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Microwave installed
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Microwave in Box
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Pry up the laminate to remove
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Unscrewing from Above the Oven
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Rack Inside Oven
By John McCabe
We really thought that this was going to be hard. We were wrong. In fact, had our timing not been so bad, installing a new microwave oven would have been quite simple. We ordered the oven when it was on sale from Dometic’s largest retailers, so of course they didn’t have any in stock. Once we did receive it however, the installation was fairly smooth sailing. Sure, there were a few bumps and a bit of bad language, but overall, installing a 40kg oven wasn’t as daunting as we originally thought.
Before ordering, you should always take measurements of the available space. Fortunately, most (and probably all) RV over-the-range ovens come in only two sizes. For that reason, Dometic only carries those two sizes. Ours was the larger one, measuring 762 mm wide x 419 mm deep x 390.5 mm tall. This calls for either the microwave DOTR-16B or microwave/convection oven DOTR-17BC. The only tools that we used were an electric screwdriver and a thin flat manual screwdriver to do some light prying. For this job, you will really want to go with an electric screwdriver or a drill, as the installation portion of the job will be much easier if you do! You will need a friend, too. As we said, it’s 40kg and you will be lifting it up to install it.
Of course, we started the process by unplugging the antique oven from the wall inside the overhead cabinet. Next, we had to remove three (very long) vertical screws from the top of the microwave. The heads of these screws were located under the “floor” panel of the cabinet above the oven. Therefore in order to access them, we needed to gently pry that laminate up. Although we were concerned that it would be ruined, it actually turned out well in the end; just pry gently or it will get ugly. Before removing the third and final screw, make sure that you have a friend holding onto the old microwave. Once the third screw is removed, ease the old unit down from the top, letting it slowly tilt forward toward you; when it’s far enough from the upper cabinet, pull up on the back and walk it out the door together.
When we removed ours, there was a flat board behind the cabinet. This is probably not the case with all microwaves, but if it’s there, remove it and get rid of it.
Our new unit came with a bracket to hold the oven steady. It was very simple to install; just put it in place where the old oven used to be. There shouldn’t be a problem, as both units fit very snugly between the cabinets and the refrigerator. Adhere it to the back wall using the supplied bolts and make sure that it’s holding tightly before installing the replacement microwave. At this point you may be thinking that it’s time to install the new unit. Well, you would be wrong! Before you go rushing into the install – and yes, we know you’re dying to try out the “popcorn” setting on your new Dometic microwave or microwave/convection oven – you have one extremely important step to make.
The unit is sold with the rear vents set for horizontal venting. If you leave them that way and your RV is set up for vertical ventilation (like ours), you’ll have to install the oven a second time if you choose to skip this step.
Now you really are ready to install your new best friend (unless you happen to be a really good cook). With the help from your other friend, simultaneously lift the new microwave toward the wall. On an angle of approximately 45° (with the top leaning toward you), rest the bottom of the microwave onto the bottom of the bracket. Thread the plug through the hole into the upper cabinet and, once the cord has fully extended into the cabinet, lean the unit the entire way back to the wall. While one person holds the oven up, the other person will screw the screws into the new unit in the same location that the old screws were removed from. Do not tighten down on any screw until all three have been started. If you do thread one in completely, you’ll be doing extra work.
On our install, the screw that was closest to the front of the RV was a bit difficult to access. Most likely there will be one on your install that won’t be as cooperative as its neighbours. For this reason, it’s best to use an electric screwdriver or a drill, as explained earlier. Once the three screws are in, the installation is complete! Reinstall the laminate inside the upper cabinet, install the screens on the underside of the microwave, plug in the unit and install the trays. Now you’re ready for that well-deserved bag of popcorn – and so is your friend who helped you.
One final note: This article is about replacing an existing microwave or microwave/convection oven. If you are installing one on a much older model, you will need to use the templates that are shipped with your new oven in order to properly install it. It is a couple extra steps that we would like to have done in order to give you the complete information, but none of the rigs to which we had access were set up without an OE microwave.