 |
|
04-01-2019, 04:49 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member 
2015 25' Flying Cloud
columbus
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 40
|
Using microwave while traveling
We are unable to use our convection microwave oven in our 25 FC while traveling. Is the microwave only usable when connected to shore power? Batteries were fully charged. Even with the TV connected and running, the microwave would not turn on. Plug into shore power, it works great. Is this typical performance, and is there any way I can heat up food on the road?
|
|
|
04-01-2019, 04:52 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master 
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach
, British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,020
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shazam
We are unable to use our convection microwave oven in our 25 FC while traveling. Is the microwave only usable when connected to shore power? Batteries were fully charged. Even with the TV connected and running, the microwave would not turn on. Plug into shore power, it works great. Is this typical performance, and is there any way I can heat up food on the road?
|
Do you have the 1000w inverter option. If you do just turn it on when you are going to use the microwave. Just remember to turn it off when you are done.
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 02:11 PM
|
#3
|
2 Rivet Member 
2015 25' Flying Cloud
columbus
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 40
|
My paper work says we have a 1000W inverter. I turned on the inverter switch above the sink, but the microwave does not turn on. Is the microwave on the inverter circuit?
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 02:15 PM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Jupiter
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,075
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shazam
Is the microwave on the inverter circuit?
|
Ours wasn't with the OEM 1000W inverter. Now that we have upgraded our electrical system and batteries, all outlets are powered off the 3000W inverter when it's turned on.
All we had before was the TV and Bluray player, after moving the plugs to the other outlets (with the blue sticker).
Can you heat things up on the propane stove?
__________________
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." - Lao Tzu
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 02:25 PM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master 
2017 30' International
Broomfield
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,611
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shazam
Is the microwave on the inverter circuit?
|
No it is not. The standard inverter does not power the microwave.
You have 3 options to run your microwave:
1. Plug into shore power (you already know this)
2. Run a small generator (Provide portable shore power)
3. Upgrade your batteries, inverter and perform some 120v re-wiring to safely run the microwave off the batteries
Option #1 is no cost (as you know, you can plug in while camping, etc..)
Option #2 is $750 - $2,000 depending on the generator you want to buy
Option #3 is $3,500 - $30,000 depending on how har you want to go with an off grid power system
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 05:19 PM
|
#6
|
2 Rivet Member 
2015 25' Flying Cloud
columbus
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 40
|
Thanks for the replies.
Propane was not the preferred option for heading up the sandwich.
We have upgraded AGM batteries along with solar. Looks like some rewiring is needed to get power to the microwave outlet.
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 05:55 PM
|
#7
|
3 Rivet Member 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Moss Point
, Mississippi
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 148
|
When I've had to heat up left-overs while traveling, I've opened the Microwave drawer, reached back and unplugged the MW then plugged it into a 6 foot extension that reaches to an inverter circuit. Then turn on inverter and heat your left overs. Not sure is this is standard practice, but works well.
Dave
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 06:07 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master 

2019 25' Flying Cloud
Hendersonville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 702
|
Heating up leftovers
Depending upon what your leftover is (if it is soup this will not work) wrap it up real well in foil, open hood of car, put leftover in convenient warm (not to hot) spot in engine compartment, drive a while, instant hot sandwich. Did this for years when serving in the Army when out on field duty. My favorites were cans of Beany Weenies and Vienna sausages. Pop the top barely open and place on manifold. Better than an oven. I learned this trick when we went camping as a family when I was a child. My Father learned it in the Navy in WWII. Still works today. Enjoy your hot lunch.
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 06:14 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Jupiter
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,075
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave-n-Janet
Not sure is this is standard practice, but works well.
Dave
|
It could work for units that have the microwave in a drawer, but not on a unit like a 25' where it's installed below the stovetop.
__________________
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." - Lao Tzu
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 06:16 PM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master 
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,760
|
I think many microwaves draw more than 1000 watts, I think you need to check the capacity of the inverter and the draw of the microwave. I know my microwave sometimes will not run on the generator until I switch the converter off. Maybe pick up a lower wattage microwave.
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 06:36 PM
|
#11
|
Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,473
|
Maybe stop eating sammiches and go with soup?
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 07:12 PM
|
#12
|
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member

