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neu's avatar
neu
Explorer
Apr 09, 2023

Securing a Regular Microwave in an RV: Affordable Solutions?

Hello everybody!

I recently purchased my first camper trailer, and I hope you'll forgive me if my question seems a bit newbie. My trailer didn't come with a microwave but instead had an air fryer installed by the private seller. Unfortunately, this doesn't work for me, and I've decided to purchase a microwave for my trailer.

However, I'm facing a problem: I don't know how to properly secure the microwave to prevent it from falling while on the road. A standard Walmart microwave would be the perfect size for my needs, but I'm unsure how to fix it in place. I found some RV-specific microwaves on Amazon that come with a special metal frame to be bolted to the cabinet, but they are 4-5 times more expensive than a regular microwave.

Could anyone suggest some affordable options for installing a standard microwave in my RV? Or maybe I'm not looking in the right places? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

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  • If the mic fits past the front frame work. Take a piece of wood stain to match what you have. Make a lip so mic will not slide out.
    You could even screw cups, for the mic feet to fit into in the bottom of compartment.

    Good Luck
  • Do a search for RV IN THE CABINET Microwaves. This link shows just one of many. Your pic shows the original M/W and mount face plate was removed. You MUST use a M/W for RV installation for best anchor results. Doug

    https://www.amazon.com/Tough-Grade-Camper-Microwave-Stainless/dp/B08CRXL5SX/ref=asc_df_B08CRXL5SX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459650416237&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11005538657421822655&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027230&hvtargid=pla-979899948848&psc=1
  • An RV microwave has ducts to force exhaust out the front plus is secured by the front panel, called a trim ring or plate.

    You could of course use a metal strap across the top of an ordinary microwave to secure it but that doesn't address the vented heat and moisture.
  • When the OEM Sharp MW in our motorhome failed, instead of paying $300+ for an "RV" replacement, I found an $88 Hamilton Beach 1000 watt MW at Walmart that was the exact same height and width. I easily transferred the vented surround front panel from the Sharp to the Hamilton Beach, and with just some small shims to get the height just right, installed the unit using the original screw holes in the cabinet frame. That was about 6 years ago, and the low cost unit is still working perfectly no matter how many times we've driven over the rough sections of I-88 in NY and I-81 through PA...
  • There are tons of brackets, straps, hardware, etc in a hardware store or home center that will work. Spend some time looking and see what will work. It's like a big erector set.
    I fastened my $30 walmart microwave with B-line strut and bolts.
  • we tossed our RV microwave and installed a panasonic inverter microwave, and used the existing venting parts. In my other trailer just installed the panasonic inverter and left enough room for venting.
  • If you want to make sure ie gets anchored, get a piece of 1 inch Aluminum angle, screw that to the bottom of the MW along the front edge, flat side forward, now when you set the MW inplace, fasten your metal trim that goes across the bottom front to both the cabinet and the Aluminum angle, I replaced the OEM MW about 9 months ago


    Click For Full-Size Image.

    The original was Black Panasonic,
    This one a White Hamilton Beach it is a little bit wider than the OEM, and a little bit shorter, I needed to make the cabinet opening about 1 inch wider, the Black Trim from the old MW was a good fit
  • Thank you, everybody, for your replies and help!

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