Running air conditioner on my lithium batteries in my Leisure Travel Van. How long can it go?
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- Nothing like living the dream in an RV and when you can run your air conditioner off your lithium batteries, it's icing on the cake. Join me as I test how long my Lithionics 315ah battery coupled with the Xantrex XC Freedom Pro 3000 watt inverter lasts running the air conditioner. #leisuretravelvan #lithiumbatteries #AConLithium
Item Lists:
Lithionics Battery: pagosasupply.co/lithionics
Xantrex Pro 3000: pagosasupply.co/lithionics
4/0 Wire: amzn.to/3wFVxX0
350 Amp T-Fuse: amzn.to/2TslDOZ
T-Fuse Block: amzn.to/3p5Ej2S
Instagram: / pagosa_adventures
Cutting Board / Sink Cover for Leisure Travel Vans: pagosasupply.co/shop/p/ltv-cu...
CHAPTERS:
Start: 0:00
What Do You Need? - 2:00
Running the AC Test - 3:52
Great segment! Keep in mind that the monitoring app may say 2+ hours of run time, but in reality the A/C compressor should cycle on/off and therefore the actual run time should be longer once the vehicle is cooled down a bit. Putting the fan on low would also help as would jacking the temperature up to maybe 75 degrees and using window shaded.
For sure, this was a quick test to show the minimum run time as so many are asking for some data after I did my install. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Brandon! Hope to see you when I come to Dallas!
👍
Great video..
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for your videos. I have a Unity on order. I have continued investigating while I'm waiting. Like you I would like to run my AC on batteries. The Coachman Galleria allows the AC to run for 10 hours on batteries. The AC is a 12 volt system putting out 20000 BTUs and are extremely quite. Of course to get 10 hours they have an upgrade option which is a Xantrex 600 amp hour battery and 3000 watt inverter. But even with the Lithionics you installed, you'd get 5 hours. I wish
EEE Unity would look into this. I test drove the Galleria yesterday and I was coveting the AC system. Thanks again for all the info you are providing.
Interesting, not sure how they are doing that, but would best to do some due diligence and see if there is some “catch”. I have watched several vids on beefed up systems that include both Lithionics and Volta and it takes much more than 600ah to run 10 hours. Let me know what you find out
Hi, I think your work with the increased battery power and larger inverter is very nice. Couple hours of A/C without noisy generator parked in town is really nice. Here’s what we do and at NO additional cost. After checking with Mercedes, you can run your Sprinter at idle for a couple of hours without issues or causing problems with the exhaust particulate filter. We start the Sprinter and turn the vehicle A/C on high. Sprinter motor is Very quiet! We lock the cab doors by pushing the door lock buttons down manually. Then we remove the keys from Sprinter cab (2021 Sprinter keeps running without keys in vehicle) and take them with us, then lock the side door from the exterior. We have done this numerous times without issue and our Golden Retriever appreciates the time with the A/C and we turn the TV on for the pup also. With curtains pulled, cab windows sun reflector shades installed, TV making noise and vehicle running most people think someone is inside. If someone broke in we have the vehicle keys.
Oh my, not sure who you talked to, but they are wrong. Don’t idle your MB for long periods or you will get the screen of death and need to be towed to a service center at some point. Sounds like the times you have done this is when the particulate filter has been burned off, so lucky. But if it’s needing a burn, you will be stuck. I would certainly consult someone with more knowledge than myself or who you talked to for clarification on how long to idle without danger of needing repairs.
Love my LTV Unity. Shocked they cannot manage to get on board with a true Lithium set up for AC use off grid. 6-8 hrs is starting to become the norm. (ps I would use it for the same reason, the dogs). Safe travels and thanks !
ps. Wow there is a lot of actual negativity and hate on this simple thread. Incredible time we live in.
They are most certainly looking at a full lithium setup for future model years, as it is gonna be necessary to compete as more people want to not be handcuffed to a power pole
Thank you so much for that test! Made my decision to have a generator. I need to stay cool for hours.
Yep, if you like AC, you will want a generator for sure in southern states.
@@Pagosa I just watched a video where an RV’er was ranting about another RV’er who was running a generator. It was the middle of the day, but he was not happy about hearing the generator. And there were lots of commenters agreeing with him. Some didn’t agree but I would not want to have to worry about annoying others with my generator. Is it possible to run an AC all day and night without a generator if you don’t have electric hook up?
