my 2 cents. highdesertranger
 
I like it but would suggest it for those who come here stating that they are wanting to get a toe in the water
first.  That is starting off with week end trips and a few extended vacations in order to get the feel of being on
the road.  It may serve those needs well.  Then it could be removed to once again have an empty Van with the
camping items in storage. 

In looking at this set up I would suggest getting a piece of Formica cut to rest atop the top shelf  so it will
be more of a counter top and slow down dripping onto the shelves below.  Even a piece of "Marlite" bathroom
panel could add to the usability. 

Then if one chooses to go full time,  they could build a cabinet of 2X2's and 3/8" ply wood. (as I've detailed in my
website at the bottom of this post)  This would be more stable for full time usage on the road.  Still I think one should be cautioned about over built structures that are too heavy to be easily removed from the vehicle should
it be necessary. 

I've had this discussion with a lot of interested people.   Many want to know how difficult it is to set up a traveling Van and what the major concerns are in such a design.
 
I agree with all that's posted so far. Maybe a good "try it out" set up. And if I remember correctly, johnny b's mock up of what he planned to do incorporated metal shelves not the plastic ones.

LOL.. for me, all of it is overkill for my kitchen needs. :p
 
I've seen that site and have those photos in my pc.....
However, it is not space efficient enough for my needs...the shelves are 'thick', non adjustable, and I really didn't want to deal with assembly and dis-assembly....it would have been great a few years back when my camping needs were different and I used a pop-up camper.
I do have several of those shelving units in use as 'shelves' and they are a very good choice for the cost. When I start having yard sales to become a bit more minimalist, they will be used first for display of goods and then as goods themselves once emptied.

For those looking for something in an 'outdoor' camp kitchen set-up, I think it is an excellent solution.
 
I had www.amazon.com/Camco-37420-Flexible...3&sr=8-1&keywords=Camco+sink+drain]this drain in my 1974 popup (the whole top 12" of the galley cabinet flipped over to allow the top of the popup to lower). It's cheap. Worked great. Fits the hole in a bar sink (vanity drain size). Comes complete with the hose and exterior plate. Just attach a garden hose to the drain and drain into a container or into a sewage system. I tended to drain into an outside 5 gallon jerry can that was only used for grey water (weekends) and for longer stays I had a rather large two wheeled blue tote (30 gallon I think it was) that I would drain into. When full I hooked it up to the back of my jeep and hauled it to the dump station. This is the same principle that the very expensive HEPVO sink trap uses but for a much lower price.
 
Actually, I think it is a cool set up....I don't have that many dirty dishes....2 cooking pans and a coffee steamer, glass coffee cup and dog dishes. I use paper plates and plastic forks if I need a plate....BUT for a Hygiene Station for shaving, washing face, hands and feet...it might work for me....I long term boondock in the same campsite (currently 2 months in same spot)....and it could be a nice set-up for keeping clean!!
 
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