Replaced plastic drawer slides with roller slides

I replaced the weak and troublesome drawer slides with roller bearing full extension slides. What a difference! Now the drawers slide out completely without the fear of the drawers falling out and you can see the back wall of the drawer. I used the existing plastic drawer with wooden slats 1/4' thick screwed into the plastic side rails so that the screws didn't go into the storage area. You will have to install mounting rails inside the cabinets for the rails to mount to. I used 1 by's to do this. Use part number code A3732-16-03 zinc model 3732 slides from Unique Drawer Boxes. uniquedrawerboxes.com They were very reasonable. I did this on all the drawers including the clothes drawers as the slides are good for 100LBS per pair. My wife loves me even more now!

[mcgyver210]

How about some Pics sounds interesting.

[B_and_D]

Sounds like a great project if we get the time...I have a couple of drawers (especially the smaller, top ones) that this would help with.

Pictures! It's really pretty cut and dry on how to do this.
Note how the wooden spacer is attached to the drawer insert with bugle head screws into the runner below the storage compartment, I used 1' screws and used a countersink to make them flush. When mounting the slide rails to the wooden spacers use 3/8' long so that they won't go into the side of the drawer. Mount the slides to the cabinet making sure that the outer rail is flush to the front of the cabinet and inserting a screw into the inner face. Make up spacers to mount the rear of the slide to the cabinet interior, they need to be straight. Slide out the slide rails and mount to the drawer making sure that the drawer slides in and out without binding, you may have to shim the rails slightly. Do the clothing drawers the same way.

[mcgyver210]

The pictures are just what I needed Thanks! I think I will add this to my list of projects to do. So you used the same hardware for all drawers I assume? I guess it gets a little more complicated on the built in cabinets since they aren't easily removed LOL ROFL.

I think I can get drawer slides at the local HD or Lowes although may be a little more expensive.

I guess by the time I get all the projects done it will be time for a new TM ROFL.

[ThePair]

Very nice work!

[mcgyver210]

Ok now I have another question. Do the drawers once converted stay closed while traveling or will I also need a new latching system? Since I am not at the trailer I can't remember how they stay closed for sure but I believe it was in combination with the drawer glide.

I went to the site you suggested & it looks like it will be under a $120.00 to do all 9 drawers after buying drawer glides, 1 x 1s & screws.

Thanks again I

The slides that I suggested have detents built into them so they won't slide out. Besides on the clothes drawers you have a wardrobe in front of them. I haven't had any slide out. This is a good project and no more silverwear on the floor! Go for it!

[OneMoBear]

We are working on this modification and as long as we were making it so much better I decided to find a flatware organizer that fit better than the one we had. I found one at Target that fits like it was made for it.

Malinda

This mod is definitely on our ToDo list for the Elkmont. A little extra weight but the accessibility and durability will be much improved. Already I can see the wear on the wood framing from the original plastic drawer slides.