Dish Storage

NoVaGuy

Newbie question.  I would like to keep a set of Corelle dishes in my T@B 400.  What are some good storage options to keep them from sliding around during transport?  

Thanks!

dragonsdofly

@NoVaGuy, use small circles or squares of thr mesh gripper used on the bottom of tool boxes, or under area rugs. First, I cut pieces to cover the entire bottom of each cabinet then stacked the dishes with the non-slip pieces in between. I keep these pieces in between my pots and pans too. You'd be amazed at how quiet the ride is and how everything stays in place. It really helps to keep the pots and pans from scratching. Some of my pots have glass lids and I turn them upside down and cushion them by putting wash or dry towels in the pot. Our 2017 t@b 320S has over 40,000 road miles on it. Interstate, U.S. highway, state, county, local and native nation. Last summer we traveled at least 200 miles on forest service, BLM, and native nation gravel and sand tracks, most of which were unmaintained. Never have had anything break. Rarely does anything in the cabinets even move. One of the best things I've done in the t@b. I'd do it again, it's been that successful.  Good luck! -Denise 

NoVaGuy

@dragonsdofly thank you.  I was thinking about doing something similar but was not sure it would work.

Tampakayaker

dragonsdofly said:

@NoVaGuy, use small circles or squares of thr mesh gripper used on the bottom of tool boxes, or under area rugs. First, I cut pieces to cover the entire bottom of each cabinet then stacked the dishes with the non-slip pieces in between. I keep these pieces in between my pots and pans too. You'd be amazed at how quiet the ride is and how everything stays in place. It really helps to keep the pots and pans from scratching. Some of my pots have glass lids and I turn them upside down and cushion them by putting wash or dry towels in the pot. Our 2017 t@b 320S has over 40,000 road miles on it. Interstate, U.S. highway, state, county, local and native nation. Last summer we traveled at least 200 miles on forest service, BLM, and native nation gravel and sand tracks, most of which were unmaintained. Never have had anything break. Rarely does anything in the cabinets even move. One of the best things I've done in the t@b. I'd do it again, it's been that successful.  Good luck! -Denise 

If you get a chance, I'd love to see a picture where you store your items.  It seems like we've got too many, pipes, drains, and wires in our lower cabinets to store hardly anything, and the upper cabinets are pretty small for anything other than some coffee supplies.

dragonsdofly

@Tampakayaker, we're in Michigan. 26°F here. T@b is in our backyard wearing its winter coat. Teens tonight. Brrr! When we get a sunny day with temps around 50°F, I'll go out and take a few pics for you. Thanks for asking!

VictoriaP

Tampakayaker said:

dragonsdofly said:

@NoVaGuy, use small circles or squares of thr mesh gripper used on the bottom of tool boxes, or under area rugs. First, I cut pieces to cover the entire bottom of each cabinet then stacked the dishes with the non-slip pieces in between. I keep these pieces in between my pots and pans too. You'd be amazed at how quiet the ride is and how everything stays in place. It really helps to keep the pots and pans from scratching. Some of my pots have glass lids and I turn them upside down and cushion them by putting wash or dry towels in the pot. Our 2017 t@b 320S has over 40,000 road miles on it. Interstate, U.S. highway, state, county, local and native nation. Last summer we traveled at least 200 miles on forest service, BLM, and native nation gravel and sand tracks, most of which were unmaintained. Never have had anything break. Rarely does anything in the cabinets even move. One of the best things I've done in the t@b. I'd do it again, it's been that successful.  Good luck! -Denise 

If you get a chance, I'd love to see a picture where you store your items.  It seems like we've got too many, pipes, drains, and wires in our lower cabinets to store hardly anything, and the upper cabinets are pretty small for anything other than some coffee supplies.

You may need to rethink WHAT you’re storing as well as where to put it. I can store two pots (1 quart and 3 quart), one 10” frying pan, a 3 quart serving bowl, two dog bowls, a kettle, and cleaning supplies just in the undersink cabinet of my 320 without any permanent modifications. 

