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Microwave as storage issue...
I suspect most LD owners use the microwave for storage when not needed for use as intended, particularly true for those of us that graduated from the pre-nuker LD models. However, though in general you can load up with pretty heavy items, there is a consequence. With extended travel this way, since the turntable is not rotating, the little plastic wheels beneath the turntable will develop flat spots, to the point that it will no longer turn when heavy items are being cooked. A solution would be to remove the wheel spider for non-cooking use, or simply have a spare in reserve to swap out just for that.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #1 –
Good idea, Steve.  I also recommend removing the glass turntable while traveling.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #2 –
"I also recommend removing the glass turntable while traveling."

I have never thought to remove the turntable for any reason short of washing. It's ridden in place for thirteen years on this rig and many more on others.

I do utilize the space however, referring to it as my 'bread box'. Bread, English Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Chips, etc. all get to ride up there in the dark. Be careful though... packing the micro tight with expandables will offer a challenge when you reach altitude!   :o   8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #3 –
I’ve been bubble wrapping the glass microwave turntable and the wheel assembly for travel. Keeps it quiet and prevents possible breakage.

I probably wouldn’t have thought of doing so on my own. I must have learned about it here.

Now for usable storage space for chips etc., that’s something that makes perfect sense.

Why didn’t I think of that?

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #4 –
I, too, have always kept bread, chips, crackers in the microwave when it's not in use.  I also have always (and I do this at home, too) keep a Willert "AirBoss" charcoal odor eliminator "thing" in there.  You can buy these at Wal-Mart in the closet hangers-ironing board-clothespins section.  It is odor free itself, and absorbs smells and moisture...so that microwave mac n' cheese doesn't smell like pumpernickel. 

I keep these "things" in the shoe storage area, in the refrigerator, and the closet.  At home, I expand that to multiple closets and the refrigerator and freezer, microwave and storage areas. 

Made in China, so caveat emptor.

TinaP
2006 MB "Wild Thing"...taking the Florida sun


2006 MB
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #5 –

Another 13 year non-turntable remover. Having a Rear Kitchen we don’t hear anything rattling from the back of the bus.

Also have never carried anything in the microwave. The RK has a huge over-the-dinette cabinet. With a couple of these up there our kitchen storage is more than we need.

Amazon.com - Seville Classics Expandable Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Shelf -...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #6 –
Quote from: huskerblue  - 
Another 13 year non-turntable remover. Having a Rear Kitchen we don’t hear anything rattling from the back of the bus.
Guilty as charged. 15 years and 106,000 miles, with the breadbox, err, microwave always loaded up.
The microwave is rarely used. When we ordered our LD, I asked LD's Steve if he would leave it out and install a door instead. He declined.

With the microwave removed, the interior space inside is unfinished with wire bundles attached to the wall.
The interior of the cabinet has more than twice the space available for storage, compared to the microwave's interior.
If LD had used a suitable door on any their floor plans, the microwave would have been gone a long time ago.

Steve, did your microwave's carousel develop problems?
Removing the plastic spider seems to be a prudent practice. Great, another thing to store.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #7 –
Larry-

You've obviously thought about fabricating a door for the microwave cabinet opening... What's kept you from doing so?

Mark
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #8 –
Interesting comments on using the micro as a storage cabinet; I've never done that. I don't hook up often (or run the generator), but when I do have juice, I appreciate the convenience of the micro for quick zaps, primarily of milk for my coffee, leftovers, and dog food. (Yes, I am the short order cook for the dog.) Nothing stashed in the shower, either. 

Another 'YMMV' thing!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #9 –
Our micro gets used for zapping on occasion.  Haven't needed the storage space so far.  I have considered a blow-up beach ball as a sort of clamp to keep things from hopping around in there... although it might be awhile before I tame the other various rattles for that one to become an issue.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #10 –
We always use the microwave for bread storage. And we do a lot of pre cooked meals. So our microwave gets used a lot.
Lynn and Lori
 
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #11 –
"...a blow-up beach ball as a sort of clamp to keep things from hopping around in there..."

If you are going to the mountains it's best to not inflate it too much!  ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #12 –
I use the microwave as a signal that the generator is up to speed. 

