Side door tables.. flip down or flip up?

[N147JK]

I'm going to add some tables to my side and rear doors. Sportmobile's factory table doors flip down. But that puts them very low - I guess used primarily while sitting? The other way to do it is mount the hinge higher and flip the table up. It seems this would be a more useful way to go, being able to use them standing outside and also allow someone inside (like the cook) to use them.

Anyone with these tables have any experiences using them? Flip-down (low table) or flip-up (high table).. which is better? Just checking before I tear into the doors and start drilling holes. Thanks.

[86Scotty]

Either one works fine with readily available hardware. I would build it based on the most weight you might put on it 'weighed' with how high you want it. It's really more about the height than anything else. some of our vans are very low 2wd but many are crazy high 4wd's and need a lower table.

Looks like you found one of mine in the first pic above. I was more brave on my newer van with a full cut out of the 40 door.

Untitled by E A, on Flickr

[boywonder]

Mine is low like 86Scotty's.....and it's not that low when standing outside cooking on the butane stove.

I suppose with a stock non-lifted 2wd van maybe it's low.

If you have the surface flip up you'll need to find supports that are reasonably stout.

I've been looking at these types for a flip up counter inside the van.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Brack...%2C139&sr=8-38

[N147JK]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah mine is 2WD not lifted so the flip-down seems very low. But maybe it's perfect if you're using it as side table sitting outside? Higher seems useful for both inside and outside (dual use).

Those folding table supports look perfect. Very sturdy with added benefit they don't block the table top surface in any way.

Well I'll make a mock-up and try it out before I start cutting.

[boywonder]

The brackets are readily available in black or stainless in different lengths.

[1der]

Give some consideration as to what access is needed for the contents in the storage cavity of the door. Also, do you want inside access to the storage cavity while the door is closed?

One additional consideration for us is bugs and keeping the doors wide open. We like keeping the doors open but do not like bugs inside. Our screen setup solved that part of the problem.

[1der]

Originally Posted by boywonder

The brackets are readily available in black or stainless in different lengths.

REF used brackets like that in his remodel. Pretty nice.

[kbeefy]

Originally Posted by boywonder

I've been looking at these types for a flip up counter inside the van.

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Brack...%2C139&sr=8-38

I used those in my trailer, they work very well.
You just lift them until they click, and they're locked in place.

[N147JK]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I was more brave on my newer van with a full cut out of the 40 door.

Untitled by E A, on Flickr

That flip-down butane stove in the door is awesome!

[aarcaris]

In my build, I did both a flip up and a flip down table on the door. For the flip up table I used a similar bracket to what boywonder shared. When the door is closed the flip up table is a nice added surface flat surface for food or drinks. It's close enough that you can kinda use it from the swiveled passenger seat or the couch in the RB50 layout. Since my van 4x4 and on 35's the lower table is a good cooking height and when using both it gives you a good storage shelf for while you are cooking.

Flip up table used for a quick snack

Flip down table for a Jetboil tea

Both tables in use for a dinner