How? It meant purchasing new stuff to fit the spaces I had. All the cooking/serving pieces (even the electric kettle) are collapsible or have removable handles. I measured and remeasured to find shelves that would help keep things in order and give me more usable room to work with. Likewise, I bought plates and bowls small enough to fit the upper cabinets, which means they aren’t dinner plate sized. I only carry exactly what I need—which means one plate/bowl/cup per person. I repackage all my pantry and fridge goods into square containers and Tetris them into the cabinets.

Even so, you may need to use the rear cabinets for pantry stuff and cookware depending on how long the trip is. 

dragonsdofly

@Tampakayaker, please look up a thread "substitue p-trap' by @BrianZ. Although @Dalehelman did it first and posted on this forum, his sofitel has slightly different plumbing. Most like yours is the BrianZ posting, with measurements and pics. We have this valve, it is not yet installed. This hep-v-0 valve eliminates all that bulky "p-trap" plumbing under the sink and increases storage area and functionality greatly. And I agree with @VictoriaP, you must pare down what you intend to carry. In my bottom shelf under the sink, i have a larger frying pan and smaller fry pan for things like eggs. I  have a 4 quart pot with a draining insert and lid and a 1 quart pot with lid. There are 4 hot dog skewers, cooking tongs and a can of cleaning spray. While traveling, this is the place where we carry a loaf of bread, pkg of hot dog or hamburger buns and a box of crackers. The upper cabinet contains 4 plastic plates, super thin sheet plastic cutting "boards" 2 sharp knives, a can opener, 4 soup/hot drinks mugs with lids, in stainless we have 4 forks, 4 butter type knives, 4 soup spoons, 2 tablespoons, a vegetable peeler and lots of food storage stuff like 1 box gallon size zippy bags, 1 box quart sized zippy bags, 1 box press n seal saran wrap, 1 box regular aluminum foil, 1 large box of heavy-duty foil, 4 plastic permanent drinking cups, a stack of plastic disposable cups, boxes of plastic disposable "silverware" and a few odds n ends. You'll notice my counts of 4. Until last fall, 4 of us journeyed in the t@b. We were raising our great-nephews. The boys are currently 13 &14 yrs old, but will turn 14 & 15 in June and July. We had the boys for over 12 years and are now transitioning them back to the biological "parents". Just the volume of what 4 people in a t@b, for months at a time (our shortest vacay was 4 weeks) was enormous. But we did it for 4 summers! Carefully packed, thoughtfully outfitted and well planned, we had great fun and created life long memories. Pictures to follow! Btw, paper plates, hot pads, oven mitts, dish towels and extra plastic utensils are stored in the mandatory microwave we carry! Try vacationing with hungry teenage boys without one!

Verna

I had a friend who bought a Class A (big monster!) and she went out and bought new china with place settings for 8. She’s a great cook. After 2 trips, she stored the China that was left and went with colorful plastic plates. There’s something to be said about the simplicity of plastic that doesn’t break as you’re going out the door with an armful for the meal and part of the armful falls.  

I have a simple set of 4 plastic plates and small dessert cups, and a set of 4 plus one, enamelware plates and bowls and cups. Wine cups are aluminum, not glass. Hot chocolate is served either in the aluminum or the enamelware cups. (I don’t drink coffee, and I don’t carry any with me. I do have wine, Coca Cola or water.)

In my 400, the dishes and glasses are above the sink and counter. I keep canned goods in wire racks under the sink. I also keep cleaning supplies under the sink, along with the dog food canister. 

Spices are in metal magnetic containers on either side of the glass divider on the wall. It works very well. 

I keep my pots and pans in the lower cabinet under the counter and they sit on top of silicone cooking sheets that keep them from moving. 

I found a round silicone sheet for the sink and a rectangular one for the stove to protect the glass from more scratches. 

