New GTRV Owner: Smog, Solar, Insurance Agent, Specs

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by MilkAndRelish

Honestly I wouldn’t mind removing mine either. What did you put in it’s place? I would like more storage but I wouldn’t want to have to fabricate anything to put in its place.

I put mine in place of the rear window, but I don't know where yours is, how about a photo?

[MilkAndRelish]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

I put mine in place of the rear window, but I don't know where yours is, how about a photo?

I'm actually talking about the microwave. I'm wondering what you put in there instead or if it's just an empty box now?

[BrianW]

I think builders put in microwaves to get the RVIA sticker and/or to qualify as an RV over a conversion van. Usually the requirement is to have a cooking source and sleeping facilities, so if there is no gas stove the microwave fills that need.

My SMB had an old-school slide out shelf and open area for a 13” tube TV. I retrofitted a silverware drawer and a cabinet in that area. Write up is somewhere here in the forum. Was a good reuse of the space that you might consider.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by BrianW

I think builders put in microwaves to get the RVIA sticker and/or to qualify as an RV over a conversion van. Usually the requirement is to have a cooking source and sleeping facilities, so if there is no gas stove the microwave fills that need.

Very good point. It's always good to remember, as we question lots of things aobut our camper vans, that a lot of things are simply driven by the RVIA guidelines. That's why they may not make sense to us and may not be in the least user friendly, but they get the converter past the damn government mandates so they can sell them to us.

Also, having spent lots of time in a truck seat, a truck driver always knows what's behind him/her. You can see the shadow.

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by MilkAndRelish

I'm actually talking about the microwave. I'm wondering what you put in there instead or if it's just an empty box now?

I simply installed a fiddle along the bottom edge (a raised lip) and use it for food storage. A piece of door skin covers the holes on the bottom. The very bottom compartment (below the microwave) now has a false bottom that can be easily removed so I have storage below, then seperate storage on top of the wood shelf.

[MilkAndRelish]

Originally Posted by arctictraveller

I simply installed a fiddle along the bottom edge (a raised lip) and use it for food storage. A piece of door skin covers the holes on the bottom. The very bottom compartment (below the microwave) now has a false bottom that can be easily removed so I have storage below, then seperate storage on top of the wood shelf.

Great, thanks for the response! I may try to do the same thing.

Another question for GTRV/Sportsmobile owners --

What do you use for covers for the bed and the folding bench seat? I want to leave something on there that can be pulled off and washed!

-Eli