Converting My Exterior Television Cabinet to a Work Shop

[TucsonJim]

Over three years ago, Rob (Cate&Rob) posted one of his first DIY projects on the forum. He build a workshop in the front storage bay of his 303. Here is a link to his project posting:

https://www.mygrandrv.com/fo...7122#post37122

I have always thought it was a nifty idea. On our boondocking trip a couple of weeks ago, the thought came to me that I've only used the outside television one time in two years! And that was just to see if it worked. Another consideration was to remove some more tongue weight and move my tools behind the axle. So, I converted the television bay to a storage area to organize my tools and gadgets that are a necessity on the road.

The first thing I did was drag out the tub-o-tools that was in the front storage area and take out the things I didn't really need. About half the tools were sent back to the garage tool box. I mean after all, it was looking kind of empty anyway.

Next, I removed the television, electrical and cable connections. The panel where this stuff was mounted was very flimsy. So I placed plywood on the front and back of the panel for reinforcement. I could access quite a bit of the area by removing the fireplace. Then I moved on to installing a shelf and painting the new addition. I was able to find a paint that very closely matched the existing stain of the drawers.

I still need to make some brackets to hold everything in place. My lovely bride agreed to let me purchase a new Kobalt tool kit for even more organization.

Here are some photos of the job.



This was the "before" shot.


The interior view with the fireplace removed. While I was in here, I cleaned up some of the wiring.


The completed project.

Thanks much for the ideas Rob!

Jim

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Jim,

That looks like a lot more useful purpose for that space (but that’s just my opinion ). Thanks for the kind comments and reviving the link to my front compartment workshop. It is interesting how these projects ideas feed back and forth on each other . . . I am looking at the OE gas struts on your door and thinking . . . Hmmm . . . that would be a great addition to my front compartment door that I have to manually latch/unlatch every time. These compartment doors are probably about the same size . . . what is the strength of those struts?

Rob

[backtrack2015]

Looks great! What paint did you find? I’ve got an outdoor-kitchen shelf project planned for my equivalent space. Thank you.

[TucsonJim]

Hi Jim,

I am looking at the OE gas struts on your door and thinking . . . Hmmm . . . that would be a great addition to my front compartment door that I have to manually latch/unlatch every time. These compartment doors are probably about the same size . . . what is the strength of those struts?

Rob

Rob - the struts are original and came with the trailer. The door is 79 cm x 119 cm (Canadian eh?). The strut part number is SX200P-30. So 30#, Here is a photo of the label on the strut.

[297sox]

Jim,
I can't tell for sure how high door opens. I'm 6'2" and I moved mounting for gas struts up a bit on side(I think I just used upper hole for lower hole in bracket). Now mine is at more of an upward angle and I don't feel like I have to duck when I have it open. Nice job with conversion.
TOM

[TucsonJim]

Looks great! What paint did you find? I’ve got an outdoor-kitchen shelf project planned for my equivalent space. Thank you.

Fortunately, I was able to remove a piece of the cabinet and take it to Lowes for caparison. The closest we could come was Sherwin Williams "Brown Aptitude". HGSW3101. I purchased it in Latex Exterior Satin. It was very close, but in direct sunlight, there was a very slight tint difference.

Jim

[TucsonJim]

Jim,
I can't tell for sure how high door opens. I'm 6'2" and I moved mounting for gas struts up a bit on side(I think I just used upper hole for lower hole in bracket). Now mine is at more of an upward angle and I don't feel like I have to duck when I have it open. Nice job with conversion.
TOM

I'm 5-8 (on a good day). Never a problem for me. LOL.

[J&G garage]

That looks great Jim. A much better use for that space. That TV removed would make a good serving tray.

[Paul & Deb]

Nice work Jim! That looks like it was built that way.

[TucsonJim]

Thanks guys. The next step is to get rid of the outside stove and build a drawer in its place for bar essentials.

Jim