Van Life Essentials How to Have a Microwave While Living in a Van
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- čas přidán 1. 11. 2020
- In todays video we take a look to see how practical it is to have a microwave in a van-it turns out it is easier than you think!
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Thanks for watching!
If you know a better human being than Bob Wells, I would like to meet him/her. Love you Bob!
Rob green field is cool :) so is bob
One in a million.
Bob is who inspired me to go fulltime in 2015. I will proudly recommend his video series for those who need advice.
Thank-you Bob! I hope one day we meet.
Although I don't use a microwave I have passed your video on to friends who are always asking questions about having a microwave. I've saved your video so now rather than trying to explain something I really don't know about I can just forward your video on microwaves. Thanks again Bob for your wisdom!
@Kamper Ken I don't use any high draw items. I guess for being a tent camper for so many years (50+) I never felt the need to have such equipment which includes in my sticks & bricks when I'm in them. I realize I'm one in a billion who doesn't use those items although I've just never seen a reason for the equipment. I know you don't have to think it, I've been told before, I'm a weirdo😁
Bob's da bomb!🙂🙂🙂Thanks Bob, yours is the best channel regarding RV life.
Dear Mr Bob my hat is off to you and your crew, I say it all the time the tireless work that you all do we appreciate it. I am very blessed that I got to meet you before which was awesome but most of all thank you for all of your knowledge because we are still in our van living our dream and we are successful because of you thank you so much. Of
Excellent video, i bet Cody is going to love smelling microwave popcorn lol 👍.
FYI to all: A 700 watt microwave is the cooking power and it will draw at least 1100 watts from an outlet.
Update 12/2/22: Since I have a 1,000 watt Pisfau brand battery source (about $500 on Amazon after clicking the coupon box) I decided to buy the lowest wattage microwave on the market: The 600 watt Commercial Chef. Using my kill-o-watt meter and the meter on the battery they both said it was drawing 975 watts and it has given me no problems for the last few weeks. This is the only microwave on the market that will work with a 1,000 watt inverter and buying it used like new on Amazon it was about $54. My Chulux pod coffee maker draws 720 watts also runs fine. Guess who's been enjoying coffee and breakfast while still in his bath robe: This guy! :)
It is common to see lithium batteries with a 100 amp battery management system built-in which limits battery output to about 1280 watts. When you subtract out the 1100 watts for the microwave plus what the inverter draws plus the fridge plus the van lights and maybe charging a phone it is easy to see where a 100 amp BMS may not be enough for a 700 cooking watt microwave. If planning to run a "beefy appliance" as Bob calls them, it would probably be wise to invest in a battery with a 200 amp BMS that can deliver 2560 watts. I got my battery numbers off the Amazon Redodo brand page for a 200Ah battery with a 200 amp BMS currently going for $650.
And to avoid an electrical fire with a beefy draw, a 12 volt system in a van will require much thicker wires between the battery and the inverter than a house needs in the walls using 120 volts. Random online sources seem to agree that a 1/0 AWG gauge battery cable is good enough to handle up to 3,500 watt draws and is the right size for a 2000 watt inverter. A person that didn't know better might be tempted to save $10 on a thinner cable and turn their van into a barbecue wagon.
How much does it pull on low and medium????
Finally someone explained this in detail. Thank you Bob for everything you do.
I really like all the interviews/tours from other people's home on wheels you do. I would really like to see a tour of your van! As always, you do a fantastic job of helping people out and keeping them informed! Much love from Oklahoma ❤
Thanks Bob! You are so appreciated. There are so many things that no longer concern my thoughts and wonders. Because of all that you are putting out into this world for others, I have benefited from it greatly. Not matter what, I'm confident I can find a way to get by and LOVE every minute of it!
Never in a gazillion years did I think I would push the subscribe button ... but I just can’t help myself 🤷♀️... I keep on coming back for more. I do see this being my future and I am learning SO much! Thank you! New subscriber now ... 🤣🤣🤣
cheers buddy been following you since i first went off-grid 5 years ago youve been a legend helped me loads im still loving it!
Really great overview of the basics to large draw applications. Five stars all day.
Another great video Bob! You always try to make it simple, informative, and entertaining!!
For anyone running their own microwave load tests: put something (e.g. a glass of water) in the microwave - don't run it empty. The energy has to go somewhere, and you can cook to microwave components if you don't have something to absorb the energy. You will probably get away with it, but just a friendly tip from someone who has witnessed what can happen if you run it too long empty. Great video
Good stuff Bob. Everyone has their own idea of the best way to cook. You provide lots of options.