2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,229
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shazam
Thanks for the replies.
Propane was not the preferred option for heading up the sandwich.
We have upgraded AGM batteries along with solar. Looks like some rewiring is needed to get power to the microwave outlet.
|
You CANNOT run your microwave off the factory 1000watt inverter no matter how much retiring you do. The microwave uses 1800watts. You will either need to add a dedicated inverter for the Microwave or upgrade your factory inverter to a 3000 watt system. If you go the upgrade route you will have to add the microwave plug to the inverter circuit.
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 07:17 PM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master 
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by GMFL
You CANNOT run your microwave off the factory 1000watt inverter no matter how much rewiring you do. The microwave uses 1800watts. You will either need to add a dedicated inverter for the Microwave or upgrade your factory inverter to a 3000 watt system. If you go the upgrade route you will have to add the microwave plug to the inverter circuit.
|
Plus heavier duty cables and probably 400AH of AGM batteries or 200AH of Lithium batteries.
Wuulfrat had it nailed in his comment:
You have 3 options to run your microwave:
1. Plug into shore power (you already know this)
2. Run a small generator (Provide portable shore power)
3. Upgrade your batteries, inverter and perform some 120v re-wiring to safely run the microwave off the batteries
Option #1 is no cost (as you know, you can plug in while camping, etc..)
Option #2 is $750 - $2,000 depending on the generator you want to buy
Option #3 is $3,500 - $30,000 depending on how har you want to go with an off grid power system
I chose option #2. I run my generator to use my microwave when not on shore power.
__________________
2018 GT27Q, 73 nights 12,177 miles, 600W Solar - 110kWh, PD4655L, 6V Batteries, Blue Ox, 16" tires, 2019 F250 PSD
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles, Propride, 400W Solar - 200kWh in 216 days
2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
(O+5200)
|
|
|
04-02-2019, 07:31 PM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master 
1971 21' Globetrotter
Arvada
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,038
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
Plus heavier duty cables and probably 400AH of AGM batteries or 200AH of Lithium batteries.
Wuulfrat had it nailed in his comment:
You have 3 options to run your microwave:
1. Plug into shore power (you already know this)
2. Run a small generator (Provide portable shore power)
3. Upgrade your batteries, inverter and perform some 120v re-wiring to safely run the microwave off the batteries
Option #1 is no cost (as you know, you can plug in while camping, etc..)
Option #2 is $750 - $2,000 depending on the generator you want to buy
Option #3 is $3,500 - $30,000 depending on how har you want to go with an off grid power system
I chose option #2. I run my generator to use my microwave when not on shore power.
|
My solution on my GT build out is to just not install a microwave. I rarely stay in campgrounds and don't even own a generator, to noisy.
|
|
|
04-03-2019, 12:33 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master 

2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 8,524
|
We have s funky little microwave that runs in 120 v AC or 12 volts DC. Tiny chamber, but great for heating a single sandwich or dinner item. No clue as to the brand...
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
|
|
|
04-03-2019, 06:26 AM
|
#16
|
Rivet Master 
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 751
|
Agree with others...the microwave is not meant to run off the batteries. If you do buy a MUCH bigger inverter, you would need a major battery upgrade also!
|
|
|
04-03-2019, 06:27 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master 

2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 16,275
|
Another, no frills, no-modifications-needed traveling option for reheating is one of the small crockpots, which you can plug into your 12volt.
__________________
Find a need and fill it.
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
|
|
|
04-03-2019, 07:52 AM
|
#18
|
4 Rivet Member 
Curtis Wright
Currently Looking...
Eyren Haven
, South Jersey
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 326
|
My 1000W microwave uses 150 amps from the battery. I have a 2000w true sine wave Samlex inverter. 690 amp hour battery bank. 400 watts of solar on the roof with a Morningstar pwm controller. I use the microwave about 15 to 20 minutes per day on the high end, less if bad weather. Every thing is fine in my world.
I know people that use smaller microwaves on 1000 watt, true sine wave, inverters. But you do need the battery power to avoid voltage drop.
|
|
|
04-04-2019, 07:27 AM
|
#19
|
4 Rivet Member 
2019 22' Sport
Carlsbad
, California
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 250
|
All,
This is the closest thread I could find to my related question. Assuming a 200ah lithium bank and 3000w inverter (Victron Multiplus), I calculate that a 2000w draw at 120V requires 16.6ah/hour to run.
Unless I am missing an important piece of info, I should not only be able to run the microwave, but could also run my a/c with an easy start (not simultaneously).
Is there another factor I am unaware of or is that correct? It is not my intent to do so often, but I do want the option in a pinch. Thanks
|
|
|
04-04-2019, 07:37 AM
|
#20
|
.-. -...
2017 25' International
Port Dover
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,828
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prettygood
All,
This is the closest thread I could find to my related question. Assuming a 200ah lithium bank and 3000w inverter (Victron Multiplus), I calculate that a 2000w draw at 120V requires 16.6ah/hour to run.
Unless I am missing an important piece of info, I should not only be able to run the microwave, but could also run my a/c with an easy start (not simultaneously).
Is there another factor I am unaware of or is that correct? It is not my intent to do so often, but I do want the option in a pinch. Thanks
|
If you a drawing 16 amps at 120 volts AC (1920 watts) you will be drawing 176.64 amps at 12 volt. ( https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/tool...-inverter.html)
You might be able to start your air conditioner, but you couldn't run it very long.
__________________
Ray B.
|
|
|
 |
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|

Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|