d23haynes57
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2026
- Messages
- 20
When it comes to cabinets, probaly the best ever for budget builds is the late 80's VW Vanagon Camper. Near white of beige laminate over the true plywood core that made for a near indestructible combination. Age now in the 40-year range most still look almost new with hinges and latches still intact.
While I like the craftmanship of real wood and proper finishes they do make a rig look a bit dated but worse, over time they require maintenance. Finger and handprints on doors, even with handles leave mark. At some point heat, cold, humidity, take a toll on the finishes. Steam, vapors, grease, oil, from cooking. And at some point, every RV is going to have a water or moisture event. Having done a home kitchen a few years a go, the cabinet trend to "colors" is not just RV's.
My problem is the use of poor core materials, cheap hardware, and lousy fit and finish. Good materials and veneers can really make for some nice cabinet options. I tend to like the wood look, darker colors. Classy. Cabinets though are just one part of an RV and my gripe is MDF and other core materials that can't hold screws and withstand moisture and hinges, latches that do not operate smoothly and keep the cabinets closed and not rattle and squeak.
Dennis
While I like the craftmanship of real wood and proper finishes they do make a rig look a bit dated but worse, over time they require maintenance. Finger and handprints on doors, even with handles leave mark. At some point heat, cold, humidity, take a toll on the finishes. Steam, vapors, grease, oil, from cooking. And at some point, every RV is going to have a water or moisture event. Having done a home kitchen a few years a go, the cabinet trend to "colors" is not just RV's.
My problem is the use of poor core materials, cheap hardware, and lousy fit and finish. Good materials and veneers can really make for some nice cabinet options. I tend to like the wood look, darker colors. Classy. Cabinets though are just one part of an RV and my gripe is MDF and other core materials that can't hold screws and withstand moisture and hinges, latches that do not operate smoothly and keep the cabinets closed and not rattle and squeak.
Dennis