Thumbs up for the easy to understand explanation. For those that want to get out the calculator, It's all about I^2 times R power loss. Keep those batteries close as absolutely possible to the inverter and as Bob says, use thick wire, double up wire in parallel if possible for 12V connections.
lookin good Mr. Wells. Thanks for all of the great offgrid content!
I have a Jackery 1000 and I bought RCA microwave from Walmart paid 70 Canadian dollars 700w.....I've been warming up my food maybe 2 or 3 minutes and its doing fine so far..then again I'm not a big cooker so it works for me
That was my exact question can I use a 1000 jackery ? microwave for a couple minutes to heat up water or heat up food so I don’t have to do an electrical set up
That's the question I was waiting to ask as well. Glad you mentioned it. I can't get a clear answer as to whether or not you can use the Jackery 1000 to power your microwave in a van.
harbor freight has jackery 1000
Very informative! Love learning from you ... So generous sharing your knowledge. Greatly appreciated!
I do not live in a RV but I love watching your videos, there my escape.
Thank You 😊
Bobs videos are very inspiring and helpful! Been using a microwave in my van for a couple years now. Running off vehicles alternator charging system to recharge secondary battery and 2k watt inverter. Plan on solar conversion eventually.
You really know your stuff... Thanks Bob! 👍
Soo much good info. I always learn so much from your videos. You never fail to amaze me Bob 😄 thank you.
Awesomeness, Brother Bob!
If you can spend a little extra money there are some options I have an Ef Ecoflow Delta 1260 wh 1800W and it can run my Nuwave convection plate also my 700w microwave and the best part is that it can be recharged in about 2 hours from 0 to 80% . It cost about $1400.99 but by the time you buy 4 batteries and inverter I believe you are better of. The best thing is it recharge pretty fast. Also it can be moved from one vehicle to another . I also have a Jackery but it takes much longer to recharge. Just a good option. It is sold at amazon
This is very interesting. BTW, I love Bob's 'sponsor announcement'. ❤️❤️
I've learned so much with your videos.
you are an incredible resource Bob!
Merry Christmas Bob Wells and all the HOWA group and sponsors.🎄❤️
thanks, Bob. good balance of tech and practice. -C
Bob Wells and Curly Howard are my 2 favs, both great human beings.
Thank you so much for this informative video! I got so much out of it.
Good info on battery/inverter/high energy draw. Thanks
I love these how to videos!
Thanks for sharing.
These videos are phenomenal! I'm so glad I found your channel. When I do hit the road, it won't be an epic fail now. BTW you do look like Santa 🎅. Adorable!!! 😉
Excellent guidance as always.
Hey Bob! Saw you camping near Quartzsite in December almost stopped and said hi. I will next year.
If anyone is interested of what I run for power and what works for our usage in a Sprinter full time. It really does depend on your needs.
Lithium is fantastic! The upfront cost is a Iittle high but the savings is way cheaper after replacing 4 lead acids twice in 5 years I bit the bullet and got the Battleborns and have been using them flawlessly for 7 years running a 1750w microwave, refrigerator Max Air fan electric induction burner, lights projector all cell phone charging through 400 amp hours of Battleborn lithium batteries. (10 year warranty) but most likely 20 years
The peukert effect is almost completely eliminated with lithium batteries.
The batteries are half the weight of lead acid batteries and 80% of battery capacity can be used without premature degradation.(even if you do run them completely down continually your still have 80%
A lead acid battery can only use 40% if you go over that you will begin to cause heavy damage the lead plates in the lead acid battery.
I have 200w of solar but most of the charging is from a DC to DC charger connected to the starter battery that delivers 60 Amps of charging while at idle or driving plus about 10 amps through the solar.
Hope this helps someone.
Safe travels to all and keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.
THANK YOU ,VERY INFORMATIVE
Very helpful. Thank you!
Great job Bob, I enjoyed it!
Thank you. Blessings to you.
I'm really thinking about getting rid of the $1500 mini studio here in California and joint the Nomad movement. It would be cheap living and peaceful I think.
Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge sir.
May the lord bless you Bob. 🙏🙏
Very good video, thank you!
Such helpful information. I am looking at your classes on skillshare as I prepare to hit the road soon. :) CAN'T WAIT!! :) Love you Bob.
Thanks for defining the separate inverter’s. Makes sense to have a lower draw inverter to charge smaller items. All the best ☮️
Great video! I did understand you can run a microwave in a van lol 💜
Great video as always. Two things I would note. A pure sine inverter has a higher idle draw but overall it is much more efficient. Having a sine Wade makes all appliances you connect run more efficiently. A 'modified sine wave' makes any appliances work less efficient thus they will draw more power from the inverter to compensate. If you were to measure the power drawn from the battery, you would see that running any appliance on a pure sine wave inverter will use less energy from the battery than a 'modified sine wave' inverter.
