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moparjohn · 09-20-2010, 06:37 PM

Hi all, I thought this was the best place to ask this question. How and where do most/all of you pack your dishes? I just bought a set (unvieling when I can upload pics) of dishes and glasses, I want to know how you pack them for safe towing (ie in boxes, loose, storage containers) and where in the trailer you stow them. FYI I have a 1973 25' Tradewind w/twin beds. I know this is probably a silly question, but I want to know what works to keep dishes/glasses from breaking and what is the favored spot for easy access/safe storage for them. MPJ

nvestysly · 09-20-2010, 06:47 PM

We put ours in the various cupboards (overhead cabinets). We use some of that foam mesh stuff on the bottom of the cabinet to keep things from sliding around. One big difference in you and us is the "dishes" we use are made of plastic. Saves weight, no problem with breakage and they're easy to wash.

Only problem with ours is they don't work for the microwave but that's not a issue since we seldom use the microwave. Other brands of plastic can be used in the microwave.

If you don't like plastic, consider Correlle or some similar product. Relatively light weight when compared to china and stone ware but very durable.

Lucius

wolf146 · 09-20-2010, 06:49 PM

Hi Moparjohn, Just saw that you live in Ringoes - we are practically neighbors. We live in Hillsborough on Amwell Road.
We have a 30 foot Classic and keep the dishes in the top cabinets in the middle of the trailer. Never had any problems, but they are 'corelle ware". Try to keep them as much to the front that you can.

Jammer · 09-21-2010, 07:53 AM

I too have Corelle and put them in a stack in the locker above the galley sink without any padding.

Ahab · 09-21-2010, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jammer

I too have Corelle and put them in a stack in the locker above the galley sink without any padding.

We too. Glass is a no no.

InsideOut · 09-21-2010, 08:14 AM

Ours are vintage Melmac...no breakage here. They are stowed in the upper cabinet by the dinette table in each of our trailers. We don't have a microwave (or dishwasher!

) in either trailer either, so no need for glass/corelle. One other advantage is they are unique so they are easily recognizable at rally potlucks.

Shari

nayl · 09-21-2010, 08:24 AM

We also use plastic dishes and glasses. We store the dishes on a shelf (lined with cushioned mesh) in the lazy susan cupboard. I just bought new dishes which are lighter than the old. We now have to use the mesh between the dishes as they tend to jump off the shelf on bumpy roads.

I also stash the glasses on the lazy susan, but put those in a small plastic bid. the martini glasses are actually stainless and I throw them in with the pots and pans in a drawer below the sink.

purman · 09-21-2010, 09:08 AM

We use Lexan camping bowls and plates from REI, (sometimes) Most of the time I use paper plates with our 4 kids. Then I can use them to start the camp fire. I know not very environmentally friendly of me. But doing dishes suck!!!!!! But I do make sure they are paper not foam. ANd we use plastic cups with names on them. and rinses those out. We do have some really silverware but mostly use plastic stuff.

If it was just us we wouldn't use it but with the kids it's just to much to do all those dishes 3 times a day. Well at least for me it is.....

I pack all our stuff in a big plastic container under the sink. Well 2 different ones so it's organized.

dmoore · 09-21-2010, 09:26 AM

We use Corelle -- one of those sets where the pieces are square-shaped. The entire service for four (dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, mugs) fits nicely into one of the drawers. A tray for our flatware sits on top of the dishes. We use no additional padding/cushioning -- this all fits together very well -- the drawer is not overly filled and everything for setting the table is all together. Unbreakable glasses are stowed in the overhead bin over the sink.

debbie

SteSpot · 09-21-2010, 10:13 AM

We have the square ones and we picked up dish racks at Ikea that seems to hold them in place....one for the plates and one for the bowls. We also use the foam padding from Ikea on the shelf so things just sort of stay put. Also, we have the space on the shelf pretty much fills the shelf.....so we don't really have a dish movement problem. paula

mouth012006 · 09-21-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteSpot

We have the square ones and we picked up dish racks at Ikea that seems to hold them in place....one for the plates and one for the bowls. We also use the foam padding from Ikea on the shelf so things just sort of stay put. Also, we have the space on the shelf pretty much fills the shelf.....so we don't really have a dish movement problem. paula

Do you have any pictures of these shelves?? I love ikea and anything to help with organizing.

Streamer Dan · 09-21-2010, 10:31 AM

We use china dishes and glass glasses as I dislike drinking and eating from plastic stuff, we store them in a plastic box with a lid (from Walmart) and pack them with the non-slip padding when traveling. Works great for storage over the winter as well, as the box is completely sealed. Usually store in the over head compartment above the sink.

SteSpot · 09-21-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mouth012006

Do you have any pictures of these shelves?? I love ikea and anything to help with organizing.

We are not near our trailer right now so we cannot photograph for you. Also I went on Ikea's website and could not find them. Perhaps a phone call to Ikea and a description of the holders would give you the proper name and then you might be able to find on line. They are adjustable on the bottom--they expand and contract to fit your dishes then you tighten them to that size with a screw type thing on the bottom. They have 2 or 3 sizes--I can't remember. The next time we are in our trailer, I will try to remember to photograph and post a photo for you......paula

SteSpot · 09-21-2010, 10:47 AM

Because of that, I keep them in the cabinets below the counter. I would not be happy if they popped out of the overhead cabinets and got bounced around.......we do like having the glass like feel of the Corelle and they are pretty bullet proof--but they might even cause more damage to the surroundings than to themselves......We actually bought 2 sets so that we will have replacements if they do break and I think they have been discontinued......pj

Lily&Me · 09-21-2010, 10:53 AM

We use Corelle and carry them in an upright, rubber-coated dish/lid rack from WalMart, in a lower cabinet under the sink. We were told to keep lighter items up top, heavier below.

The dish/lid racks do well for all manner of kitchen items, utilizing frequently wasted vertical rather than horizontal space. We found collapsible collanders at Bed, Bath & Beyond, also collapsible measuring pitchers.

The Container Store is a good resource for organizing items, and have very lightweight yet soft-ish and airtight round containers in many sizes for flour, sugar, rice, etc.

Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc., carry small, round, screw-together craft item organizers which are good for spices and seasonings---again using vertical rather than horizontal space.

Maggie

SullWill · 09-21-2010, 10:57 AM

We use no slip material under everything in the cupboards. Our dishes are a mix of glass, ceramic, plastic and metal but most are Corelle. None of ours have broken while traveling.

moparjohn · 09-21-2010, 12:14 PM

Wonderful ideas and coments, thanks! Is this Container Store online or a place? Thanks again. MPJ

Lily&Me · 09-21-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moparjohn

Wonderful ideas and coments, thanks! Is this Container Store online or a place? Thanks again. MPJ

You can access the Container Store online, they are also freestanding stores that are heavenly to peruse.

Their website will give you locations.

Maggie

ldomela · 09-21-2010, 02:11 PM

Is this the Ikea dealie? IKEA | Built-in kitchens | AKURUM/RATIONELL system | RATIONELL VARIERA | Plate holder

InsideOut · 09-21-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug&maggie

You can access the Container Store online, they are also freestanding stores that are heavenly to peruse.

Just be forewarned...I've been known to go there for "just one little thing" and leave with a five year supply of Christmas wrapping paper! W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L if you're into that sort of thing like me! Problem is, I already had a several year supply leftover from years previous ~

I love a pretty package!

Shari