{"id":13,"date":"2026-01-21T02:05:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T02:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/?p=13"},"modified":"2026-01-21T02:09:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T02:09:26","slug":"recpro-convection-microwave-swap-winnebago-ekko-transit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/?p=13","title":{"rendered":"RecPro Convection Microwave Swap \u2014 Winnebago Ekko (Transit)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After about 14 months of living and traveling in the Ekko, I removed the factory microwave and replaced it with a <strong>RecPro RPM-8-BK-KT convection microwave with air-fry mode<\/strong>. It fits \u2014 but it is <strong>not<\/strong> a drop-in replacement, and cabinet modifications are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I posted the video below in case it helps someone else thinking about the same swap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"RecPro RPM-8-BK-KT Microwave Install in a 2025 Winnebago Ekko (Not a Drop-In Replacement)\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nDxC-GmJDmA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why I changed it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wasn\u2019t about power draw, noise, or performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I do use a microwave, but almost exclusively for <strong>defrosting<\/strong> \u2014 usually 30 seconds to a minute, every couple of days. It\u2019s a nice feature to have, but it\u2019s not something I rely on heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What I <em>do<\/em> use constantly is an oven-style appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I cook nearly everything fresh in the camper:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>pizzas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>meat pies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>chocolate chip cookies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For that, I\u2019d been carrying a <strong>Ninja Flip countertop air fryer<\/strong> in one of the exterior compartments. It worked fine, but it was a pain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>it\u2019s large and heavy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>awkward to move through the door<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>had to be brought in and put away every time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because I was using it so often, that extra friction added up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal of this mod was simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stop carrying a separate air fryer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>make better use of the existing microwave cabinet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>end up with one permanently installed appliance that matched how I actually cook<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What I installed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I removed the factory microwave entirely and installed a <strong>RecPro combination convection microwave with air-fry mode<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RecPro advertises it as a direct replacement.<br>It is <strong>not<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It <em>will<\/em> fit in the cabinet \u2014 but only after modifying the opening and reworking the mounting and internal support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The standalone air fryer now stays at home. I don\u2019t need to carry it anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Installation overview (high level)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m not going to rewrite the video step-by-step here, but these are the major things to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Remove the factory microwave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remove four mounting screws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unplug it inside the cabinet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slide it out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once it\u2019s out, you\u2019ll see a <strong>rat\u2019s nest of wiring<\/strong> in the cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plan on spending about an hour carefully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reorganizing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>packing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and cleaning up wiring so the new unit can fit properly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Enlarge the cabinet opening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The RecPro unit requires a larger opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ran the shoe of a Bosch jigsaw directly against the cabinet panel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cut the sides and top to size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>scribed and cut the bottom edge carefully<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the wiring is managed well, the microwave will slide into the opening cleanly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Address support and depth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new unit sticks out farther than the original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To support the weight:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I removed the original stapled wood support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>replaced it with <strong>angle aluminum<\/strong> at the top<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>through-screwed it into the plywood structure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>added a lower support beam (painted gloss black to match the trim)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I also installed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>two \u00be&#8221; wooden rails along the sides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to support the edges of the microwave and prevent the heat shield from flexing while driving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The unit is heavy \u2014 having a second set of hands helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Power cord routing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because access is limited once the unit is partially installed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I fed an extension cord through the cabinet opening first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>plugged the microwave into it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>then used it to pull the power cord through as the unit slid into place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This worked well and avoided fighting blind access behind the cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Final install<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install the trim sash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure it with the six mounting screws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cook something<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to know before doing this<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is <strong>not<\/strong> a drop-in swap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cabinet modification is required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You need to think about:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>wiring management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>structural support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clearances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>mounting, not just fit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of it is especially complex, but it <em>is<\/em> deliberate work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bottom line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This mod wasn\u2019t about upgrading for the sake of upgrading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>how often I use an oven-style appliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>not hauling a heavy air fryer in and out of the camper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>making the microwave cabinet earn its space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The camper now matches how I actually cook:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fresh meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>frequent baking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>occasional defrosting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Logged here so it\u2019s documented \u2014 and so the next person doesn\u2019t have to guess whether this fits or what it takes to make it work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After about 14 months of living and traveling in the Ekko, I removed the factory microwave and replaced it with a RecPro RPM-8-BK-KT convection microwave with air-fry mode. It fits \u2014 but it is not a drop-in replacement, and cabinet modifications are required. I posted the video below in case it helps someone else thinking&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mods"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13\/revisions\/14"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beaglebuslog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}