So who is a counter laminate expert?

I posted elsewhere that we found some sort of water damage to our kitchen counter laminate substrate.
I've already contacted the dealer to order a complete new counter as that is the only fix.  They cautioned that it will probably take FR months to supply one

So-   since the crummy particle/wafer/whatever board they use to glue the laminate to will be the same in the new counter-and could happen again-I have an idea-

Would it be possible to remove the counter, soak the laminate swelling it all up and essentially crumbling it, then scrape it all off to reuse the laminate on a proper substrate that won't do this again if it ever somehow got wet?   I'm thinking marine plywood.
Anyone ever try something like that?

Here is a pic of what we found after buying the camper- this damage was not there when we got it home but appeared later- we still haven't determined exactly how this happened since it hasn't been rained on or washed in the 10 days we owned it before we found the damage-  notice swelling along the left side and the complete disintegration on the right with severe swelling upward>

I don't believe an attempt to recycle the laminate would be successful and question if it would take as long for FR to send out a replacement counter top.  You may want to telephone FR direct and ask them about delivery time.  I would think that they would have pre-fabricated tops on hand since you have a current model pod.

If you do decide to fabricate your own, stop at Home Depot, Lowes, Menards or any other chain that might be in your area.  They carry a very limited selection in stock, but usually they have a large number of samples that are free for the asking, and if you find the right pattern, they can special order it for you.  My last order arrived at the local Home Depot in just a few days.

Most of the laminate at these stores is manufactured by Wilsonart, although some are manufactured by Formica.  Visit their online sites and you might be able to find the exact same pattern used by FR. Or, if you call FR, perhaps they can give you the pattern number.

I know one member ordered a new uncut counter top, I think it took a couple weeks to get to his house from FR. I would go to lowes or HD and find a color I like and build a new one. You don't need marine grade plywood, just good ply, sealed properly. I would agree it seems very odd if the pod is otherwise dry...

Bud,I wouldn't bother saving the old laminate it is not worth the trouble. The problem with those counters is the edging, it is just a friction fit with no sealant, any water on the counter will find it's way to the edge and soak in, therein lies the problem. I never liked the dark laminate and wanted to brighten up the inside of our pod. I used 3/4" birch plywood put an oak edge on it, put on almond laminate and beveled the top edge. I did the same with the table and the counter back splash.

I've done laminate application in the past.    I was just trying to save the existing so it matches the table..
I think I'll have the dealer obtain the replacement counter- if I get tired of waiting I'll just do it myself.  If I can find a match-great- if not..oh well.
BTW I looked at using Corian-  WOW! $400+- a sheet...I don't think so.

I have encountered problems with lack of factory sealing in the past and FR is no better.
Word to the wise-  pull your stove top off and see if they left unsealed HOLES in the corners of the counter where they mounted the stove.
See pic below.
 Boil something over on the stove, or have a spill and you too can be the proud owner of a swollen countertop.
 I found these and sealed them in the first few days of ownership. In fact I lifted the stove and caulked the entire perimeter, which is the small amount of sealant in the pic, then I went and filled the holes after the pic was taken.  I've had to do this to several RVs in the past.

BTW the damage to the counter that this thread was about was not evident when I sealed the stove top.

My current theory is maybe the faucet assembly was swiveled over out of the sink, the faucet was open, when during PDI,  the dealer attached the hose and turned on the water, thereby flooding the countertop.  It takes awhile for the swelling to set in, hence the reason we didn't detect it until after a week had passed.   And like someone mentioned they did not caulk the edge trim, just the perimeter of the counter....