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Topic: Microwave removal (Read 634 times) previous topic - next topic

Microwave removal

Does any one know how to remove a sharp microwave from a 1998 U320 Foretravel 36 foot motorhome? I cannot find the top bolts or screws.Are they underneath the floor of the compartment over the microwave?

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #1 –
Welcome to the Forum mmcato!

We are happy to assist you in getting to know the tricks of owning a Foretravel.  You will probably have many questions.  Some questions can be quickly answered by using the excellent "search" link found under the "Community" tab at the top of the page.  Whatever you want to know, it is very likely another Forum member has had the same problem, question, or situation in the past.

I searched for "how to remove microwave" and got many hits.  The 3 examples below may help you remove your pesky oven:

Sharp Microwave R-1874 Installation

removal of sharp microwave

Getting butt kicked removal of microwave
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #2 –
There is a hidden screw-bolt in the upper right cabinet if its like mine and of course the ones from the bottom then it lifts up and off the backing bracket attached to the wall
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #3 –
Remove both bottom filters and there is a long screw that angles up to upper rear bracket, one on left and one on right. Foretravel also puts extra screws into cabinet for extra security.

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #4 –
As usual, the Forum helped me with tips on replacing our microwave oven in a 2000 U320. Learned a few things, so I will add them to this post which has some great links up top.

After looking at other models, we went for the nearly like-for-like replacement – a Sharp R-1874. The new one fit the old wall bracket. The best removal procedure is:
•  Unplug the microwave oven.
•  Remove the top vent cover, open the door, and remove the three screws that go into the cabinet trim. My screws were behind the slotted metal piece (see picture).
•  Get your support ready. You need enough space to drop the front of the oven down 3+ inches in order to lift it off the wall bracket.
•  Take off the filters on the bottom and remove the two long screws (see picture).
•  Drop the front down a bit and lift the bottom back edge up and off the wall bracket.
•  Feed the power cord down through the hole and remove the old oven.

The removal is that simple!

I hope the following tips make your installation better than my experience. It's those long damn screws! Took a few hours to figure it out. After I discovered the secret, it went smoothly. The install procedure is:
•  Replace the left side long screw on the new oven with one from the old oven. That's my most important tip. The old screw has a better point on the threaded tip (see picture). I struggled and struggled with the new screw. Once I swapped out the left screw, it went into the old bracket relatively easy. Leave the right screw alone. (Don't ask me how I know.)
•  Remove top vent cover. 
*  Lift the new oven onto your supports and feed the power plug into the cabinet.
•  With the front angled down, lift the back edge of the oven onto the wall bracket.
•  Add to your supports to hold the oven against the back wall. Thread the left screw into the wall bracket. It will take a few tries. Snug it up. By snugging up the left screw the wall support angles should fit into the angles on the back of the oven on both sides. Now thread in the right screw. It should be lined up with the wall bracket reasonably well. Tighten both screws.
•  Screw the oven into the cabinet trim and reinstall the top vent cover.

One more thing. The only tools you need are a 3/8" socket for the long screws, a tool to install and remove the cabinet screws, a drill for new holes into the cabinet trim, and a Philips head screwdriver for the vent cover. Also, it is best to have helping hands to lift the oven off and on your support. Other than this, it's a one-person job.

It's really a simple project, as long as you can get those long damn screws to fit into place.
Tom & Sandy
2000 U320 40' Build # 5682
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk
Start full time 8/5/16
SOLD in 2015: Fleetwood/Coleman Sun Valley pop-up

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #5 –
If you are not adding cabinet screws, know that the OEM bracket is designed for homes that do not bounce down the road. What feels secure while sitting still may be different during difficult driving situations.

It would be good if you tested and checked the previous wall mount screws. I heard that Foretravel builds coaches with a piece of wood in the wall behind the microwave to secure wall brackets.

We agree that replacing with similar Sharp brand is a good idea. We like that the door hinge is not at the edge of the microwave.

BTW, Sharp microwaves dated around 1996 use a different wall bracket that has two vertical sprint-loaded latches with locking screws that are located under microwave at the wall, so the bracket will have to be changed for new Sharp models.

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
If you are not adding cabinet screws, know that the OEM bracket is designed for homes that do not bounce down the road. What feels secure while sitting still may be different during difficult driving situations.

I agree that Foretravel wouldn't have added those screws if there hadn't been an issue.  The vertical forces when hitting a pothole, expansion joints, etc., are going to try to pull that microwave down, away from the upper cabinets.  That's a significant shear force on the long screws.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320
 

Re: Microwave removal

Reply #7 –
Yes, I agree it is better to add the screws. I will do this soon. I will modify the install procedure as follows:

Add Step 2 - Remove top vent cover.

Remove the final step that read "I did not add screws to the cabinet trim because there is a screw in the center of the top vent cover that is under the trim making the screw inaccessible. The old wall bracket is so well attached to RV that I am not worried about it going anywhere."

And add this - Screw the oven into the cabinet trim and reinstall the top vent cover.

Readers will understand your comments when they see the removed final step.

One more thing I will add. The only tools you need are a 3/8" socket for the long screws, a tool to install and remove the cabinet screws, a drill for new holes into the cabinet trim, and a Philips head screwdriver for the vent cover.

Tom & Sandy
2000 U320 40' Build # 5682
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk
Start full time 8/5/16
SOLD in 2015: Fleetwood/Coleman Sun Valley pop-up