RVs can be really cool. The part that isn’t cool, though, is that they get crappy mileage. Of course, when you consider the size and space that is rolling down the road, it isn’t that bad. But, I think it could be WAY better.
RV tech + Railroad tech + High tech =
Class A and Class C RVs are generally pretty big and bulky, especially the ones that appeal to me. In addition to having a nice place to lay my head, I’d also like to be able to drag a trailer with a modified Jeep on/in it. That kind of eliminates the vast majority of Class B units…
- Class A RVs are the giant boxes that roll down the road. They look like buses. In fact, they can be based on a bus chassis. These can be quite luxurious, and cost upwards of $1,000,000. Many are ‘diesel pushers’, meaning they have diesel engines in the back, and then an auxiliary generator up front. There is usually one bedroom in the very back.
- Class B RVs look like modified full size vans. Camper-van would be the best description. Although, the class is being pushed by some of the units based on chassis like the Dodge Sprinter. They can be quite roomy… for their size.
- Class C RVs are the ones that are in between. The chassis is usually based on a light or medium duty truck or van, and that is obvious from the cab. They also are the ones that usually have sleeping space that extends out over the top of the cab. The medium duty chassis are often diesel powered, and they can be quite spacious.
Both Class A and C are now often equipped with ’slide-outs’, which expand the space while the RV is parked. Many also have outdoor entertainment systems, and even basements (below floor storage for camping gear).
I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but train locomotive engines don’t actually power the train. The train actually runs on electricity. The diesel engine is an onboard generator for the electric motors. It is WAY more efficient to optimize the diesel to run at a specific RPM and a specific load instead of making it flexible enough to actually drive the vehicle. The electric motors are WAY more efficient at delivering the power to the wheels at a variety of wheel speeds.
Finally, solar cells (photovoltaic cells) have gotten better by leaps and bounds. They are by no means cheap, but prices have come down, while performance has increased. At the same time, batter technology has also evolved dramatically. Lithium Ion (Li) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries deliver more power per pound, are more resistant to ‘memory’ and are easier to package than the old lead acid batteries (like in most cars).
Cool tech
See where I am going? Big Class A and C RVs are already heavy. They have lots of unused space. They generally have onboard power generation and battery power. They have a lot of flat roof space.
Why not build a hybrid RV? Run a pair of smaller diesel generators in the place of the drive engine and auxiliary generator. Add electric wheel motors to the drive axles… of course, these also provide regenerative braking (the generate electricity when you step on the brakes). Use up some of the space underneath the RV with batteries. Top it off with solar panels on the roof.
Would we get a 30mpg Class A that could tow my Jeep as a result? Nope… But maybe it could get 15mpg instead of 10mpg. Maybe the solar panels would allow the air conditioner to run while camped without firing up the generator.
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I think all vehicles should have solar panels on the roof just to run the AC.