@@Lilliancooks you can, but it would be extremely expensive to outfit as many batteries that you would need to accomplish that. But some do, like what the Fit RV channel is doing with 20k amp hours in their EKKO.
@@Pagosa I have seen that channel...they are great! It would be worth it for me to have a huge battery bank because I love to cook and need my hairdryer. I don’t want propane on board, so my van would be fully battery and solar operated.
Nice hands-on experiment. Thanks. Does the battery pack work seamlessly in conjunction with the automatic start of the onboard generator for recharging?
I have the diesel generator and no auto start, but the Lithionics is programed to shut itself off if in danger of going too low. The propane gen has the auto start, and it would work with that I'm sure.
Very informative! Thanks - I have a Unity TB on order, expecting later this year. Would you recommend the lithium battery option they offer now? Or install after market?
Two schools of thought. The factory option will have the 2k inverter and you can’t run the AC. It’s also 115ah less than my battery, but its all installed and warrantied. Upgrade after market and you have to find installer if you aren’t a DIY person (I’m not) but you get all the freedom of the equivalent of an extra battery for same price and space.
It would have been precisely helpful to define “traditional” sized battery. You made the right battery choice!
Hopefully everyone understands what I mean. And I agree, Lithionics is the best decision for sure.
Don't forget to install a battery heater if you plan to go where the battery could drop below 36 to38 deg.F but I am sure your friend told you that. I am assuming it is a LiFePO4 batt. 100 amp batts cost $400 to $500 so for your 315 amp hr. batt you got soaked at $4600 !! Another thought: if you spend any time in a hot climate especially where is doesn't cool down much at night - you solar panels won't help at night and you will run out of batt. cap. way before day so you will be down to the generator. If you are dry camping your LPG capacity will limit you if you have an LPG gen.
The Lithionics has a built in heater. There are much cheaper batteries out there, but the Lithonics 315ah is by far the best value with space is a premium. It is smaller than three of the 100ah batteries, so it fits perfectly in my battery bank designed for two traditional sized batteries. It has built in heater, built in bluetooth (no need for smart shunt), so the costs of those items you would have to add to basic battery bring the price per amp hour much closer to the more dangerous cheaper batteries. Compared to major brands such as Battle Born or Lion Energy, the Lithionics is actually a much better value. Compared to the $500 batteries built in China, it's like comparing a Tesla to a home made car built with Amazon batteries. Just wouldn't trust them.
Brandon, one last question. Did you install a Mirco-Air Easy Start or SoftStart (another company) in your air conditioner to prevent an amp spike when the compressor kicks in and if so, which brand? It looks like one or the other is installed as I didn't see an amp spike.
I do have a Softstart RV installed. However with the 3k inverter, you don’t need it but would with the 2k inverter. I love the soft start because I plug in the rig at my house on household plug and works great running AC.
From my understanding so far on lithium, even though they can fully discharge, you should not go below about 10% for longevity reasons. Is this true for the lithionics brand? I appreciate the video and seeing the battery load while the AC was under load (fan and compressor running). I would think once the coach got to the specified temperature it would extend the run time upwards by a bit since the AC would start to cycle on/off.
Lithionics actually has a self cut off at 11.6 volts (not sure what percent depleted that is) but it's pretty fail safe battery. I'm pretty certain if you don't have a soft start, that the compressor coming on and off would tax the battery, but with my soft start, it ramps up evenly to the 1.8, 1.9kw so should see a bit of extra time if you aren't running constant.
Lithionics automatically shuts off at 10% remaining
Question: you explained the battery to inverter wire change but did you wire your AC differently? I did not think the AC could get power from the inverter directly the way it comes from the factory. 2020 UMB.
Ah, yes. Just have to switch the AC breaker from non inverted breaker side to inverter breaker side.
@@Pagosa thank you. This is my next upgrade. It would be great to run the AC for the dog and not use the generator
Hi Brandon. Really appreciate your channel. I have a 2019 Unity TB on a 2018 Sprinter chassis. I’m interested in upgrading to your battery/inverter configuration with Lithionics battery. My unit only has 1000w inverter. I also live in the Metroplex and would like to know who you used/recommend for doing this upgrade.
Thanks again for you channel and input.
Emilio
Hey Emilio, I have a place just north of FT Worth that can do the install, however they have a long lead time. Are you in a hurry to get it done?
