Questions about having a microwave in my semi-truck

Bought mine cheap from Walmart. Sits in an open compartment about 3' off the floor. Dumped it twice on the floor and it still runs. It has lasted going on 2 years. Make sure your inverter can handle it.

 

That open compartment above the fridge should have a restraining strap that secures a microwave, or in my case a toaster oven.
I have the same layout in my '23 Cascadia.

 

I, like many here mentioned, got a cheap Walmart Mainstays special 700 watt microwave about 2 and a half years ago. Still works just fine. I also went and bought. 45 quart chest style freezer that sits in my passenger seat. I can stock pretty good!
Besides the Microwave, I have a toaster (regular bread/bagel style, not the toaster oven type) and then a cheap 4 cup Mister Coffee coffee pot. So far, it's all I've needed and works for me.

 

Here’s mine on the microwave shelf in my Peterbilt. Held down with the factory strap, I put a rag under the strap to keep the metal buckle from rattling on the top of the microwave. I also place a rag under the turntable when I’m not using it to keep it from rattling around while I’m driving.

 

My advice is don’t waste your time trying to permanently fix it somewhere. I keep mine at the edge of the bunk and I just put it on top of my fridge for a few minutes when I need to use it and then put it back out of the way. It doesn’t need to stay fixed in some certain spot.

Also, just buy one of those smaller microwaves. Trust me that’s all you’ll need on the truck.

 

To respond to the OP, I bought a $50 microwave at Walmart it's a decent sized one that will fit the biggest (throwaway) plastic plate that Walmart sells. I have had it for 3 years and it's still going strong. There's a storage place behind my driver's side seat that has straps on it where you can strap down a microwave, but I don't trust that. I don't want anything that big and that heavy directly behind my head. So I keep it underneath in a little cabinet door (in my truck you have the shelf for the micowave with straps, then the nightstand storage, then the laptop pullout storage, then a cabinet with a door at the bottom).

In some of my old trucks that I drove I just kept it on my bed (on the bottom bunk where I sleep) while I drove and at night time (or when I took breaks throughout the day) I put it up in the drivers seat. No problem at all. You're overcomplicating this you don't have to strap it down on a top storage space if you don't want to.

As for @dngrous_dime - Mind blown. I have a dorm fridge that came standard with my Peterbilt, and it has a tiny freezer. But never has it crossed my mind to put a big freezer chest up on the top bunk. I can't believe I never thought of that before. This changes the game completely, I can't believe this has never crossed my mind before. Thank you for sharing this!

 

No no, I meant a dorm fridge that has a separate freezer, like it has two doors.

 

I bought a 400 watt microwave and its been in truck almost 2 years, I do place the spinning plate on cardboard unplugged just to help with wear and tear while driving. Spent $29.00 lil red Galanz, saves money big time especially at food place prices today. For cost of one meal at fast food can still get a week of food at store to make yourself.

Edit for budget wonderers, I spend about $150 at walmart for just food, can last me up to 3 months eating only what I bought. Some spending still on drinks like milk, coffee, and water.

 

Can also look at thrift stores like Goodwill for a microwave. They usually have them for anywhere from 10 to 25 bucks. Most the ones I've seen have been clean and don't smell of old food. Their not hard to clean and wipe out, if you want to be sure. Some good cleaner and a rag. 1/2 cap of bleach in a little bucket of water will do the trick.

Can even test them there in the store to make sure they work. I say Goodwill as they are nationwide with stores in a lot of places. Usually with truck parking nearby. Ones I see are usually in shopping centers or their own lots with side road parking for larger vehicles like Big rigs, rvs, pick ups with trailers, etc.

Also a good spot for dvds, and books. Just check your dvd's for scratches and make sure they are actually in the case! I've gotten some great deals on movies there. Practically brand new.

Strap it down like others said, and you should be good to go. Also like others have said, the turn plate will be your biggest issue, and it's an easy fix.

While your buying things...get a crock pot, or a lunchbox thing, or a instapot, etc. Expand your options when it comes to meals and keep the flavor. Plus you got the option of cooking while on the move if you want to.

When it comes to food, I believe in buying what you need and works best for your eating style.

Learning how to cook was one of the best things I ever did.

Sirscrapntruckalot -

 

I keep mine wrapped in a dish towel.

 

This. That is the "Microwave Mount" in the 2019-2023 Cascadia Trucks. Get a 700w microwave off Amazon or Walmart, make sure your inverter is "Pure Sine Wave," and nuke your food.