So who is a counter laminate expert?

Message Share Topic Printable Version Google Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks reddit Facebook MySpace Newsvine Furl Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic

   Sorry to hear about and see the damage on a new pod. I had a similar, though not nearly as severe, problem on my 2013 pod. The edge trim on the dinette table separated and I had to re-glue it. If you decide to replace the counter yourself you may want to look at this source.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laminate-Lightweight-Waterproof-Custom-RV-Marine-Dinette-Table-Top-G-Coffee-/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270913675184

I ordered a custom table top from these folks, built to my dimensions, for a dinette upgrade in my Camplite. The core appears to be a composite sandwich, not particle board. It's lighter than particle board or plywood but may contain cardboard so you should consult with the vendor directly regarding water tolerance.  I think if you really sealed the exposed edges when you cut the openings for the sink and stove you should be OK. The finished thickness of the table is 1.25". The laminate color should be easy to match since everything in RVs comes from Elkhart, IN anyway. I was able to perfectly match my existing table laminate in the Camplite.

Best of luck to you. I hope it works out.

Author	Message Share Topic Printable Version Google Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks reddit Facebook MySpace Newsvine Furl Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic
CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Topic: So who is a counter laminate expert? Posted: 10 May 2014 at 8:45am
	Sorry to hear about and see the damage on a new pod. I had a similar, though not nearly as severe, problem on my 2013 pod. The edge trim on the dinette table separated and I had to re-glue it. If you decide to replace the counter yourself you may want to look at this source. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laminate-Lightweight-Waterproof-Custom-RV-Marine-Dinette-Table-Top-G-Coffee-/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270913675184 I ordered a custom table top from these folks, built to my dimensions, for a dinette upgrade in my Camplite. The core appears to be a composite sandwich, not particle board. It's lighter than particle board or plywood but may contain cardboard so you should consult with the vendor directly regarding water tolerance. I think if you really sealed the exposed edges when you cut the openings for the sink and stove you should be OK. The finished thickness of the table is 1.25". The laminate color should be easy to match since everything in RVs comes from Elkhart, IN anyway. I was able to perfectly match my existing table laminate in the Camplite. Best of luck to you. I hope it works out.
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 10 May 2014 at 8:41am
	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...

Sleepless Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556	Posted: 10 May 2014 at 8:38am
	Here is another thought about the laminate. The last time I fabricated a counter top for a travel trailer, there was a minimum order requirement and I had enough laminate left over that I replaced the laminate panel on the door of the refrigerator so it would match the counter and table tops. The door panel is held in place only by the edge trim pieces which are easily removed and then replaced. This is a matter of preference, and I personally like the wood grain panel that comes with the pods, but, to each his own.
	2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

Sleepless Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556	Posted: 10 May 2014 at 8:31am
	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.
	2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

g4royce Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Location: PortStLucie FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 335	Posted: 10 May 2014 at 6:46am
	Theoretically you should be able to do that. Not sure if it's practical or could be done in a way to be permanent or good looking enough though. I've seen laminate being put on to custom cabinetry before but not recycled in the way you mentioned above. Also not sure where to source it since the arrival of large box stores such as Home Depot that order pre-fabs you just cut to size. However most of the patterns you see are available so the faux marble one that FR uses should be available if you can find a source. -T
	ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6

Budward Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 21 Apr 2014 Location: SC/NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 438	Posted: 10 May 2014 at 6:10am
	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>
	2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle!