<span class="highlight">Caravan</span> microwaves

John, I would not worry, any old/new microwave should do the job, just need to make certain there is enough ventilation for it.

johno59,
I think you should turn it off at the power point until you want to use it, normally when on mains power.

There are many times where you may be connected to generator etc. when the battery charger will also power up and the microwave will exceed the generator capacity.

Cheers,
Jim

Microwave is simply that a microwave just the physical size and wattage (power output) that changes, nor am I referring to the $59 specials at Kmart Aldi etc either they in class of their own.

However I do seriously question a microwave in a caravan in first place.

On basis of simple fact they require a large amount of power (energy) to operate them, and availability or suitability of main power, some places have a very dodgy mains power scheme and some equipment simply don't like it

Even then would input current be able to sufficiently supply to microwave plus battery charger and other mains equipment, it be pushign the limits of the 15a maximum. .

If you tried to run it on generator most generators as used by travelers (typically a 2kva) would struggle to provide sufficient power (watts) to make them operate properly.

In my mind better off using that little cubicle as extra storage for food or similar light items

Besides most caravan parks these days have a camper kitchen and typically its got a microwave so one can easily go nuke the spuds or make the porridge if really needed

They are very handy to have. But, they don't like being shook up. The insides fall apart and you are looking for a new one.
I have found too that many are not installed to protect them from the rough roads so they are looking for an excuse to fail.

Get a caravan repairer to install a new one. They have experience of failed microwaves and will do a better job then the OME supplier.

b ill

Got a cheap microwave i bought at Kmart sitting loose in the back of my 4wd's canopy that I use to heat my lunch up at the work jobsites....it's been bouncing around for 2 years now and still works fine.

Hi Johno,

No special design for "caravan microwaves". They are just a standard 240v jobby. However, the physical size of a microwave that may fit in to a built-in compartment (if one exists), may restrict the capacity to 800w or thereabouts.

I have a built-in one in our Goldstream Camper and it is secured by a bracket to hold it in place. It did come "loose" on one off road trip. The plastic feet on the bottom broke when they bounced around in the metal cups attached to the wooden base of the microwave cubicle. I made new feet out of nylon stock, turning them up on my lathe and they now provide a more practical alternative to the hard plastic crap that was installed originally.
Have made many more off road trips and the microwave is secure and sound.
We don't actually use it all that often, but is handy on occasions.

I always put a thick cloth between the heavy glass plate and the drive spindle when travelling.
Dave.

The biggest problem with these ovens is the cavity they are mounted in. Have a look at the handbook for your model. You will note that the recommended clearances around the oven are much larger than is provided for by van builders. Add to that the complete lack of ventilation provided to the cavity by the van constructor. To get them to work in hot weather you need to replace the vent at the back with a much larger one. My microwaves have lasted much better since I put a vent about half the size of the back of the oven behind it.