Sharp Convection/Microwave Replacement

[Steve-n-Sue]

Our 08 Winnie Adventurer 38J came with a Sharp Model R-1880LST convection/microwave. Can you believe that the microwave died after only 18 years? Naturally, Sharp no longer makes that model, HOWEVER they do make Model R-1874TY, which is a direct bolt-in replacement in our coach. On our bus the Sharp has two bolts that can be accessed from the bottom, after removing the exhaust screens, that angle upwards and anchor to the backing plate. There are also two machine screws, 8-32 or 10-32 that screw in from the top, mounting to Winnie provided brackets. Ours also had a sheet metal screw through the wooden frame of the cabinet above. These three can only be accessed by removing the floor of the small cabinet above the Microwave. On ours, I removed the upper cabinet door for easy access. The floor of the cabinet was not screwed, nailed, or glued, but couldn't be removed until I removed the door latch. Once the latch was removed the floor came up and could be removed by bowing it enough to allow it to pass through the door opening. After the floor was removed the two side wall panels came out and then the back wall panel came out. None were screwed, nailed, or glued. Once the three small screws were removed, the microwave came down when the two large angled bolts were removed. Simply tilt the front of the M/W down allowing the cord to be accessed and unplugged, and then pick the back edge of the M/W up to remove it from the backing plate. On our installation, the backing plate did not have to be changed. The only modification to the new M/W was to rotate the exhaust fan for rear exhaust as per the instructions for the new unit. The new one went in, in reverse order, tilting, placing the back edge on the backing plate, one person holding it while the other fished the cord through the hole in the cabinet, tilting it up into place, fastening the new bolts to the backing plate, and then re-installing the machine screws. I did not re-use the sheet metal screw, as it seemed that it was added, and not designed. The new model was available on Amazon, but I'm sure that there are several vendors that have it.

 

[CharlesinGA]

There was another model of Sharp MW/convection unit that also apparently didn't last forever. It was installed in my '07 View, the R820 series I really liked it and it worked well, but it went with my View when I sold it and I have never found one to install in my trailer in place of the <1cf MW that is in there. The sharp had heating elements both top and bottom in addition to the MW function and it really worked well on Pizza and cinnamon rolls and stuff like that.

I have my eye on a Furrion MW/Conv model that appears to fit, and may go ahead and order it.

Charles

 

[Utclmjmpr]

I replaced my Sharp after the control panel could not be read any longer,,I searched online and bought a unit made in S.Korea that includes Alexa,, so you can use your phone to tell it to begin cooking the meal you put in it from 50 miles away..>>>Dan

 

[8Muddypaws]

Recently installed one in an '06 Winnie. Similar install and a very solid unit.

When the High Point in my rig goes out I'll probably install a Samsung, Sharp, or Panasonic. From my experience those are the most reliable ones. We never use the convection oven so a simple microwave will be the choice.

 

[Domo]

On our MH, the major concern was if the adjacent cabinets interfere with the door opening... Sharp doors seem to pivot, rather than hinge to the side...

We got our replacement at BunkHouse RV in RedBay, AL. They do a lot of custom work and often pull perfectly new appliances to make way for new remodels... Great warehouse for spare parts when we were there (not a palace but very functional).

 

[NY_Dutch]

When the Sharp MW in our now 24 year old coach died, after careful measurement I found a Hamilton Beach MW that was a perfect fit except for adding small shims under the feet to position it properly on the original Sharp front vent. The unit was on sale at Walmart at the time for $88. Ten years later, it's still working perfectly.

 

[Professor David]

Thanks for these posts. My original Sharp MW went out a few months ago after 18 years. The convection oven still works. I’ve been putting off replacing it.

 

[John Canfield]

..snip.. After the floor was removed the two side wall panels came out and then the back wall panel came out. None were screwed, nailed, or glued...snip....

Good job Steve! Did you happen to take any pictures of the swap-out? I ordered our Horizon with the optional Adventium (sp?) MW/oven, it had halogen lights for heating so it was possible to bake in it along with having microwave capability. It lasted about 8-10 years, fortunately an exact replacement was still in production.

Anyway I'm guessing the lack of fasteners might have something to do with the Adventurer's house (and chassis for that matter) is subject to flexing so the cabinetry isn't subject to motion stresses without the fasteners.

Second guess is Winnie's cabinet shop forgot the fasteners. Third guess is the fasteners were omitted by design to save production time.