Microwave Convection Function

[jkxtreme]

Microwave / convection issues:
When we operate the microwave convection oven in convection mode, I get an odor that smells like paper smoldering. Has anyone had an issue when using the convection mode.
Also, the microwave and our central vac come off the same breaker. When the microwave is operating, the central vac won't work. Does anyone know how the system prevents the central vac from operating when the microwave is running.

[Mikendebbie]

You need to include the year and model of your trailer.

[BB_TX]

If it is new, the odor may be the “new hot odor” smell. Not uncommon and usually fades over time. Common on devices using electric heating coils. Also some units have the convection oven exhausting the heat into a confined space behind the oven causing materials back there to become quite hot. If the odor is something new then there may be a problem with it.

If that central vac is on the same breaker as the microwave/convection there may be a load sharing device to prevent both operating at the same time to prevent tripping the breaker.

[jkxtreme]

2023 Montana 3901 RK

[jkxtreme]

We purchased the unit 'used' but I don't believe it was used very much. I know it was purchase originally in Dec of 2022, but we saw it fore sale 'used' in July 2023 as a used 2023.

[BB_TX]

The convection mode may have never been used. Microwave mode doesn’t generate that same heat.

[BB_TX]

If you add your year and floorplan to your signature it will always show when you post.

[Daryles]

Regarding operating both microwave and vacuum at the same time.
There is a device called a "Power Sharing Switch" that has two appliances Sharing one circuit breaker. Mine is located under the stairs behind the basement wall.

As for the microwave, I have read of where people have removed the microwave to replace it and found scorch marks on the wall behind it. We replaced ours (died after two years a few days out of warranty). There was no evidence of scorch marks on the wall behind it, however we never used the convection cooking feature. The replacement was microwave only for that reason.
I would suggest for anyone who finds scorch marks on the wall behind the microwave, I would add a piece of sheet metal behind the microwave.

[jkxtreme]

Thanks a bunch. I didn't know they used power sharing devices in these RVs. I'll look for one in this unit.

[ACKLM8]

The power share switch issue was mentioned elsewhere in the thread...just an additional note is that they can be set to prioritize one of the two "appliances" connected to it. Usually the microwave is prioritized, so the vacuum plays second fiddle. Also, regarding the convection situation, be sure your exhaust vent is open on the outside when using convection. Also, there is also the possibility that when the unit was installed the blower was not configured properly to vent out the back. You can check this by turning on the exhaust fan and checking for strong airflow outside.

[BB_TX]

Unless they have changed, the micro/convection cabinet is not provided with an outside vent. I know some of those who have posted pictures of the blackened wall behind the micro/convection had no way to vent at all.

My older rig micro/convection actually had a metal duct attached to the back of the cabinet, up the back of the cabinet from the hot air exhaust opening, over the top of the cabinet toward the front, and the heat vented thru the front grill/frame.

[sberlin]

Had ours go out a couple years ago and when removing discovered burn marks on back wall. The old one wasn’t an outdoor vent and was set to vent out the rear-right into the wall, instead of front. Not saying this is ur smell….but it could be. If yours is vented outside just double check the vents connected. If it’s not, can you feel the vent air coming out the front or not?

[Kris & Al]

Used our convection the first week we had it 10 years ago and smelled a burning smell. Opened the vent outside, and never had that problem again. We use it every trip, and odor free!

[DebNJim B]

Originally Posted by Kris & Al

Used our convection the first week we had it 10 years ago and smelled a burning smell. Opened the vent outside, and never had that problem again. We use it every trip, and odor free!

Yes, if it's vented outside there will be plastic clips holding the vent closed. I think it's to keep the flap closed while traveling. I opened mine and just leave it unclipped. Never had a problem.

[jkxtreme]

The vent on our rig has tabs on it to lock the flapper closed. Sure enough it was locked closed.