And, you don't want stuff rattling around. So Ruth has come up with some great ideas to fix that problem too...
We've been pretty innovative when it comes to good use of kitchen storage space in the motorhome. A few years ago we got rid of our microwave. Because we're hardly ever plugged into electricity anyhow, we hardly ever used it...except as a storage box. So why not get rid of it entirely!
I took the microwave out, and built a shelf. Then, I made some attractive doors out of plexiglas.
Look at all the kitchen stuff we hide in there!
For the pots and pans, Ruth made cloth bags for them, and separate ones for the lids. No more rattles!
Lots of pots and pans to store.
In their bags...no more rattles!
And in the bathroom, there are wire rack shelves, and Ruth made holders out of 2 quart milk jugs with the tops cut off. Keeps things well organized, and things don't fall out when we're traveling.
Isn't it amazing how much "stuff" you need to keep in the bathroom?
Pretty efficient use of a small space!
It's funny, but I came across an advertisement for a similar unit to our motorhome. Except it was a 2003 (ours is a 1996) with only 25,000 miles (40,000 kms) on it. And it was a 29 foot class A. (Ours is a 28ft). But it came with far less storage space. Even the lower compartments were not as nice as the ones we have. I had fleetingly entertained the thought of upgrading to something newer at some point, but I quickly decided that the motorhome we have is the motorhome that suits us best. We'll be hanging on to Sherman for a while yet, I think!
A great deal on an electric outdoor grille...this is actually a fantastic deal...
And in Canada, they finally have a great deal on a GPS. I almost got excited thinking this was the one I wanted, but once again, it doesn't come with Mexico maps! However, if all you need is Canada and USA maps, then this is a great deal...
We've noticed that the new RVs have less storage. It's odd - where do they think full timers are going to put all of their stuff. We all have it, and need storage. So, I think we'll just keep fixing the current RV because it has a lot of drawers..
ReplyDeleteI think most manufactures don't build RV's to be lived in full time although that thought process may be changing with the amount of people that do. I guess if you want new you either have to go bigger or have less "stuff"! We do just fine in our 28' motorhome but most people would have a hard time living full time in something that size. Like you, Sherman works well for us so I think we will just continue on with him. :-)
DeleteVery interesting ideas Kevin. You got a lot of things into that microwave space
ReplyDeleteIt's all in the stacking! ;-)
DeleteLots of creative ideas that you can get to create more space.
ReplyDeleteOur coach is a 1999 but 36 feet and is perfect for us, an amazing amount of storage and cupboards, for everything that we need.
Newer is not always better.
I also use boxes in our cupboards so that it is easier to get at things that are further back or in corners. I think you need to be creative in an RV to make the most of all your space. You are right newer is not always better.
DeleteI was somewhat confounded by the wasted space in the class A that we used to have. I changed a few things, including making wider and deeper drawers for the entire kitchen, along with making them "full extension". There was a bottom one under the oven that was small due to the use of some sort of goofy frame and panel arrangement. That didn't last long.
ReplyDeleteI also made a wine storage rack for under the bathroom sink. That had been a bit of a wasted area until I came up with that one. I kinda miss that motorhome.
You are very handy that way, so I am sure you did an amazing job on the drawers. I would love to have full extension drawers in our pantry which was the coat closet. Right now there are just roughly built shelves and with the use of boxes it is easy to get things out in the back but it would look so much nicer with drawers. I love the idea of the wine rack! ;-)
DeleteVery innovative, but when your motorhome is your only home, you have to be. We can't remove our microwave, because it is a convection oven, too and our MH does not have a regular oven. But we have lots of drawers where a regular oven would go. Trade offs, no rig is the perfect one. ;c)
ReplyDeleteYep, that can be an issue with many motorhomes, I think fewer and fewer now have the full size oven or even an oven for that matter. And, for us we now have the extra space where the microwave was so it probably works out to be much the same. That is the neat thing about RVs, is that you can always find one that works the best for you.
DeleteWe didn't want the TV... so changed it similar to where your microwave was. Our 2001 (27') Lazy Daze is exactly what we want (Bill made a few modifications) and, like you, when we start thinking we should upgrade, we just shake our heads and say... what for?
ReplyDeleteWe also removed our TV and made another cupboard with a door just like on the microwave, again we never used the TV. After you have lived in the RV for a while there are always improvements that can be made to make it more comfy for you. Nice that our husbands are so handy, isn't it?
DeleteI always enjoy reading your blog. It's informative & interesting, but not too wordy, & your photographs are awesome. Another bonus is your font. It's large & bold enough for my old eyes to read without my nose on the computer screen. Wish more bloggers would follow suit. There are some I'd like to read, but it's too difficult to see the font so I pass them by.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lori, it is always nice to get feedback on our blogs, good or bad. We try not to keep them too long or overloaded with pictures because we know that many people read many blogs and if it is too long some people will only skim over post. And too many pictures can either slow down the uploading of the blog or use up people's precious data if they are using cellular.
DeleteWe have a microwave on our new boat, but since it doesn't work unless we're plugged into shore power, it is pretty much useless. We do store electronic devices in it during lightening storms though. I've heard that it protects them in case you get struck. Not sure if it's true, but I figure its a good use of space :-) Some good tips in here that I can use for our camper and our boat! Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of the microwave protecting electronic devices during a storm but that may be true. I thought that electronic devices could only be damaged from a strike if they were plugged in but then I could be wrong on that. I hope that we have given you some ideas at least.
DeleteThe last Garmin I bought came with only Canada and US maps, no Mexico. However, the first map update I downloaded offered the Mexico maps. I had to add an 8 GB memory card to fit the maps but it then updated to include the Mexico maps just fine.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that, that is probably what we will have to do too!
DeleteYou guys know we have very limited storage in our TT especially outside storage. The outside storage we have measures 12 X 48 X 12. That suits me fine. Why? The less stuff the happier I am. Yes, we use the SUV but we have whittled down what we take there too. I now like to travel will all the seats up, it ensures we take less stuff. First time I've ever seen your bathroom. :)
ReplyDeleteWe agree, the less stuff the better. we are always trying to pare things down. Good for you on your techniques on achieving this.
DeleteI am sure that we would have given you a tour of Sherman but maybe with the four of us in there, you may have just missed peeking in the bathroom. Not that you would have missed much, after all it is just a toilet and sink! ;-)
Found your website while I'm lying in bed in my RV on Great Sacandaga Lake in upstate NY shopping online for RV bathroom storage ideas and a new RV King mattress topper cus this mattress is killing me! Funny coincidence I just got off the phone w/my Aunt in St. Ignatius MT (not far from Missoula) talking about how I hope to be back there in 2021. And there you are in Missoula. Couldn't resist the shout out. Hope you get to travel through the Mission Mountains through St Ignatius and to Glacier National Park if you haven't already done so. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how things sometimes happen like that. And yes, that is more or less our plan. We are just waiting for Glacier National Park to open and even when it does it will probably be like the other parks and open in phases which would mean we won't be able to camp in there, just go for a drive and maybe do a hike or two. We will have to wait and see what happens over the next couple of weeks.
DeleteWe are really enjoying this area, it is definitely the type of scenery that we love.
If you are still looking for ideas for storage or for an RV mattress and you are on Facebook, then join the group Camping and RV Gear Deals, lots of great deals show up there.