Where does the microwave go?

[transy416]

My search for an Airstream continues and I have seen some 77 models that I like because of the larger living area up front. However, I have not seen one with a spot for the microwave, except for some being mounted on a stand on top of the kitchen counter. Is that what people generally do for this year? I guess the space for the larger living area had to come from somewhere....?

[SteveH]

We had a '75 and there was space above the refrigirator.

Basically, if there's not a specific space for one, you need to make it.

[moosetags]

I don't know if this will work for you, but we gave up a small portion of our couch, and turned it into a microwave and printer counter which also provides some extra counter space.

Brian

[Mikethefixit]

The PO had a small Micro Wave in the closet beside the fridge. It was to small. So I purchased a larger one. OH OH NO FIT. Had to disassemble the door frame to get it in there. I think I have a pic somewhere if ya need it. Oh Our Overlander is a rear bath that will make a difference on where you put a micro wave maybe.

[SilverHoot]

It goes below the cooktop after you get rid of the stove/oven.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by transy416

My search for an Airstream continues and I have seen some 77 models that I like because of the larger living area up front. However, I have not seen one with a spot for the microwave, except for some being mounted on a stand on top of the kitchen counter. Is that what people generally do for this year? I guess the space for the larger living area had to come from somewhere....?

They usually were in the galley cabinet, rearward of the reefer, at least in the larger models.

No sacrifice was needed from the living area.

Andy

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

They usually were in the galley cabinet, rearward of the reefer, at least in the larger models.

No sacrifice was needed from the living area.

Andy

From what I remember from my 73 Sovereign Andy is right. The microwave compartment is humungous. Microwaves were a lot bigger in the 70s

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

The microwave compartment is humungous. Microwaves were a lot bigger in the 70s

Boy, you can say that again, and heavier too.

Had to make special brackets to hold it in place when traveling, in my 1973 31 footer.

The original brackets, sort of held the microwave in place, if you didn't slam the entrance door, too hard.

If someone wants to add a microwave to the coach, that's great, IF they buy a good unit.

The el-cheapo micowaves, have a tendancy to fall apart, when subjected to road travel.

Andy

[Jim Foster]

The microwave on our '83 Excella is as Andy said, aft of the refer against the bulkhead at the end of the galley on the street side.

The Caravel didn't have one. We find it a great tool, and did not want to give up our oven as we use it on occasion. We got a small unit which we put on the floor when traveling, and at the end of the dinette table when parked. Has worked well for nine years.

[Gene]

After seeing Moosetags' idea, we decided to buy a small but deep unfinished bookcase, remove the guacho cushion, and put it there after finishing it. With some adaptations so the microwave and printer don't slide out, works great. The space between the bookcase and wall are great for stowing the Airstream bag with the info about the trailer, newspapers, magazines, maps, etc. The top of the bookcase collects stuff while we are camped that would otherwise clog up the dinette table top.

The printer is one of the smallest laser jets we could find (a Brother) and allows us to print weather reports, travel info, restaurant menus, and all sorts of useful things while traveling.

El Cheapo microwave has survived 2 years and lots of miles. It cost $40. We got it at Home Depot and it's even matching aluminum.

Gene

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

El Cheapo microwave has survived 2 years and lots of miles.
Gene

Gene.

Some do, and some don't.

Andy

[Ahzmyrah]

The owners manual for our '80 Excella shows a full size (make that huge) Microwave mounted in the cabinet above the pantry next to the reefer. In the chart showing the weights of installed options the Micro was listed at 66 lbs total weight. You can install one of the new smaller micros just about anywhere. The problem is plugging it in. We installed ours (Bought for $69 at a box store) in the cabinet where the original micro was shown to be. No micro was originally installed. The electrical diagram showed the micro on the same circuit as the refridgerator so we ran a short 12 gauge appliance extension cord through the bulkhead between the reefer and the pantry cabinet and plugged it into the outlet located behind the refridge which is accessible from the reefer access door outside. The heavy duty appliance extension cords generally have a right angle plug so it is easy to get into a tight space. Voila! Micro accessible behind overhead cabinet door, no unsightly extension cords hanging around and it stays in place when traveling.

[Jim Foster]

The unit we got for the Caravel is a small Magic Chef with a turn table. It has survived 80K riding on the floor and hundreds of moves from floor to shelf and back.

There are some things that just do better in an oven. We also store our cast iron pans there when camping, so the space is not wasted. Keeps them handy. We use the microwave for things it does well. Both good tools.

We have taken trips where we didn't cook in the oven, but I think we have use the microwave on every outing. When boondocking it works well with the Honda 2000.

You might consider a portable unit rather than building one into an area. Works for us.