@@Pagosa Thanks Brandon. I can wait a while for the upgrade. As a matter of fact, I’m in the middle of dealing with A/C issues on my 2018 Sprinter with only 2k miles on it. Just had to replace the controller unit($1k) and now they tell me the compressor has a leak and needs to be replaced ($2k). So I guess I can wait for the upgrade. Have you had any luck negotiating with MB Customer service??
@@Pagosa Brandon, is your recommendation for doing this work Vogt in FW??
Is it possible to put 2 of those 315 batteries under the stair well of the Unity? I have a 2022 Unity CB.
The stairwell only fits one. Most people put the second one in the bay where the inverter is
Thanks, Brandon for doing the test. I have (3) Lithionics GTX12V315AH batteries (945AH) in my 2015 LTV MB and have been conducting runtime tests with the air conditioner on 1, 2, & 3 batteries with my solar (650W) shut off. I also have a Dometic, Penquin 2, 15K air conditioner with a Soft-Start. I draw only 23 amps with fan only and 165 amps with the compressor running. I'm trying to understand why your compressor is drawing only 140 amps. Any Ideas? If it's just a newer model Penquin that is more efficient, I want one!
Wow, living the life with three of those bad boys. I would imagine a newer, more efficient unit is the reason for the amperage difference.
@@Pagosa When you have the chance, please run your AC for half an hour or so and with the solar off. See if the 140amp draw is stable. You are welcome and encouraged to post your results on my blog (sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/95491/ ) on the Sprinter Forum. This is exciting stuff.
For sure. There was no solar on the day I filmed (super stormy) but will run the AC for real on a trip soon.
Is there a dealer in your area that can do a complete install on a 2020 Unity?
Vogt in FT Worth is more than capable.
Hey! First off, your videos have been amazing for us and have helped us decide on an LTV over all the rest. Now, we have our new to us Unity 24RL. We want to be able to run the AC for our pooch for a couple of hours when we are out and about similar to your lifestyle. Right now we have two 100 AH Lithium batteries and a 2000-watt inverter. Can we just get (for now) the 315 AH battery and keep the 2000-watt inverter then upgrade that at a later date, or is the 3000-watt inverter a must with the higher capacity battery? We have on order a smart start regulator for the AC and want to make sure we are doing what needs to be done for everything we want to do. Thanks for all the videos and keep up the great work!
Hello and congrats on the new Unity! Unfortunatly you really need that 3000W inverter to do the job of running the AC. The 2000 would do it for short amounts of time, but especially since it's for your dogs, you don't want it going into error code while you are away. It's a super simple swap of the inverter, so I would 100% do the inverter if you plan on that goal of AC on battery. If you want to chat about our installation services here in Dallas, we can certainly help. If you think you might want to do this upgrade, check this out: pagosasupply.co/install
You have to upgrade the inverter , wiring and fuse when you increase the circulating power/ power going to/ thru the inverter. So, in other words, all at once..
@@Pagosa we thought as much. It is definitely something we are going to do in the future. We got our Soft Start for the AC and I am hoping the installation is as easy as you say! ;-D
@@itsPreznt Thanks! We figured that would be the case.
We just stumbled on your channel this morning and we absolutely appreciate the review and information you provide on the Unity Leisure Vans. We are looking at different brands and models of RV’s but really like this brand a lot. We live in Northern Virginia and would love to go to a dealership. I think the closest is in Pennsylvania. Do you know if they are like other RV dealerships and offer sales prices off of the listed MSRP on the website? Thanks in advance! Love that room you film from too! Very nice!!!
Thanks! Glad you are finding the info useful. Leisure Travel Vans are in high demand, so not sure if a dealer would offer anything off MSRP now or not. I was offered more than I paid for mine new the other day. As far as this size, the LTV is going to be hands down the best choice as far as fit and finish and also the comunity. I liken it to a Harley community. Everyone is very brand loyal and love to talk about their rigs! That room is my office and I love it to, just wish I had more time out of it and in my Leisure Travel Van, lol. Thanks again.
Dumb question… can you run ac without being plugged into shore power ?? Have a 2024 leisure and having trouble with ac, thinking about boondocking
Suggest you trash that noisy Domestic roof air and replace it with a mini-split system. Works great in 40' coach and your Lithium battery will last MUCH longer...without the noise. It will take a of modifications but well worth it. Plus, it can heat adequately in zero degree weather.
Actually not that loud and not a dometic but a penguin (dometic thermostat) and It’s ducted, so it’s better than a non ducted system. My coach is only 25 feet, so that might be a bit of overkill
Hi Brandon. Thank you for making this video. I have a question. We have an LTV on order (actually it’s in production!). We asked our dealer about a softstart RV device to be able to run AC on 15 amp circuit. I also asked about running AC on batteries (lithium). He said that would require wiring changes because LTV Unity Is not wired to run off batteries. Does that make sense? Does AC always gets power from the Inverter? It must, right? Inverter is needed to run AC off generator, right? I know you upgraded batteries for more amp hours and upgraded inverter to 3000 watts and wiring from battery to Inverter . Was that it? AC just works because it is always going through Inverter. Right? Thanks for the help.
Hi Rich, He's partly right. As far as soft start, just simple install and nothing else. For AC on battery, you would need to upgrade the 2000W inverter that comes with the LTV to a 3000W inverter. Then, the only wiring change you need is to change the LTV supplied 2/0 wire from inverter to battery to 4/0 wire. Then you need to upgrade to a 350amp T Fuse. If you plan to run the AC off your batteries, then you should go with the 315ah battery I have, as just 200ah run time wouldn't be worth doing the upgrade. Pretty simple and complete instructions are on the website at pagosasupply.co/lithium - You can also buy a soft start from our affiliate link and save $30 www.softstartrv.com/pagosa/ - If you choose the Lithionics 315, you can purchase from the website as well as we are a Lithionics Authorized Dealer. There are also Amazon links to the wire, Fuse and the inverter if you choose to go that direction too. Let me know how it goes!
@@Pagosa Brandon, I just asked my dealer about SoftStart and she told me that my 2022 Unity will have that. Is that your understanding?
@@janellemadeley6664 No, but I would double check everything your dealer is telling you now as it sounds like he's not too savvy on product knowledge, lol. The Soft Start is an aftermarket product. You can see what they are here www.softstartrv.com/pagosa/
Is this possible to run the AC on the standard 2000 W inverter with the Lithiums that come on the 2021 Unity?
Yes, but would highly recommend a soft start for your AC. The downside is you won’t be able to run much else as you can see it maintains about 1.8k to 1.9k watts while on, but doable.
@@Pagosa thanks!
Do you need the soft-start?
Yes, highly advise to add a soft start even if you don't plan on running on battery.
I'm late to this party lol but...newbie question!! If I don't (or can't right away) upgrade to the lithionics and 3000w inverter, roughly how long can I run the ac on the 2 agm(sp) batteries and 2000w inverter? And would I be able to run anything else at all in the coach?
You wouldn't be able to with the 2000watt inverter more than likely. It wouldn't be able to handle the amperage. And 2 100ah batteries wouldn't last but maybe an hour?
@@Pagosa hey thanks Brandon!! Bit of an investment but so worth it.
Didn't you install an Easy Start on your a/c unit(s)? You never mentioned the the powerspike needed to get the compressor going which it why most battery powered a/c units short out.
I do have one, but with the 3000w inverter you don’t need it. I would still suggest getting one as it adds even more versatility to be able to run AC off household plug.
Do you get more time in the daytime running when the solar is collecting power?
Not really, the AC useas about 1.7K watts and my 400w of solar really get me about 200 if it's not cloudy.
Can't remember how much solar panel watts you have. If you were out in the full Dallas sun, wouldn't that extend the running time?
I have 400 and it gets me about 300 in full sun, so yes, on paper could most certainly get a bit of refill while running the AC. In real life, a single cloud that hangs around can really knock your charging down.
What is your model air conditioner? Does it have a soft start?
Dometic Penguin II and it does require a soft start to run from the inverter. pagosasupply.co/ac
An update video testing in the middle of the summer?
I'm going to wait for it to cool down, as the middle of summer heat just keeps it running at all times, and that's about 2.5 hours. So when it gets below 91 or so, it actually cycles on and off, saving battery. Will be doing that video soon!
I believe the Pure3 system in the Winnebago Travato can run AC for up to 8 hours. The Tesla system in Ready Set Van builds claim to run AC for up to 15 hours.
Lithionics is also going in the Ekko and will have a much larger bank of batteries. The problem with my set up is the 315ah is all I can fit. Would love to have 2 or 3 of these things, but just no room.
@@Pagosa With the new solar/lithium systems and Starlink coming online, the future looks exciting for Rv'ers!
@@DeusExMachina50 absolutely
Pure 3 is quite nice. The National park edition comes with over 11,000 useable watts and the new ones come with 12,600 4 pack module.
RVers tested this in blistering weather and got 9 hours on one charge with a 11,000 watt system then the auto start came on.
You can get a pule 3 system into your existing RV as well. Pulse three is the best in the market but the other brands will do the job fine as well. I needed a system that can last all day with AC since I have two dogs and other needs for my life style.
@@higherho1540 It's all about how many batteries you can fit in. I can only fit one 315ah (which is a win because it's the footprint of 3 100ah traditional size batteries).
Just got into one very recently, like 2 days ago. I've never owned an rv before.
Is there an actual tutorial on how to turn on and use the AC?? I'm pretty lost, this video for some reason keeps showing up first on my Google searches, but doesn't really help me.
Are you in a Leisure Travel Van? Does it have the Dometic thermostat?
Brandon, when you are on the road, would this set-up allow you to run the A/C to at least help cool the coach? Could this be an option to running the generator while driving? I wonder if between the solar and the alternator, you could virtually go all day as long as you set thermostat on a reasonable temperature. We are waiting for our 2022 MB which we ordered with the Lithium package and 400 W of solar. We also live in Texas, so I would love to know if this could possibly help during the extreme summer heat and allow you to avoid using the generator. Have you tried this?
The batteries you ordered from LTV are going to be very limited due to the smaller amp hours, so I wouldn't advise rigging up the coach to run AC on battery. If you can, delete that option and get the Lithionics 315ah (or 630ah) battery instead and then upgrade to 3000 watt inverter. While it won't last more than a few hours on massive hot Texas summer days, it's perfect for a few hours of keeping the coach cool and turning on while you drive. Or last up to 4 hours if the AC is able to cycle on and off on not really hot days. If you want more info, check out pagosasupply.co/lithium to see our setup and what it takes to run the AC on battery. Let me know if you have anymore questions.
@@Pagosa For 2022 LTV took the microwave off the inverter unless you purchase the lithium package. If we downgraded to regular batteries with LTV, would the way you've rigged your rig with Lithionics and 3000 Watt inverter let us run the microwave on the inverter? It is my understanding that your configuration basically turns everything on with the inverter. Is that right? Does the lithionics heater come on automatically?
@@janellemadeley6664 It's just simply moving that line back over to the inverted side of the breaker. They did that for incentive to buy the lithium package. If you upgrade all the way to running AC off battery, you also have to move AC breaker to inverted side, so no big deal at all.
@@Pagosa I really appreciate your help. Thanks. We've got some decisions to make.
It will be more interesting to see how realistic this is for an overnight in moderately hot ambient overnight temperatures. I know that isn't what you were thinking here - and in very hot temps its probably not practical at all. But at 90F->80F overnight and the coach pre-cooled on the generator, batteries at 100% and AC set at 75F could it be practical to run all through? The heat delta will be dropping through the night... Also how practical is it to double the battery again (2 of your batteries)?.
absolutely can add another 315ah battery and be able to run through the night
Hummm, why didn't you tell us how many volts your battery has? I am looking to get 48V to power a Park model. I need to be off-grid for at least 1 wk. @ a time.
Thanks for telling us about your find. Hopefully they are available in 48V
It’s 12v. Lithionics makes a 48 Volt as well as Volta.
Thanxs for the fast response & info! I use on avg 30kwh per day (based on my last 12 months of usage) I will fill out Lithionics form tonite. Not interested in Volta due to their designs (they're a little scary looking! lol) Does Lithionics make 48V with 315 Amps? How much do those run? I am hoping I can afford 3 of them.
Thanks again!
They should really consider an all-electric version before Tesla beats them to it. Thor is already doing it. Or at the very minimum at that price point they should incorporate your setup. What's the point of having solar panels if you can't run your AC without the engine.
