Microwave mount broken?

[shhQuiet]

When I got to my most recent destination, I was met with this surprise with my microwave:

The screws were completely out and the fiberglass behind the face plate was broken into small pieces.  It looks like the holes were very close to the opening and snapped.

The other issue is that the microwave seems to be supported only by the screws on the front plate.  The rear has some wooden blocks that look like they are meant to support it, but the board they would otherwise be supported by doesn't line up.  The view from the exterior vent next to the door:

Anybody else run into this problem?

 

[topgun2]

11 minutes ago, shhQuiet said:

Anybody else run into this problem?

Well - yes and no.

My hull 117 has a completely different microwave than yours.  However, I had much the same with regards to the symptoms you describe.

The "problem" with mine was the lack of a bracket that wasn't installed when Twist came down the production line.

A simple phone call to Jason Essary cleared up the  issue and got me the parts needed to fix the problem.

Bill

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, shhQuiet said:

Anybody else run into this problem?

Mine too would be like @topgun2’s. It was installed a bit better than yours. I pulled ours out recently to replace it with an Emeril Air Fryer.

if it was me, I’d rip out everything I could and build a new solid mount. The front bezel should just be a surround, not a mount. Don’t be afraid to use some real 2x4s! Mount steel brackets to the rear or side case wherever possible. 

[shhQuiet]

2 hours ago, topgun2 said:

A simple phone call to Jason Essary cleared up the  issue and got me the parts needed to fix the problem.

Bill

Thanks Bill, I entered a ticket with Oliver, we'll see what they say about it.

 

13 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

I pulled ours out recently to replace it with an Emeril Air Fryer.

This is an idea I have had rolling around before the mounting problem.  I would really rather have an oven/air fryer over the microwave.  The only thing I usually use it for is heating up leftovers and my morning oatmeal.  But I could use the air fryer for leftovers and cook my oatmeal on the stove top.  What specific model did you replace your microwave with?

[jd1923]

7 minutes ago, shhQuiet said:

This is an idea I have had rolling around before the mounting problem.  I would really rather have an oven/air fryer over the microwave.

Maybe then your Oliver did you a favor, now is the time to upgrade. Linked my upgrade thread below. I reused the microwave bezel but your looks integrated to the MW. This should be the model I had. The dimensions were a good fit. 

I would try the "Like New" one for $104! If it's not just right, return it: Amazon.com: Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Stainless Steel Air Fryer, 360° Quick Cook Technology, XL capacity, 9-in-1, 12 Pre-Set Cooking Functions including Bake, Rotisserie, Broil, Pizza, Slow Cook, Toaster : Home & Kitchen

 

[Rolind]

We had a similar but less severe issue.  When I look closely at your picture, I notice a small crack in the metal trim around the microwave in the corner.  We developed similar cracks in all four corners after a trip to Fruita on I70 from Louisville. We were still under warranty and Oliver sent us a new trim piece along with some metal perforated hanger strap. They recommended that I attach a piece of the strap  to a preexisting screw on the back of the microwave and then to the platform the microwave is on. While I was working on the micro/convection oven, I noticed that the center of the metal foot it stands on had partially collapsed in the center.  I reinforced this with some screws and lock washers that reinforce this area.    We haven’t had an issue since however I did tighten up the hanger tape and and move the lower end of the longest piece to its own attachment site to the left since this picture was taken.      The First three images have the microwave on its side. The last two were take through the vent on the outside of the trailer above the fridge and below the microwave/convection oven. 
One other thought, I was unsure how hot the outside of the oven gets when using convection and therefore tried to steer clear of blocking airflow or putting anything combustible close the oven. Hope this helps.

Edited September 20 by Rolind
Additional information

[shhQuiet]

3 hours ago, Rolind said:

We had a similar but less severe issue.  When I look closely at your picture, I notice a small crack in the metal trim around the microwave in the corner.  We developed similar cracks in all four corners after a trip to Fruita on I70 from Louisville. We were still under warranty and Oliver sent us a new trim piece along with some metal perforated hanger strap. They recommended that I attach a piece of the strap  to a preexisting screw on the back of the microwave and then to the platform the microwave is on. While I was working on the micro/convection oven, I noticed that the center of the metal foot it stands on had partially collapsed in the center.  I reinforced this with some screws and lock washers that reinforce this area.    We haven’t had an issue since however I did tighten up the hanger tape and and move the lower end of the longest piece to its own attachment site to the left since this picture was taken.      The First three images have the microwave on its side. The last two were take through the vent on the outside of the trailer above the fridge and below the microwave/convection oven. 
One other thought, I was unsure how hot the outside of the oven gets when using convection and therefore tried to steer clear of blocking airflow or putting anything combustible close the oven. Hope this helps.

I can see how those straps would help hold the microwave rigid, for sure.  I wonder why they don't do that during installation?  You're right- the metal frame is cracked in that corner.  Hopefully Oliver will send me a replacement and some info on how to secure the rear of the microwave.  Thanks for the photos, they are helpful!

[shhQuiet]

Update-  I brought the camper back to Hohenwald and they determined the mount broke due to a defect during manufacture. Apparently the holes were drilled in the wrong location and a repair was made that ultimately failed. 
 

Bottom line, they upgraded me from a regular microwave to a convection model at no cost. Got it installed yesterday.
 

I also had an issue with the vent cap on the roof. Looked like it was over torqued during installation and cracked at all the holes. Since I had not reported that during warranty, I did have to pay to have that replaced, but they basically charged me their cost- $49.
 

Outstanding customer service for a camper that is out of warranty. 
 

[jd1923]

On 10/24/2024 at 10:33 AM, shhQuiet said:

Outstanding customer service for a camper that is out of warranty. 

Certainly is! Wow, great repair and upgrade all for $49! We need to travel to Hohenwald one day!

[topgun2]

2 hours ago, jd1923 said:

We need to travel to Hohenwald one day!

Everyone does!

The folks at the Mothership are even nicer than their camper.

Bill

[John Dorrer]

Our frame cracked in 2-3 corners and then again with the second and 3rd replacement, this even after Oliver shores things up. Not on my worry list. At some point I will dive in deeper.

[topgun2]

1 hour ago, John Dorrer said:

Our frame cracked in 2-3 corners and then again with the second and 3rd replacement, this even after Oliver shores things up.

Obviously, there is still movement in there somewhere and the frame really isn't meant to stop it - it is simply a trim piece.

It is fairly easy to take that trim piece off and then use scrap wood to shim around the Microwave in order to "wedge" it into place.  I'd suggest doing this sooner as opposed to later since that trim piece will continue to worsen and the sheet metal of the microwave could actually break from flexing over and over again - see the pic below and notice that two of the supporting "feet" on the microwave actually failed due to this.

Bill

 

Edited October 26 by topgun2