Convert Microwave Cupboard Space In A Supreme Getaway Caravan

Convert Microwave Cupboard Space In A Supreme Getaway Caravan

Convert Microwave Cupboard Space In A Supreme Getaway Caravan

We are very rarely hooked up to power when we camp so for the past few years we have used the microwave in our van for a bread bin. Amanda came up with the idea of pulling the microwave out and replacing it with a door.

The Old Microwave In Our Supreme Getaway Caravan aka The Bread Bin

The Old Microwave In Our Supreme Getaway Caravan aka The Bread Bin

First thing to do was to remove the old microwave. It was screwed in from underneath. There was a screw in the bottom of each “foot”.

Removing The Old Microwave Screws Supreme Getaway Caravan

Removing The Old Microwave

After removal of the microwave we had a space that was much larger than we thought. Bonus! There was a load of wiring in the left side of the cupboard, it belongs to the solar controller, hot water switches, a CIG outlet and some light switches.

Wiring Inside of Microwave Cupboard

Wiring Inside of Microwave Cupboard

I tidied the wiring up with cable ties and then made up a cover to hide it all away inside the cupboard. On the bottom and top I mounted a bit of aluminium angle with sikaflex. The cover screws in to these angles so as to be removable in case the wiring ever needs to be accessed in future.

Wiring Tidied Up and Angles In Place

Wiring Tidied Up and Angles In Place

The cover is just a thin piece of MDF cut to size with a bit of angle on the corner to hide the join. It does an effective and neat job of hiding the wiring away.

Wiring Cover Fitted

Wiring Cover Fitted

The door is made from a piece of 4mm marine ply from making shelves in the van cut to size. There was no chance of matching the old door panelling so we didn’t even try. Amanda had a great idea to cover it up anyway. I couldn’t match up the trim profile in the rest of the van either so instead of buying something that wouldn’t match anyway I used an offcut of skirting that I had. It was all glued together with PVA wood glue and clamped up to dry.

Making a New Cupboard Door For Supreme Getaway Caravan

Making a New Cupboard Door For Supreme Getaway Caravan

After the glue was dry I gave the door a light sand and put on two coats of Cabots clear floor finish. I purchased some hinges and a matching catch from www.caravansplus.com.au for about $15 delivered. I had an old door knob kicking around in the shed that matched the others in the van pretty well so that was fitted along with the hinges and catch. Then the door was fitted up to the cupboard in the van.

Hinge & Catch

Hinge & Catch

Amanda made up a photo collage to fit inside the door panel and then laminated it. It was fitted to the door front with some velcro dots so it’s removable and can be swapped out in future.

Completed Door Replacing Microwave

Completed Door Replacing Microwave

All up it was a really easy project and we are happy with the result. We have a heap more storage space, the van is 10kg lighter without the microwave and if needed we can refit the microwave in about 20 minutes.

 

Heaps More Storage Space in the "Microwave" Cupboard

Heaps More Storage Space in the “Microwave” Cupboard

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest is only about an hour from where we live in Southwest Sydney so we often spend the weekend in Wingello State Forest free camping. As with all NSW State Forests it is dog friendly. If you are in to mountain bike riding then this is a great place for you. There are many marked mountain bike trails throughout Wingello State Forest. Many mountain biking clubs use Wingello State Forest for events.

There’s a main campground area in Wingello State Forest with drop toilets and we have camped there before. You can fit about a dozen vans/tents in there. It gets jam packed on weekends near Christmas and also over any public holiday weekends. If you’re a bit more adventurous like us there are at least half a dozen really good sites out in the forest itself where we are this weekend. If you are really adventurous (like us) and don’t mind getting your vehicle in to low range there are even more great sites down some little tracks.

Dog Friendly Free Camping Wingello State Forest Two Hours From Sydney

Dog Friendly Free Camping Wingello State Forest Two Hours From Sydney

Wingello State Forest is only about an hour from where we live in Southwest Sydney. Distance wise it’s about 70 kilometres for us, plus whatever you need to add for getting to your camping spot out in the forest.

As with all NSW State Forests it is dog friendly. There is no drinking water available so you have to bring your own. Fires are allowed but with restrictions and only at certain times of the year. State Forest Rangers patrol the area.

Free Camping Wingello State Forest Sunset View

Free Camping Wingello State Forest Sunset View

If you are in to mountain bike riding then this is a great place for you. There are many marked mountain bike trails throughout Wingello State Forest. Many mountain biking clubs use Wingello State Forest for events.

One last thing to keep in mind. Wingello State Forest is an actively logged area. Logging operations take place almost all year round so pay attention to logging trucks in the area when driving through the forest.

Camp Site Location