True
Interesting, but I think this incomplete test is somewhat misleading. Do you expect the a/c compressor to run all the time? Mine (and probably yours) will cycle on and off as it cools down the coach, so unless it is well over 100 degrees ambient, your reading of expected run time based on the compressor at full power is actually the likely minimum run time you could encounter. The theoretical minimum is good to know, but, it could have been calculated by determining the max current draw of the a/c unit, plus inverter, plus lights. It would be nice to know the actual real-world run-time. The actual run time will probably be significantly more than you indicate since, as your video showed, the a/c draws way less when the compressor is cycled off. Why not let it run until depletion, or at least a few hours, to see? Also, it would be great to know the temps inside and outside the coach during the test, as those figures will help others gauge whether their experience will be similar to yours and to size their battery bank if they are planning to make an upgrade like you did. Thanks for the info. Looking forward to more.
For sure. I wanted to get a quick video out as I’m asked daily what the run time is. When I get out to a site where I use it in real life, I will do a real time test. I wanted to show that at its minimum is 2.5 hours as many people are speculating all day use. I also had no solar going in at same time, so this was a true worst case scenario. Thanks for watching.
@@Pagosa Yes, the real world testing is messy because there are so many variables. The battery conversion process is new, so a lot of anecdotal experience info from different sources with different systems will be valuable to those considering the upgrade. FYI, I'm in the process of upgrading the batteries in my B van to lithium, with upgraded charging system plus replacing the roof air conditioner with a 12 volt unit. Hoping it will be done by next week. I'll be interested to see how your runtime compares with mine and whether it was worth the expense to replace the a/c unit. Thanks for the info.
Did you ever see exactly how long it will run ?
The best I saw was in 90 degree heat in Florida, I parked in the shade, set temp to 78 and 3 hours later still had 40% battery left.
here is a forum discussing this...
The Pro Air option offered on the Galleria is a different breed of cat. It is roof mounted with five speeds and is apparently even quieter in operation than the conventional Dometic AC it replaces. If demanded by the customer, the Galleria can be optioned with the 120V Dometic AC but IMO the 12V roof top Pro Air design is the much better choice.
Got to check that out
Can't even buy ir, wjat's the point? Anywhooo, thx for the video
your welcome
You have no idea, everything is an add on with the Unity, even your generator! No space, no height! 2 year wait for build! We paid with all extras including paint at $5000.00, lithium batteries, extra solar, dual pane windows, leveling jacks, generator included, panels etc, 6 mos. build, $154,000.00 for a 2022 View 24 D, solid steel frame, Mercedes chassis!👍🏻
That’s awesome. Congrats and safe travels!
Wow, 2 hours only, that's pathetic compared to the 10 hours of air conditioner on with the Volta system in the Storyteller overland and the Winnebago travato.
Lithionics looks like a weak option compared to Volta system.
I suppose that with the limited space dedicated to the batteries in the leisure vans you had to settle with lithionics...
Or stay at a campground.
The Volta you speak of is a 48volt system and designed to do that task. This is 12 volt system and in a very small footprint. This is comparing apples to oranges and I would pick Lithionics again. Very limited space for sure in the LTV, but trade offs are what you get in the RV world. The 10 hours system you talk about is certainly an option with Lithionics if you wanted to.
@@Pagosa
Oh, I get it now, you're right, there's no comparison, it really sounds like apples and broccoli the differences between those systems.
Didn't knew lithionics could do a similar system.
So I guess my question is, being able to choose, as you seem to be, between apples and broccoli..... Why did you got the broccoli?
Same reason I didn’t get a 45 foot diesel pusher. Just don’t need it. 10 hours of AC on battery is a specific need for someone (and that’s not me) and there is zero space in my LTV to do more than the 315ah I put in. The great thing about the 315 is that it’s smaller than 2 traditional size batteries. So at the end of the day, I have the ability to run the AC on Gen, battery, household plug and 30 amp plug, so all is well.
@@Pagosa
I guess that's true, different people has different needs.
Some people need more boondocking capabilities without the need of a generator or propane and prefer the storyteller.
Some people need boondocking capabilities but also a dedicated bathroom and propane, so they prefer the travato with volta.
Some people need more comfort, space, and they don't care about depending on a generator, and propane to boondocking, or they are more used to campsite hookups....so they enjoy more the luxury experience provided by a Unity.
That’s spot on.
Solar's an impractical joke.
Solar is a miracle. Fills up my battery everyday and never sends me a bill
@@Pagosa yep, lasts 30 minutes and keeps you wanting for 23 1/2. Unpractical, as I said.