Yep, he's running a pure sine inverter. Another thing to note is that while some microwaves might run on MSW, the sharp edges of the square wave make the magnetron grid rattle around a little, making heating very slow and probably reducing the life of the microwave
Thanks so much for sharing.
Great video Bob very informative. I’m looking at retiring to the van life. I don’t remember any videos about the essential tool you should have with you when you start. If you did this video send me a link. Thank again I love your videos!
Helpful and hilarious 😆 thanks 🙏
thanks bob for info
Since I know a little bit about lithium batteries. They are more expensive but have many advantages. They last much longer than lead acid batteries. Approximately 3 to 5 times longer. They weigh about 1/3 of lead acid batteries. There are different types. The best for campers are Lifepo4. 4 cells match the voltage of a classic lead acid battery so all chargers and inverters and solar chargers can be used directly. I just built my own system for a mini van. It has 3.5 kWh of energy and can be charged on normal outlet, via solar or at an RV outlet within 2 hours.
Live you ...very good educator...😘
Don't Know if you know but if you turn on your microwave with nothing in it. It can burn out your microwave. I used to sell them.
Good morning Bob you have a wonderful day ❤️
Thanks Bob! My diy build will have to wait for that much power but will give me a goal which first aims for lithium batteries with 800 to 1000 watts to run a minisplit air conditioner - and - microwave, etc. IF - I have enough roof room for the large solar panels! $$$OW!
Good video
Hey Bob,Have you ever tried the Nuwave cook top? Just got one for my campervan works really well.Thanks for your great Videos.
Thanks bob
Great video. The voltage is correct but is load dependent. Its not a measure of remaining capacities.
Bob is everyones cool uncle
Wow Thank you
Thanks Bob
I have a old Cobra 850 inverter and love it, you wont find them anymore.
Hey Bob, while I watched the video, I was wondering, since I have a battery isolator on my main van battery. When I run my van at night(anytime) it charges my solar 100ah Renogy battery. I will have to think about how that would help to help supply power when using a microwave.
I’ve always wanted a microwave in my van, but always thought it was too big of a draw.
I have 2 x 100w solar panels down to 100ah battery, isolator as extra help.
Always thought I’d like to add 3 more batteries, I still have room on roof for 2 more panels as well.
Thx for the video, I gotta sit n think of o can do it and what I should add to make it fully functional. 👏✌️🌬🚐💨
Good information Bob. So what would be the pros and cons to having a 2000-2200 watt inverter generator be compared to your system.
I know I’ve had 3 different inverter generators over the years and they sip gas. Especially if you’re running it 10 or 15 minutes at a time. My Honda was around $1000 but I had a champion that was$400 and a Pulsar $500 there are several that have very good ratings in the $500 range.
I was thinking about this very thing considering if I were to jump into vanning. If you could only afford say 2x 100ah AGMs, I'd be inclined to wire them (and panels) in series for a 24v system (24v inverter and controller of course) to lessen the current drain. The amp hours will be the same as a single battery, but the available *power* is still effectively double of a single battery. Wiring gauge thickness could also be less heavy duty. And I'd say for anything over 100w of panels, an MPPT would be a must over a PWM, especially if you're pulling loads like a microwave. I've also looked at lithium (LiFePO) and it seems the more sensibly priced ones aren't as capable of the current draw as AGMs are - so they might need to be in series as 24v anyway. Although I probably couldn't justify the expense. Just my 2 cents.
Clearly a great explanation, Bob, thanks, although I am still confused, and will likely have to sit down with a pencil and paper one day to work through some of these problems to really understand them.
Quick bottom line, though - can you run a microwave like yours off a Jackery, and if so, which size is necessary?
Can you plug it into your 12V thingie that used to be a cigarette lighter and just run the engine of the van while cooking to power it?
I need a microwave and an air conditioner.
My interest in vanlife isn’t about camping or roughing it but just the mobility and ability to travel.
Great video. I understand u should only buy M/w that is analog like the one in ur video. Not one that is digital. Not over 750 watts
Congrats on 455K subs, Bob...
GUESS I WON'T ME GETTING A
MICROWAVE ANYTIME SOON!
Same! I have a cute vintage half pint I am using in my house now, but not sure I can swing 2K to power it, 😒
@@serenakoleno9338 Ditto!
Did you install the inverter yourself? Any recommendation for an outfit that installs inverters and batteries in AZ? I have a small travel trailer that I’d like to get an inverter for to power microwave and my electronics.