The idea of converting it to more storage area is a good idea.  Larry tell use more.
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #13 –
Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13  - 
You've obviously thought about fabricating a door for the microwave cabinet opening... What's kept you from doing so?
After spending year's income on a motorhome, I wanted the interior to look stock, not slapped together.
I inspected every LD floorpan, looking for a door that would cover the microwave opening and look correct.
Nothing was close to what was needed.
I could have built a door but I wasn't confident I could get it right, trying to match wood frame, the correct routed edges and that the color and staining matched.  If it wasn't, my eagle-eye wife would not have been pleased .
You married guys must understand my problem, unhappy wife, very unhappy life.

The 24' models have much less storage than the longer floor plans.
So, alternative storage was developed, to supplement the Factory storage.
I filled in the spaces that the Factory had left empty or underutilized
Barrel chair storage | Flickr
Couch storage tray | Flickr
Door trays | Flickr
Wine rack | Flickr
Seat tray storage box | Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157602095133064

Also built additional storage for a few of my friends, who also wanted more.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157624900349825
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157668756678411
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157666569259434

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Steve, did your microwave's carousel develop problems?
Removing the plastic spider seems to be a prudent practice. Great, another thing to store.

Larry
Yes! On our last trip, my wife put a glass casserole dish with dinner in to heat up. It was heavy, and would not rotate. I pulled the spider and discovered flat spots on the wheels. It would rotate - if a bit roughly - with lighter items. Part due in Thursday. I will probably keep the old part for storage use, swapping out to the new one for cooking.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"...a blow-up beach ball as a sort of clamp to keep things from hopping around in there..."

If you are going to the mountains it's best to not inflate it too much!  ;D

Thanks for the heads-up.  Although geographically, we'll have a thousand miles or so to contemplate things before we get close to having an issue. 

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Chip Chester  - 
Our micro gets used for zapping on occasion.  Haven't needed the storage space so far.  I have considered a blow-up beach ball as a sort of clamp to keep things from hopping around in there... although it might be awhile before I tame the other various rattles for that one to become an issue.

Chip
That I would not recommend. Anything pushing down on platter while traveling could cause the flattening. It is the constant pressure without rotation, combined with vertical accelerations, that will wear the contact spots on the wheels.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #17 –
   We don't have hookups often, we do use the Micro Wave for storage of light items. Cookies, chips, bread etc. A pain to relocate those items to use the MW, but not that bad. Steve, I bet those felt discs for feet on furniture would support the glass tray above the rotating ring rollers. You would need to remove them before using the MW, along with making sure the ring was in the right place.
   I guess you wouldn't notice a bag of chips that implodes at sea level, but it does seem that a lot of food is sealed at or near sea level, and expands greatly at higher altitudes. I don't think it would damage the MW innards. Wonder if it would pop the door open? RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #18 –
Larry-

One of the last mods I made to our 1997 mid-bath before we sold it was to add a built-in vacuum cleaner in the panel under the stove (the panel that holds the propane detector and covers up the fresh water tank). I measured and drew up the LD trim cross-section such that a local sawmill could order a set of moulding knives from Woodmaster. They proceeded to cut some red oak trim that I stained to closely match the LD original. I either have some of that hanging around (that I could send to you), or could have them make some for you. Send me a private message if you're interested.

Mark

Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #19 –
Some interesting approaches and thinking here.  I applaud you.  HOWEVER - had the mothership made a door available as an option rather than the microwave, I would have chosen the microwave, even if I had to pay extra for it as an option.  I use mine nearly every evening for some part of my meal prep.  I would be lost without it.  When traveling, I would never use it for storage.  Everything has a place, and everything in its place...

Different strokes for different folks...

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Microwave as storage issue...
Reply #20 –
I removed the microwave in my current 08 MB and my previous 07 RK. I got the door that most closely fit from the mothership along with hardware. I talked a Home Depot worker into trimming an inch off the side so it would fit for the MB, the RK door didn’t need modification. I am happy with the way both doors looked and functioned. You can always reinstall the microwave which I did when I sold the RK.
2008 MB