RV Countertop Extension: Flip Up/Down For Extra Space

In an RV, space is almost always at a premium, especially in the kitchen/galley area. RV kitchens are generally quite compact, leaving only a small amount of space for meal preparation and cooking. Discussing ways to utilize the living space in an RV more efficiently, we’ve previously covered RV storage ideas and RV furniture upgrades. But, in this post, we’re exploring the benefits of RV countertop extensions as a way to add more counter space to your RV kitchen.

What Is an RV Countertop Extension?

A counter extension for an RV is one way to expand the workspace in your RV kitchen, offering the added benefit of being able to fold the additional counter space away when it’s not in use. RV counter extensions are designed to fit seamlessly into your rig’ kitchen, giving you an extra countertop surface when you need it for meal prep, etc. They’re designed to fold away when the extra space isn’t needed.

What Are the Advantages of an RV Countertop Extension?

Having the ability to easily extend (and reduce) an RV countertop offers several benefits.

Maximize Workspace

As mentioned above, an RV countertop extension creates an extra workspace for meal prep. With RV kitchens being much smaller than sticks & bricks homes, there’s a lot to be said for any amount of extra space for chopping food, setting pans, dishes, or ingredients, or even serving food.

Hold Small Appliances

An RV countertop extension can provide extra space for small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, or toasters. Since you’ll likely need to stow small appliances during travel even if they’re used on a fixed countertop, setting them up on a surface that also gets stowed during travel might be a perfect choice.

Fold Away When Not In Use

One of the greatest benefits of an RV countertop extension is the ability to fold it out of the way when it’s not in use. Countertop extensions are designed to be compact when folded, providing more space to move around the kitchen when it’s not in use.

Generally Easy to Install

RV countertop extensions are usually pretty easy to install as a DIY project. Whether you decide to use a countertop extension kit or your own wood (or other material) and brackets purchased separately, the job isn’t usually too difficult for the average DIY RVer.

Different Types of RV Countertop Extensions

There are several types of RV countertop extensions. The one in our old Mountain Aire slid out of the cabinetry. Those are generally more complex installations, often best left to the factory during the manufacture of the RV (since the cabinetry may require modification). However, there are some options for retrofitting a similar extension, which we’ll discuss below. So today we’re focusing primarily on the RV folding counter extension type (sometimes called an RV flip-up counter extension). However, there are other ways to gain extra counter space in an RV, and we’ll include references to those as well.

Generally speaking, the type of RV counter extender that’s usually installed after-market as a DIY project is the type that flips up for use and then folds down against the cabinetry when not needed.

Flip-Up/Down Countertop Extension

This type of countertop extension for RV use is hinged to an existing counter or wall and can be flipped up when the extra prep area or workspace is needed and down when it’s not. This is the most popular choice for an RV countertop extension because it’s simple to install and easy to use.

Sink or Stove Cover Countertop Extension

A simple way to enhance the workspace in your kitchen is to use a piece of solid material, such as Corian or butcher block, that covers your sink or stove. While this isn’t technically an extension, it is a way to create additional workspace. Many RVs come with stove and/or sink covers, but not all. Our Mountain Aire had three of these (the cooktop and both sinks), and our new Outdoors RV 19MKS has them, too… and we love them.

With a sink cover, you simply drop the cover onto the top of the sink when you need extra counter space (assuming you can do without the sink,or part of the sink, for a time). Two sinks can make it super easy… allowing you to keep one covered and one uncovered.

With a stove cover, you simply place the piece on top of your stove grates. Our built-in stove cover simply folded up out of the way when we needed the cooktop, and down when we weren’t using the burners but needed the extra counter space.

As mentioned, if you only have one sink, that can be a drawback since you can’t use it as a counter and a sink at the same time.

Some sink cover cutting boards offer a cut-out, allowing you to put food scraps into the sink as you work or run water in some cases.

Slide-Out Countertop Extension

Some RVs come from the factory with this type of countertop extension. But again, it’s far less likely to be added to a rig as a DIY project. However, you can use a specific type of slide-out hardware to create this additional workspace.

This type of extension slides out from under an existing countertop to offer additional workspace when it’s pulled out. It’s tucked away neatly by sliding back into the cavity when not in use.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Flip-Up/Down RV Countertop Extension

When selecting an RV countertop extension for your rig, consider several key details.

Size

Choosing a countertop extension with dimensions that align correctly with the area where you plan to install it is important. In addition to fitting the available space, the extension also needs to provide sufficient tabletop/countertop space for you to work. And it needs to stow properly when not in use.

Material

You’ll want your RV countertop extension to be made from a durable material that’s easy to clean and can sustain a bit of heat or cold without damage. Materials like hardwood, high-quality laminate, or solid materials (such as Corian) tend to work well.

Stability

It’s vital to use support brackets that are stable and secure when in use. Note the amount of weight your brackets are rated to support. The last thing you want is for your tabletop/countertop extension to come crashing down because the brackets weren’t strong enough to hold whatever you put on it. The same goes for using screws that are substantial enough.

Keep in mind that many RVs use lightweight materials to reduce the rig’s weight. If you screw a set of brackets into a thin Luan wall with no extra bracing, it won’t matter how strong your brackets are. The material behind the brackets can be damaged, and your extension could collapse under the weight of your tuna noodle casserole!

Ease of Installation

If you intend to install a countertop extension yourself, choosing a flip-up/down type will be far easier to install than a slide-in/out style. If you go with a ready-made kit, review its measurements and installation instructions to ensure it fits your RV and your skills. Confirm that the necessary parts and pieces are supplied with the kit and that installation is relatively easy as a DIY project.

Aesthetics

It may go without saying, but you’ll want to choose an extension that matches the design and decor of your RV kitchen. This may not always be possible, but since they’re generally designed to be functional rather than decorative, it might be easier than you think.

Popular RV Countertop Extensions to Consider

There are a few types of countertop extensions you can add to your RV’s galley (or some other area… get creative)! Let’s take a look at a few options for extending your RV’s countertop/tabletop space:

Camco Oak Accents Countertop Extension

This solid oak finish hardwood extension mounts to your existing countertop with a metal piano hinge and is secured by a metal drop-leaf table brace. With dimensions of 12 x 13.5 x 0.75 inches, this model weighs just one pound and adds an extra 12″ to your countertop space. It folds down when not in use.

Camco Bamboo Accents RV Countertop Extension

Also from Camco, this extension is made of durable bamboo that is suitable for food contact. Its dimensions are 12″ (L) x 13 ½” (W) x ¾” (thick), and also mounts to your existing countertop with a metal piano hinge and is secured by a metal drop-leaf table brace. This kit offers you an extra 12″ of counter space. Note that this extension weighs 3 1/2 pounds.

Make-Your-Own Folding Countertop/Tabletop Extension

You can also create your own folding countertop/tabletop shelf or extension using materials such as those shown below. You’ll want to make sure to buy brackets that can safely hold whatever you intend to place on it. Also make sure you purchase a top that fits properly in the area where you intend to install it.

If you’re installing a very lightweight countertop extension, you can use a piano hinge and a drop leaf support with a finger-pull like those shown below.

Summing It All Up

Additional counter or tabletop space is always welcome in an RV. However you decide to add space to your RV’s countertop or tabletop, be sure to pay close attention to hardware weight ratings and user reviews.

Looking for other ways to increase space in your RV? Check out 12 Ways to Modify Your RV to Create More Space, a guest post from our friends Heath & Alyssa Padgett.

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