Countertop Extension

[DW_Gray]

Amy is happier! While at the rally in Goshen, I ordered the countertop extension and it arrived today. So I went right to work and installed it. Heartland did a great job in making this piece.

 

[mrcomer]

I know all too well that keeping Amy happy is really important, otherwise she will yell at you. LOL

 

[Rrloren]

Look's good , just like mine in the Sundance. We leave ours extended all the time.

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

Nice job Dave! Please be aware, those shelf brackets are the weak link.. I don't know what material your shelf is but ours is Corian and heavy. I replaced those brackets because they bent and eventually broke from the weight of the shelf bouncing during travel. Initially, if I were you, try to find a way to secure the shelf for travel. We used a long bungee and wrapped it from the lower cabinet doors in the front of the sink around and across the shelf to the flip down door under the sink. Anything to keep that shelf from floppin. I've found stronger brackets at Menards but I don't know where else they're available. See attached picture. Nice job on the shelf by the way.

 

[SilverRhino]

Amy is happier! While at the rally in Goshen, I ordered the countertop extension and it arrived today. So I went right to work and installed it. Heartland did a great job in making this piece.

View attachment 13955

Looks Good! I have been trying to get a small piece of counter material from HL for about a year. I wanted to use a piece about the size of your extension to make a top for a cabinet that I am building for the bathroom. Everyone I have talked to says that beings they changed the color of the material in the 2011 models from what was in the 2010, no matching material was available! I had figured that they would have at least a small piece still around the factory......Maybe I need to order the "Cyclone cabinet extension for the 2010 Big Country"!

Guess I'll just try and find a local cabinet shop with some counter material that is a close match......

 

[caissiel]

Ray
I like your setup.
I had to reinforce all the island support after the brackets broke off and the shelf fell off.
Had to install 2 HD hinges to hold the extension when traveling.

 

[DW_Gray]

Looks Good! I have been trying to get a small piece of counter material from HL for about a year. I wanted to use a piece about the size of your extension to make a top for a cabinet that I am building for the bathroom. Everyone I have talked to says that beings they changed the color of the material in the 2011 models from what was in the 2010, no matching material was available! I had figured that they would have at least a small piece still around the factory......Maybe I need to order the "Cyclone cabinet extension for the 2010 Big Country"!

Guess I'll just try and find a local cabinet shop with some counter material that is a close match......

I suggest you call Heartland Customer Service. All that was needed to get the matching extension was close up pictures of the countertop and the edge. Obviously they can get matching countertop.

With that said, I also have seen heavy butcher block board used for the countertop extension.
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Ray: Thanks for the input. I did see a few other post about that bracket. I'll keep and eye on it.

 

[gpshemi]

I'd like to pursue this if the cost isn't too bad. Is it unfair to ask you PM with your cost?
I don't want to be nosey, but it's a nice mod for sure.

 

[jpdoggett]

Looks good, great job

 

[DW_Gray]

FYI: I learned today that I don't need any kind of hold down for the extension in the stowed position during travel. The door side slide/sofa cushion goes up against it tightly.

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

FYI: I learned today that I don't need any kind of hold down for the extension in the stowed position during travel. The door side slide/sofa cushion goes up against it tightly.

That's great Dave, should be no worries then.