Converting Drawers to Shelves with Magnetic Catches

[hikesforfun]

I am so tired of struggling with the two drawers.  They are always off the track and are a real pain to open & close.  I was reading about converting the drawers to one shelf and replacing the drawer front with magnetic catches and hinges on the bottom.

Has anyone done this?

The hinges should be spring hinges by Coleman.  I was wondering if there is a place to get them besides ordering them.  I have looked around and have not found them yet.  

This will be so much easier.  

Wish I was camping.......
drea

[PITPOP27]

How funny that you ask, we are doing this mod on sat.  We are not using magnetic fasteners to close ( as of yet) we are planning on velcro, and this is how our gllaey shelves close.  I would like ltaches that push in to interloc, but the hubby has over ruled, probably because holes are permanent.  As far as hinges, we're just going to Lowe's or HD to get those.  Let us know what you find out.

[Tim5055]

Check out my Converting Drawers to Shelves Web Page

[SkipP]

We got tired of the the way the drawers operated on our camper too. My solution was to install "real" drawer slides though and retain the drawers. So far, they've worked great and, with full-extension, the drawers are far more usable. Wonder why the  manufacturers couldn't do this in the first place?

Pictures are in my Webshots album.

[wavery]

We got tired of the the way the drawers operated on our camper too. My solution was to install "real" drawer slides though and retain the drawers. So far, they've worked great and, with full-extension, the drawers are far more usable. Wonder why the  manufacturers couldn't do this in the first place?

Pictures are in my Webshots album.

I was thinking the same thing Skip. I would hate to give up built in drawers (if I had them).

The reason that the manuf don't do it is, added cost and weight. PUs are all about economics. As far as I can see, everything about manufacturing in these PUs is about saving weight. Every ounce adds up.

Drawers obviously use up a certain amount of space in the cabinetry but I think that being able to get to things without having to pull everything out of a cabinet, to find something in the back, is well worth it. If I had built in drawers, I would add drawers slides also. It's not hard to do but it does add weight.

[PITPOP27]

Hubby and friend decided to do door/shelving, the configuration allows to go into next cabinet and get one super shelf - great storage - forgot the camera so no before pics really, should have it done by weekend because we have a trip coming in 2 weeks.

Our drawers were actually repaired by the dealer last June  :mad: whatever, so ineffective.  I can't wait to see modification my DH does!

[eo19]

We got tired of the the way the drawers operated on our camper too. My solution was to install "real" drawer slides though and retain the drawers. So far, they've worked great and, with full-extension, the drawers are far more usable. Wonder why the  manufacturers couldn't do this in the first place?

Pictures are in my Webshots album.

I like the mod you did for your BAL Lever!
http://community.webshots.com/user/skipp35

The mod for the storage compartment lid is great as well. It looks like those are your awning poles?

[wavery]

Hubby and friend decided to do door/shelving, the configuration allows to go into next cabinet and get one super shelf - great storage - forgot the camera so no before pics really, should have it done by weekend because we have a trip coming in 2 weeks.

Our drawers were actually repaired by the dealer last June  :mad: whatever, so ineffective.  I can't wait to see modification my DH does!

I cant wait to see your pics. I have a couple of places in our PU that are only accessible by lifting the seat cushion. That is frustrating because it is hard to get the cushions exactly the way that they are supposed to be. If they aren't "just so", they fall off when you sit down and scoot around.

I was intending to install drawers in these areas for the most often accessed items. Then being able to access other items by lifting the cushions. Thereby, no wasted space. However, Cabinet doors and shelves may do well in those areas.

Oh.......how we love to tinker .

[SkipP]

I like the mod you did for your BAL Lever!
http://community.webshots.com/user/skipp35
 
The mod for the storage compartment lid is great as well. It looks like those are your awning poles?

Yep! The poles store nicely there and are easy to access. Seems to relieve the weight on the awning bag too. The clamps are "tool holders" and rubber coated so they don't scratch the poles. All the parts came from Lowes.

[Old Goat]

when I remodeled the inside of our 01 Niagara I installed drawers in the slideout dinette seats. I removed the seat frames and rebuilt the inside ends with a sturdier frame work and a large as possible opening. I then made the drawers and faces to fit and very little space is wasted, as drawers fit within 1 1/4" on sides and bottoms. Drawers are 24" long X 11 1/2" deep and 17"wide. The convience of not having to lift the seat cushions to get something more than offsets the little space lost in their installation. The space behind the drawers is used to store extra stuff like paper towels, blankets,etc. I also installed a light weight petition between this space and the drawer back...A picture of this drawer installation can be seen on page 14 in the last edition of Pop Up Times....

[PLJ]

Skipp I like the mod to add the awning poles to the storage compartment lid. Would be handy to add extra clamps to hang the fishing rods also when we are in transit.

What did you use to attach the metal pieces to the storage lid?

[SkipP]

Skipp I like the mod to add the awning poles to the storage compartment lid. Would be handy to add extra clamps to hang the fishing rods also when we are in transit.
 
What did you use to attach the metal pieces to the storage lid?

 I used these Anchors installed into the hollow ABS ribs on the underside of the lid. To hedge my bet a little, I also put a dab of Gorilla Glue on the anchor.
 
Be careful of the placement of the clamps, you don't want to block the support bar that holds the lid up.

[PITPOP27]

We ended up using good old fashioned velcro

Wavery I posted it here:
over here

[hikesforfun]

My hubby had the pup out this weekend and he used all the materials from the original drawers to do the project.  He got self-closing hinges and said he could put a chain on it if I wanted.  I think the storage is much better than the drawers.  I like to keep things in plastic shoe boxes and other size containers so things don't roll around.  He put a piece of wood on the side to keep things from getting caught in the wires.  I think it has a lot less weight than the drawers since the floor is used.  I put a bath mat down to keep things from sliding.  When I am camping I relocate dishes & silverware to the cabinet under the sink, so I don't have to go digging so much.

He did an awesome job!  No need for magnets or velcro either.  The self-closing hinges work perfectly.  

I just wonder why we always have a vacation planned when gas it at the highest?   Sheesh!  It may wind up cheaper to fly to Hawaii.

Thanks for all the great tips!

[PITPOP27]

My hubby had the pup out this weekend and he used all the materials from the original drawers to do the project.  He got self-closing hinges and said he could put a chain on it if I wanted.  I think the storage is much better than the drawers.  I like to keep things in plastic shoe boxes and other size containers so things don't roll around.  He put a piece of wood on the side to keep things from getting caught in the wires.  I think it has a lot less weight than the drawers since the floor is used.  I put a bath mat down to keep things from sliding.  When I am camping I relocate dishes & silverware to the cabinet under the sink, so I don't have to go digging so much.

He did an awesome job!  No need for magnets or velcro either.  The self-closing hinges work perfectly.  

I just wonder why we always have a vacation planned when gas it at the highest?   Sheesh!  It may wind up cheaper to fly to Hawaii.

Thanks for all the great tips!

AH that's what my hubby did to.  He just pulled apart one drawer, and the faces off the two. No chain.  The Velcro is for travel - extra security that the hinges over time wont fall forward.  Did you all get some pictures?  I'd love to see them! I'm using the other drawer under my table to stow my TV and DVD, and some odds and ends.  When camping the drawer upside down will bring the TV higher!