Oak embossed moulding

[HoosierB]

I'm in the process of upgrades and an interior remodel which includes replacing the original Dometic fridge with a AC/DC Nova Kool 3.5cuf. The model I've chosen will have the same depth as the closet. This will open up the hallway area and because of it's height, offer additional countertop space and another overhead cabinet. In keeping with the existing "wood decor", searching for the original oak trim moulding (embossed "egg and dart?" style) that runs along the top of the overhead cabinets has turned up nothing. Is there a secret stash of this stuff somewhere? Also, the 1/2" MDF panels with the oak-look vinyl seem to be no longer available.

[Manitou]

If anyone knows of someone that will do cabinetry work, please let me know. I wish I was as comfortable as you to take on such a project.

[HoosierB]

A few things I've discovered about the Chinook's interior: the oak-look panels are identical to pre-fab shelving available at Menard's (Dakota brand, "Country Oak"). Though some sizes have been discontinued. Limited varieties of "Country Oak" moulding also available. I found a european maker of high quality wood grain contact vinyl that matches the "Country Oak". Unfortunately it's about $75 a 18"x45' roll. But when applied to plain 1/2" MDF, it looks OEM.

[Manitou]

Got any more info on that contact vinyl? I was unlucky enough to have a leak under the fridge (due to cracked sealant around the side access/vent for the Fridge. Now the msg is terribly swelled and needs replacing). Just happened a week ago.

There's no Lenard's in Florida that I know of.. Haven't seen one anywhere but Seattle.

[HoosierB]

Manitou, that's what happened to me... leaky fridge, swelling the MDF board. And you are right, Menards is a midwest only home improvement chain. It's just like a Lowe's or Home Depot. Do a search for Dakota (brand name) Country Oak in your area. You may get lucky. Here's the link to the contact vinyl supplier. It's very good quality. Make sure you use MDF (medium dense fiber) and not regular particle board which is too porous.
http://www.designyourwall.com/store/Sel ... c-123.html

[Blue~Go]

I'm in the process of upgrades and an interior remodel which includes replacing the original Dometic fridge with a AC/DC Nova Kool 3.5cuf. The model I've chosen will have the same depth as the closet. This will open up the hallway area and because of it's height, offer additional countertop space and another overhead cabinet.

Hoosier,

This is too cool! I'm planning the same project for my rig this summer, only with the Vitrifrigo 130 (the one with a separate compressor). Same idea with space on top, and the elimination (or improvement anyway) of the narrow hallway with the huge refrigerator. I have also been considering cutting a "slice" out of the closet to make that new (high) counter more continuous. I wouldn't loose too much closet space in total, because I am going to make use of the "cavern" behind the former CO detector and the current generator start switch. OTOH, I would lose the continuous tall space, so I haven't decided for sure on that yet. I'll probably just wait and see how things shape up with the refrigerator cutout and then decide.

Along with that, I think I'm going to re-size the microwave compartment to be more like the other upper cabinets. I removed the microwave, and that's good storage space, but I dislike doing the limbo to cook on the stovetop If someone in future had to have a microwave, it could go under the cooktop (I have a gas oven there now, but that could always be changed). I never even use a microwave oven at home, so no need for one in the Chinook.

I have seen the egg-and-dart type molding at a hardwood store, so I'd guess it's reasonably common? Maybe moreso at a more specialty wood store (vs. Lowe's or etc.)

I'll have to look up the NovaKool you are going to put in. I had looked at them before but don't remember the details on that model. Anyway, I'm chuffed that someone else is doing a similar project now.

[HoosierB]

Blue-Go,
I considered a Vitrifrigo as well as a Norcold and an Isotherm (all AC/DC only). The Nova Kool is model R3800. It meets our fridge needs (we travel short term more than "camp") and at only 18" deep, will make that hallway seem like a dance floor. I considered changing out the microwave for something smaller, but that will be a project for another time. I don't have the oven but will be installing a new 2 burner cooktop in favor of the 3 (again, more counter space). Downsizing the appliances will suit our travel style more and replacing the 14 year old stuff with new and more efficient just makes sense. Keep us posted on your progress. (That horrible jack-knife sofa is also in my crosshairs.... )

[Concourse]

I was unlucky enough to have a leak under the fridge (due to cracked sealant around the side access/vent for the Fridge. Now the msg is terribly swelled and needs replacing). Just happened a week ago.

Bummer. Its my opinion that it's only a matter of time and conditions before this happens to any Concourse. There is a modification to the fridge mechanical room floor (outside RV, open access door, look down at the area's white fiberglass floor) to help avoid this issue. The floor has a built in water trough with a drain at the far right end near/under the heat shield of the propane burner tower. The trough and drain are a good idea but heavy rain and winds can overwhelm this drainage system and then the rain water will drain elsewhere like inside the coach which then gets drawn into the MDF wall panel like a sponge and swells the wall. Even a slight tilt to the left side of the coach will aid in the water running inside instead of out through the drain hole. The modification is to build a water damn using silicone caulking left to right on the fridge mechanical floor behind the trough so that the water won't be able to flow to the inside of the coach but will still be able to enter the trough and run out of the drain hole. Also as preventive maintenance chase the drain hole all the way down through its drain tube to make sure there isn't a blockage in the drain system.

On the fridge topic, there is a safety recall for the Dometic refrigerator in these RVs. Check the Dometic website and compare to the serial number or whatever determines if the recall applies to your fridge. It's basically a heat shielding modification and temperature switch for the propane burner. Free recall.

[Manitou]

Thanks for that tip. Mine appeared to be the actual flange on the outside of the RV. Hard to explain.. Should take a pic.

[Blue~Go]

(That horrible jack-knife sofa is also in my crosshairs.... )

Ha, the people at Flexsteel must still be laughing on the other side of some huge one-way glass at everyone trying to sleep (or even sit) comfortably on one of those. (Well, I'm sure some people find them comfortable, but man, I sure didn't).

For the first couple of weeks after I removed it and put in my own mod, I got a giddy feeling every time I sat down or stretched out to lounge or sleep. "It's soooo comfortable! Yeah!" Now it just seems normal