Microwave question

[Cheri in MN]

Our 19' Scamp has a cabinet with an outlet that can be used for a microwave. Does anybody know whether a "regular" microwave can be used, or whether you need a special one for a camper (thinking of the jostling that comes with driving it around)? And if a regular one can be used, how does one secure it--brackets, etc--and where can the hardware be found? Thanks!

[Pam Garlow]

Most people have regular microwaves. You can keep them in place while traveling with bungies or lockdown brackets (you can purchase online or at camper stores).

[Cheri in MN]

Thank you!

[mmeyer]

You can get 700 watt ones for $50 to $80 . Ours is a simple one that works fine when we are on the grid. I did not size my inverter to take the old when we are off the grid and on solar. You can fabricate clips to hold it and bungees work well.
Michael J.

[mmeyer]

Old is supposed to be load (cursed auto spell check on this tablet)

[Cheri in MN]

I know--I have the same auto spell-check problem on my iPad. Love the device, but it has no brain. We have a microwave we bought for $10 at a second-hand store that is the right size for the camper, is in good shape and works well. But we're also asking ourselves if we want to cross the line from non-microwave camping to microwave camping. (Too fancy for us? But so convenient!) We plan to take a year to be full-time in the Scamp after we retire, and we're thinking it's definitely worth thinking about when that happens.

[Michael Pupeza]

I just posted the way I installed mine in my Bigfoot 17CB.
See: <http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f56/installed-microwave-oven-in-bigfoot-17cb-54024.html>

Good luck.
Mike

[Cheri in MN]

My husband talks about wanting to hang ours above the table, so this is helpful for us to consider. Thanks!

[Eddie Longest]

Cheri
The PO of my S19 removed the cabinet door over the frig. and placed a small conv. microwave in the cabinet. They cut two wood strips 3/4" x 1.5" the depth of the cabinet and attached them to the bottom of the microwave. The two strips raise the MW so it's door clears the lower cabinet lip. The strips also help keep the MW from sliding around in the cabinet. Small pieces of foam would also help stablize the MV if needed. It has not bounced out of the cabinet and works great.
Eddie

[Cheri in MN]

That makes sense--didn't think about needing to raise it above the lip. I like the idea of using that cabinet space; but is there also a lot of space lost at the back?

[Eddie Longest]

Depends on size of microwave but there is some space lost in the back. We slide the MW toward the front of the trailer in the opening and that gives us a narrow opening to the rear which we place narrow rubbermaid trays in for holding keys and change.
The big thing is the MW has a home. In another trailer we have to store the MW for transit and that is really a pain.
Eddie

[Cheri in MN]

That's helpful. We haven't measured yet, but I'll bet ours is small enough to allow that "reach back" space, too. Those Rubbermaid trays are SO helpful in so many places in the camper! By the way, what do you use as a "pantry" in your 19'? We put our clothes in Rubbermaid totes and store them in the space where the fridge was in our 13'. I've thought that that would be a good space, but it's currently taken. We put most things in the cupboard under the sink, but that's pretty limited.

[David Tilston]

I see RV microwaves advertised on line. I wonder what the difference is supposed to be? It sure would be nice if someone made a 12 VDC microwave.

[Cheri in MN]

I don't know the difference between RV microwaves and regular microwaves--the cynical side of my nature would say "price."

[Raz]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

I see RV microwaves advertised on line. I wonder what the difference is supposed to be? It sure would be nice if someone made a 12 VDC microwave.

A 500 watt microwave would need a current of over 40 amps. Raz

[David Tilston]

A 1200 W inverter would require 100+ amps. But that is what I plan to install to run a microwave. I will put the inverter as close to the batteries as possible.

[Raz]

If I'm not mistaken I think Norm did that?

Turns out that someone does make a 12 v. microwave. Pricey for sure.

Portable Dual Powered Microwave Oven PNP-411

[rabbit]

However you secure your m-wave, if it has a carousel, the glass plate will also benefit from being battened down on the road. I use a couple of scrap ethafoam blocks of no particular provenance or distinction other than that they are of a dimension to serve as hold downs.

jack

[rgrugg]

Our Egg Camper came from the factory with a microwave. It's hung in brackets under the kitchen side cabinets above where the cooktop goes. And I second stabilizing the glass turntable. We've had the microwave door come open when travelling. We take the turntable out and stash it for travel. We use our micro a lot since our trailer is all electric.

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by P. Raz

If I'm not mistaken I think Norm did that?

Turns out that someone does make a 12 v. microwave. Pricey for sure.

Portable Dual Powered Microwave Oven PNP-411

OK they do make a 12 VDC microwave. A couple of observations though:
No power rating
Very small
Very expensive

I'm thinking a $100 inverter with a $50 microwave is a better plan. Cheaper too.