I don’t think you have ever experienced the right kind of solar. Highly recommend my setup. Cheers!
@@Pagosa really? In the 1980's my family owned the largest solar installation company in the mid-west. My uncle holds patents on a lot of it. Panels, inverters, batteries etc. etc. Problem is, batteries haven't changed in capacity since the 1950's. For long term, it's all impractical across the board. We could argue about capacities and battery longevity and how you'd say batteries are much better than they were 25-50-70 years ago. But you'd be wrong. If it were practical, we'd still be in it. We're not because it isn't. We were in all of it before Elon Musk was ever out of grade school.
Sorry you haven’t had a great experience. But mine has been stellar. I own a Tesla Model S that goes 400 miles by plugging into my home and goes zero to 60 in 2.3 seconds (faster than my neighbors Lamborghini Hurracan powered by an extremely inefficient internal combustible engine). And my lithium battery that will power my RV indefinitely with solar or charging by driving. Personally I think it’s a literal miracle of science and getting better everyday. Next purchase is the new electric F-150 as soon as it’s available.
No offense intended, but the typical van is:
OVERWEIGHT
This is testimony to just how obsolete and out-of-touch present-day Van and RV manufacturers are in the United States. I am an engineer and have some constructive criticism. Every gram of weight counts. People think their van is a house. It's not. It's a road-worthy, resource-efficient machine.
Here are seven issues with typical van builds:
1) NOT ECO-FRIENDLY
Heavy ceiling / van causes causes low MPG. Poor cornering because of the high center of gravity of ceiling. Should have big solar to make the claim "Best Quality and Design".
People insist on outfitting their rigs with doodads like heavy wood ceilings, wood closets, wasteful showers, heavy wood cabinetry, exterior lights, wasteful water heaters, roof decks, vents, sky lights and ladders. Most van build windows are heavy outdated silicon glass. They should be dual-pane acrylic like in Europe. Insulation is minimal because cockpit is not thermally isolated from living area. Reflectix is not insulation. Materials are way OVERWEIGHT. Polyiso has 2x more R value than wool and has no fibers, which are condensation nuclei for water vapor, causing water build-up. The wood cabinetry and doors could be lightened by 50% or eliminated.
Please care about the environment.
2) EXPENSIVE
All of the above doodads cost money that unwitting customers pay for because they do not understand first principals of engineering regarding minimization. Lithium batteries in typical van cost about $1000/usable KWH (KiloWatt Hour). My Tesla battery cost about 8x less.
My empty Sprinter van with a BlueTec i4 turbodiesel gets 30MPG, and 25MPG with the camper build at 55 MPH. The van in this video is so overburdened I doubt it even gets 16MPG.
Expensive fridge. My fridge costs $195 and is 2x larger.
3) HOT WATER DELAY
With a remote hot water heater, it will take up to 30 minutes to get hot water. If the hot water tank is pre-heated, it still may take 30 seconds to get hot water. Meanwhile, much water is wasted. This hot water tank design wasted both water and energy. To resolve this, I installed a true-instant hot water faucet; six seconds for hot water.
4) NOT BOONDOCKABLE
Greenwashing: Since there is inadequate solar, fossil fuels must be used to charge the battery and keep the van warm. If it is winter, very little solar power is available. Wasteful water design will require frequent trips to replenish.
5) FOUR-SEASON, NOT
Customers camping in the hot summer or cold winter will have issues with energy usage and temperature control due to the lack of insulation and outdated climate control. My Mitsubishi mini-split heat pump has a SEER of 33 and can heat down to -13F. A lot of fossil fuel will be needed to stay warm in winter. Water will freeze and burst pipes.
6) NOISY
The choice of outdated climate control like Maxxair fans will lead to excessive CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) airflow, causing high noise levels. Maxxair fans are noisy, are bug collectors, are not insulated and don’t move much air. Diesel heaters noisy, emit toxic gas and are high-maintenance.
7) POWER
Small battery, solar and inverter are inadequate to power a house on wheels.
To resolve the above problems, see my Tim's Tips van build.
I have a Tesla as well, but also love my LTV. About 30% of what you said is true about my RV, but very true about most. ✌️
@@Pagosa The SEER of your noisy AC is inefficient and has an unsustainable run-time. To claim "Best Design", you'll have to top SEER 33 and run quiet. No offense intended.
@@tdrager No offense. Just got the AC that came with the rig.