Travato Cabinetry

[GigaGeek]

I'd really appreciate some feedback on the Aosta Cherry vs. High-Gloss Marbella Cherry cabinet finish options. Which do you prefer and why?

Also, from the Travato factory construction photos I saw on one of the Winnebago websites, upon zooming in on one of the photos, the cabinets appear to be made of plywood. The only difference between the two cabinet choices seems to be the finish. Am I correct?

Personally, I like the high-gloss look of the Marbella but also like the warmer, brighter tone of the Aosta. Both seem understated enough to stand the test of time.

[bobojay]

We have the Aosta on our WGO ERA van. The Marbella looks pretty, but shows every fingerprint that ever touches it. No thanks!

The only difference between cabinetry is the finished look as you stated....the cabinets themselves are made of particleboard with a stick on finish. The upper cabinet doors are an engineered product also for weight savings that are made in Europe by a specialty maker

[wincrasher]

Actually the cabinets are plywood with a vinyl coated finish. It's not laminate, unfortunately. But not particle board.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Actually the cabinets are plywood with a vinyl coated finish. It's not laminate, unfortunately. But not particle board.

Forgot to look up that close at Hershey. Is it real wood veneer on the plywood with a clear coat finish? Satin finish on the Aosta and high gloss finish on the Marbella?

[wincrasher]

I can't tell if it's veneer or laminate. Definately not a vinyl product on the doors.

My last van had the shiny doors. I agree with the above that they collect finger prints. Also, the color match with the cabinetry is not all that great.

On my new van, I got the satin finish. The color match is perfect, and I think it looks more natural (if that makes any sense). With the satin, the stainless strip also "pops" more than with the shiny finish.

[bobojay]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Actually the cabinets are plywood with a vinyl coated finish. It's not laminate, unfortunately. But not particle board.

Then the Travatos have a better cabinetry quality than the View/Navion/ERA Sprinters. They are all particleboard construction with the same upper cabinet door supplier the Travatos have.
Yes, and a vinyl coated finish on the surfaces....

[BobB]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I can't tell if it's veneer or laminate. Definately not a vinyl product on the doors.

May be a real wood veneer - like most residential kitchen cabinets. If it was laminate, top coating with a clear finish would seem redundant; also might not adhere well - one wouldn't think of putting clear finish over Formica.

[wincrasher]

I haven't inspected the new interior on the Era. They are getting all new cabinetry. So we'll know soon enough what they've done.

Today I took apart my media cabinet in the K. It's a real mix of materials. The end pieces appear to be plywood. The interior trims looks to be some thin kind of luan or 1/8" sheet of some kind of material.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I haven't inspected the new interior on the Era. They are getting all new cabinetry. So we'll know soon enough what they've done.

Yes, will be nice when WGO posts new photos. Still no photos of ERA and still don't understand why there are photos of the K, but none of the G?

[mojoman]

Satin is the way to go, Also, I've coated all sides of my woodwork to seal it and prevent moisture from penetrating. I'm using a lot of hardwood and marine grade plywood. Mahogany seems to be the most cost effective way to go since its stronger for its weight and not that expensive. I'm using exterior UV Sparueathane, its for marine use so It will stand up to anything.

[BobB]

Mojoman,

Very nice craftsmanship! Yes, marine quality ply is the way to go - no voids and they use exterior grade glue. Most Baltic Birch ply meets that standard, too. Nice marine pulls. Did you fabricate the countertop or buy it?

Are there more photos of your van on this forum or maybe a link to a web album?

[mojoman]

I made the top, its not as thick as it appears, I added a layer around the edges for that effect. I used young oil followed with butcher block wax so they are food safe.The stuff is pretty heavy but it was a compromise as the wife wanted granite and this stuff is 1/4 of the weight. Seems all my previous rv had drawers fly open on the road. These are heavy duty SS and key lock. I've been posting in the Tweaks mods and projects as mojovan progress.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by mojoman

I've been posting in the Tweaks mods and projects as mojovan progress.

Found the links - thanks!