That’s all I can remember for right now of how I’ve arranged the 400’s kitchen storage.  

dragonsdofly

@Tampakayaker, here's the photos you requested: 1st bottom cabinet under sink, layer 1, 2 frying pans. 2nd pic bottom cabinet under sink, second layer, 2 pots with lids. Plenty of room for bread, crackers and buns.

dragonsdofly

1st pic is the cabinet directly under the sink, first layer, cutting mats, dishes, cups and 2 mugs, plus food storage supplies. Second photo, 2 more mugs, knives, silverware, misc tools, etc.



You will notice bright green microfiber drying/wash cloths in between the mugs and on the glass pot lids in the previous pics. Two fold usage. Protects while going down the road or whatever our tires are on. Washing/cleaning/drying when at the destination.

Bayliss

HEPvO under the kitchen sink is definitely a space safer, plus an easy installation.  It freed up quite a bit of space in our 2019 320 S:

VictoriaP

Bayliss said:

HEPvO under the kitchen sink is definitely a space safer, plus an easy installation.  It freed up quite a bit of space in our 2019 320 S:

Hepvo is definitely on my list for someday!

Tampakayaker

dragonsdofly said:

1st pic is the cabinet directly under the sink, first layer, cutting mats, dishes, cups and 2 mugs, plus food storage supplies. Second photo, 2 more mugs, knives, silverware, misc tools, etc.



You will notice bright green microfiber drying/wash cloths in between the mugs and on the glass pot lids in the previous pics. Two fold usage. Protects while going down the road or whatever our tires are on. Washing/cleaning/drying when at the destination.

Thank you for taking the time to take and post these

Ballermaris

The photos posted have given me some great ideas on storage too. I did order a set of dishes that come in a small travel box that can also fit in the right rear side storage area under the bench.

PNWtabber

Another very useful thread for this trailer newbie.  I admit that seeing all of the plumbing and such in the cabinets made me nervous about things bumping around during travel and possibly damaging the plumbing.  I like the idea of using tool box liners to help reduce shifting.

I learned on my first trip with my T@B that my old camp kit is a bit large, both for storing and for using on the small stove in my trailer.  I have an old lightweight backpacking set of pans that I will try on the next trip.  I do need new camping dishes though.  I'm not a fan of plastic and was thinking about enamelware, but don't have much experience with it.  You like it, @Verna?

Verna

@PNWtabber, yes, I like my enamelware. I keep the serving for four because sometimes non-campers visit without their own plates. Easy to clean, non-breakable,  nice for the traditional potluck dinner as serving plates or for eating and enough room for tasting so many of the delicious creations. I keep silicone pot holders handy so I can hold a hot bowl of soup, or a cup of hot chocolate. 

If you check the open box or warehouse deals on Amazon, sometimes you can get lucky as I did and get an almost half off price for a 4 place setting of enamelware. 

pthomas745

I bought square plates.  All that round stuff is just wasting space! 

Gbertrand

In our 2021 400 the bottom draw holds our complete 4 serving set of plates, bowls, coffee cups, and a couple glasses

We use some cabinet liner to help keep everything in place, as well as some small strips between cups/glasses..


But the single best thing are these cloth liners that my wife’s girl friend made for us......most our camping is boondocking travailing down pothole/washboard FSR, and have never cracked nor broken any dishes, cups or glasses


Years ago (with our previous RV) I was looking around for an ottoman, and found this cheap collapsable one at Walmart

It served its purpose well but when we purchased the T@B I was looking for a covenant/safe place for wine glasses and wine/spirits bottles........the cardboard liner from a case of wine fits perfect and holds all bottles plus a couple wine glasses, never had any issues or breakage   

Happy travels....

MarkAl

Our solution for packing density on plates was square. We found some nice (though plastic) ones that work well. For the few times we need bowls, we have the collapsable kind. A bit hard to wash but they don't get used much except when cooking to hold food to stage cooking.