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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: grantgoold on August 11, 2008, 11:13:23 PM

Title: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: grantgoold on August 11, 2008, 11:13:23 PM
I have found a company that has Ready to Assemble (RTA) cabinets for the bus. I have been able to get 18 cabinets (base, vanity, pantry,....) with high quality dovetail drawers, no fiberboard, all birch, and good quality stain. I figured enough cabinets to meet our needs and then some. Right now I can get the entire system delievered to my door step for under $2500.00.  This price also includes enough crown molding and various pieces for seams and such.

Anyone had experiences with RTA cabinets? Pros and Cons.

Thanks

Grant
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: cody on August 12, 2008, 06:07:05 AM
I guess I'm kind of hesitant to believe that they can provide actual cabinets that fit. I've been involved in cabinetry for many years and for buses in particular for quite a while and bus side walls change not only in shape but contour as you go from front to back, each bus is different and each cabinet has to be fitted to the exact spot it's going.  They would not only have to cover a wide range of buses but also a wide range of locations in each individual bus, not to mention the possible changes caused by raising the roof or additions of slideouts etc. I guess my hesitation is based on the number of times I've been asked to redo cabinets where the promises were long but the fit was poor.
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: JackConrad on August 12, 2008, 06:46:10 AM
  Cody is correct, all cabinets have to be scribed and cut to fit. I am installing RTA cabinets in a bus I am working on for a man in Illinois.  They can be made to work/fit, but it takes a little time. The other downside is that you can only purchase standard sizes, which are usually in 3" increments (12", 15", 18", 21", 24", etc). These may or may not fill the space in a bus. When installing RTA cabinets across the head of the bed in a 102A3, I ended up with about 1" space on each side. 
  Pricewise, I could not buy the oak lumber, oak plywood and hardware, plus my labor for what he paid for the cabinets.
   Now a WARNING!. The first cabinet order was received in a timely fashion and all were installed. Several months later he placed a second order for the remainder of the cabinets.  Neither of us has had any communication with the seller since the ad was placed. He does not answer our emails or return phone calls.  It has been almost 3 months since the order was placed (and paid for).  This is the company he ordered his cabinets from http://www.premierrtakitchens.com    Jack
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: skipn on August 12, 2008, 06:55:15 AM

Grant,

      I had quit a rant on here about a year ago about a RTA place and how long it was taking to get
the cabinets........over 6 weeks for the bus when I had ordered ones for the kitchen it
only took 2 weeks (on ebay) and the quality wasn't as good as the bus cabinets.
If you go this route remember to glue them together on the final assembly I didn't do that
for the kitchen ones and there was seperation on the drawers.

  YCMV
    Skip
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: grantgoold on August 12, 2008, 07:44:08 AM
This company that I am dealing with will ship the cabinets to your door step within 2 days. The transactions are all through paypal and they have thousands of satisified customers. I appreciate the input and keep it coming. Thanks for the insight to the glue. I realize that there will be spots that the cabinets don't fit like customs. I guess I am just shy of the custom price. For the same set and number of cabinets the bid was over $13,000.00.  Just a bit outside of my budget unless I sold one of the kids!

The wife said no when approached ;D

Thanks again,

Grant
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: JackConrad on August 12, 2008, 07:53:19 AM
Quote from: grantgoold on August 12, 2008, 07:44:08 AM
This company that I am dealing with will ship the cabinets to your door step within 2 days. The transactions are all through paypal and they have thousands of satisified customers. I appreciate the input and keep it coming. Thanks for the insight to the glue. I realize that there will be spots that the cabinets don't fit like customs. I guess I am just shy of the custom price. For the same set and number of cabinets the bid was over $13,000.00.  Just a bit outside of my budget unless I sold one of the kids!
Thanks again,
Grant

Grant,
   Can you email ma  link to the company you are using?  Thanks, Jack
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: Busted Knuckle on August 12, 2008, 08:48:12 AM
Quote from: grantgoold
I guess I am just shy of the custom price. For the same set and number of cabinets the bid was over $13,000.00. Just a bit outside of my budget unless I sold one of the kids!

The wife said no when approached ;D

Thanks again,

Grant

Shoot if you can get that kinda scratch out of 'm I'd sell 'm all and throw the wife in for half price & start over! LOL! Could be a lot more fun! w/$ too start on! LOL!
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: H3Jim on August 12, 2008, 08:51:21 AM

Grant, please post the link / company here so we can all benefit. 

Thanks
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: grantgoold on August 12, 2008, 04:58:52 PM
Folks, here is the link! Remember to say good things about me!!!! ;D ;D ;D

http://www.integritycabinetry.com/index.html

Chris has been good to work with!

Grant
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: grantgoold on August 13, 2008, 04:03:33 AM
I recieved my door sample today. It looks as nice or nicer than most of the cabinets for sale at Lowes or Home Depot.  The wife says go for it! ;D

Have a good one!

Grant
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: Dreamscape on August 13, 2008, 04:26:37 AM
Hi Grant,

Please post your installation tips with pictures when you finish. I am looking forward to seeing the result!

What is the proposed time you are shooting for?  ;)

Paul
Title: Re: RTA cabinets, good, bad, ugly?
Post by: grantgoold on August 13, 2008, 05:25:15 PM
Right now, I am hoping to complete this work during the Fall. I should be able to purchase the cabinets within 60 days.