Ty sir
Great video Bob! But oh the prices on those batteries are a great incentive to stick with propane cooking.
The Sailing Uma crew did install Li batteries on their boat and they use their 12 Volts (I think) microwave a lot.
Hello, im having a problem running my 700watts microwave using my 300watts inverter thru my 1500 promaster main battery(12v 95 Ah 800a). I used this set up with my tundra and I never had an issue before. Please help and thanks in advance
Bob sometimes gets confused between amps and amp-hours.
Bob, you should look into lithium batteries (LIFEpo4), since they last over 10 years they are cheaper in the long run than golf cart batteries that you have to replace every 2 or 3 years.
!!!
Microwave requirements are helping me comprehend voltage vs. amps. By far, I love food, more than I love electricity science.
UPDATE: 2 yrs after this video: I got a 600W microwave for the van. 1 min on medium high costs 1% power 🔋
40 seconds roasts the bejesus out of a tiny cookie 🍪
A simple way to figure out battery size and inverter size: multiply battery voltage with capacity. For example 12 Volt * 200 Ah = 2200 kWh of available energy. Half of that is the maximum inverter size you should use. So in this example a 1000 Watt inverter is the largest you should use.
They do make inverters now that are supposed to save on standby power. But they're also twice as expensive.
I have one of those 1000W solar power stations and I tried a 0.7 cu. ft. 700W cooking power Walmart microwave with it and it failed within 30-seconds because the microwave needed too much power (1100W input). Then I ordered one of those 600W Commercial Chef microwaves on Amazon and that worked fine (only needed 950W input).
What about with a Jackery 1000? Can that handle a small microwave?
I wonder how much solar you would need to run a deep submersible well pump . 220 volt and 1/2 hp .
What is the difference between a 12 volt battery and a golf cart battery and why do you prefer golf cart batteries?
Does using the microwave for let's say, 5 minutes, drain the battery down 50% (let's say)...which would count as a cycle??? What about direct connection to my van's alternator and isolator?
Would a 1000 watt Jackery run a 650 watt small microwave without problems? I would have maybe a 30 quart fridge/freezer and small electronics such as a cell phone, a Kindle and a frequently used laptop to charge. I have a Vitamix blender which pulls 1400 watts, which is too high, even though I only run it a few minutes at a time. I may get a small blender instead.
Excellent video, just what most would be wondering about ... now how about Induction cookers ? :D
I'm looking for information on if it should be vented, and how the heat/steam/smells effect the interior of the van. I had a non-vented microwave/range hood at home and hated it! Every time my wife seared a steak the smoke detectors went off. I vented it, and that does not happen anymore. Her steaming/cooking on the burgers has caused the paint in the kitchen to start to bubble. Venting (actually venting, not back into the space!) solves all that.
Well...how about topping off your batteries using your van's engine and alternator?
What jackery could power it on medium?
Thanks so much for this video; there is a big microwave question left unanswered. If my 250 amp-hour Interstate 8D AGM battery , with 200W solar, 2000 W pure sine wave Xantrex inverter, and that AGM battery charges off the alternator with the usual isolator setup, can I simply idle my vehicle while microwaving and using a simple toaster , so as to avoid any drawdown and inverter shutoff problems ? This assumes short-time cooks, and toasting bread in a pop-up toaster. Thanks
...and not using the microwave and toaster at the same time of course.
could a big jackary power this? and how .much power/% might it take? : )
I find that microwaves with spinning glass discs are a pain in the butt in a mobile vehicle... It must be put back on its center spinning hub every time you stop moving and want to use the microwave... With a bit of research a regular nonspinning disc microwave can be found... (a side note, the microwave still has a spinning device in it that stirs the microwaves)...
ZiggZagg11, good point for people who want to consider using a microwave.
I have a grill cheese maker. Hamilton beach. How many watts will it draw
Hi Bob, you say you have 2 inverters. Are both inverters connected to the solar control. Or just the big one, and the smaller is connected to your 12v fuse box using the lighter port to get power for smaller stuff.
all inverters must be connected directly to the batteries
This is very helpful to many Bob, I have an A.A.S. Degree in electricity and you know your stuff, Bob. OFF-TOPIC. I have a subject for a video. I am interested in traveling through the Coconino forest from Quartzsite through Flagstaff in the summer. I am sure you know all the good places to go to. Keep up the good work, hope to meet up someday.
Quartzsite in the summer gets REALLY hot. Make sure you have plenty of ways to make shade. Have fun!
Bob,have you ever used a inverter generator?. Is it such a sin using one two hours or so a day?