An RV is a fun way to travel domestically, especially if you want to camp out at any National Parks or see local attractions. However, considering you are basically living out of your RV, you might find yourself needing to cook while the RV is in motion. The stove is simple enough, but what about the oven?
Using the oven while the RV is being driven is fine as long as the kitchen is powered by an external generator. However, it is advised to wait to use the oven until you are stopped at a campsite, as things in the oven itself may move around. If your oven needs propane, only operate it when you are not driving.
The good news is if you want to make a dinner that takes a lot of oven time and you want to get started on it before you make camp, you can do so safely. Read on to learn more about how to safely operate the oven in your RV while driving.
How Do I Use The Oven in My RV?
The oven in your RV operates like a normal oven with a few differences. One of the most noticeable differences is that the oven in your RV is likely to be on the smaller size. With that in mind, if you intend to use the oven in your RV, be sure to pack baking sheets, muffin tins, and any other equipment in the right size.
RV ovens can be used to cook both savory and sweet dishes. It is also safe to use pizza stones in an RV oven, provided it is the proper size. Regardless of what you are cooking and what equipment it is on, it is recommended to rotate the food in the oven to make sure food cooks evenly.
One common issue with using RV ovens is temperature. Unlike your oven at home, the outside temperature can affect the oven in your RV. If the weather is cold, it might take longer for the oven to heat up and it will take more power to keep it warm over a duration of time.
Additionally, RV ovens are known to not display temperature readings properly. The dials on RV ovens are finicky and are not always accurate. The best way to solve this issue is to simply get a small oven thermometer.
Due to the smaller oven size, cooking times may vary. Just be sure to keep an eye on what you are cooking to make sure it does not burn. Raising the rack inside of the oven can also help deter the possibility of burning your food.
Before you start cooking, make sure your RV is level. It may sound silly, but if your RV is not level, then your food may come out a bit lopsided. It will not taste any different, but it might look a little funny.
Last but not least, double check that you have enough propane if many things in your RV need propane for heating. Not only is it important for heating and getting warm water, but if you want to cook with your oven and you are running low, you may find yourself seeking out a plan B for dinner.
Final Thoughts
It’s not illegal to use your oven while driving. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with doing so. Ovens generate a lot of heat, and if something goes wrong while you’re driving, it could be very dangerous. Always check the oven’s operating manual before using it while driving.
