Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Motorhome Tech Topics
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 02-01-2019, 02:25 PM   #21
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
Sadly that is Europe only (see here).

14kWh is a pretty big battery (the one in my C-Max was ~7kWh) and thus really would provide a lot of power for camping. Too bad they should bring it over here.

Agree!!! GM and Ford both build some pretty cool vehicles overseas. I've seen lots of them that GM builds in China...got to tour a few of them in person at a GM "internal museum" in Michigan. I was surprised to hear the GM builds more vehicles in China than they do in the U.S. Safety issues are what keeps them from the U.S....plus profit margins are very small.

__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 03:11 PM   #22
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I'll be the the folks at NHTSA would crap themselves: if they ever got a close look at some of those vehicles...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 04:25 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
Sadly that is Europe only (see here).

14kWh is a pretty big battery (the one in my C-Max was ~7kWh) and thus really would provide a lot of power for camping. Too bad they should bring it over here.

Agree 100%.

Even without the hybrid version, there is a lot to like about the Transit Custom, and I think it would be very well received by a lot of do-it-yourself builders who want or need a daily driver that is also gareagable at home.

It comes in 2 lengths and 2 roof heights. The factory high roof model has 5’-10” of interior height, so it’s quite a bit more than the low roof RAM ProMaster which is the only other van in US that provides close to standup room for shorter people, yet has overall height under 8 feet. Even after a little insulation, 5’-7” or so would make moving around inside much easier than old low-roof vans. And all in a vehicle that is garageable through an 8-foot door.

On diesel, these vans are rated at ~30 MPG, so they would make great second vehicles, maybe even primary vehicles that can be used for light camping. With a gas engine about 25 MPG should be possible. The hybrid would just be icing on the cake.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	B2B834E3-ED2F-4B91-B580-A300D6CED535.jpg
Views:	99
Size:	91.1 KB
ID:	15459  
__________________
Chance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 04:36 PM   #24
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance View Post
Agree 100%.

Even without the hybrid version, there is a lot to like about the Transit Custom, and I think it would be very well received by a lot of do-it-yourself builders who want or need a daily driver that is also gareagable at home.

It comes in 2 lengths and 2 roof heights. The factory high roof model has 5’-10” of interior height, so it’s quite a bit more than the low roof RAM ProMaster which is the only other van in US that provides close to standup room for shorter people, yet has overall height under 8 feet. Even after a little insulation, 5’-7” or so would make moving around inside much easier than old low-roof vans. And all in a vehicle that is garageable through an 8-foot door.


On diesel, these vans are rated at ~30 MPG, so they would make great second vehicles, maybe even primary vehicles that can be used for light camping. With a gas engine about 25 MPG should be possible. The hybrid would just be icing on the cake.

I would buy the diesel tomorrow if it were available here. I have a Chevy Express 2500 LWB up-fitted for basic overnighting. I bought it for the dogs (lab hair) but "we all" use it for excursions downtown, day games, etc. This little Custom fills many gaps!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 05:32 PM   #25
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
For us a Custom could work OK except for not having space for a shower. But since we mostly stay in campgrounds with nice showers and often break up longer camping trips with occasional stays in hotels, a smaller van like this would be great about 90% of the time. It would only be while boondocking at football games that not having a shower would be a problem.

Years ago we downsized to a van because we planned to rent trailers or motorhomes when we needed extra space, and in retrospect it worked out pretty well. Now with renting of RVs becoming even more common, we are seriously considering staying with a van-size motorhome. Versatility and ease of ownership is a real plus for us.

Westfalia converts the Custom by replacing the roof on three models so they can have an overhead bed, providing sleeping for 4, but I would prefer a standard Ford high roof for just the 2 of us. I would rent if camping with others anyway as we’ve done in the past, so sleeping for 2 is plenty. It would have to have a shower though.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	7092239F-FF2D-4148-B8A8-E9313B609BC7.jpg
Views:	114
Size:	90.4 KB
ID:	15462  
__________________
Chance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2019, 05:45 PM   #26
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Shower...YES. I see this as a weekender or day cruiser. We have an old tent style shower house from the redneck racing days with the converted bus. I'm not a fan of convertible interiors...(using same space for sofa and converted bed, wet baths) but what a great product otherwise. Other than heading out for a week or 2 months or a year...this would work fine. Excellent Party Wagon!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2019, 09:53 PM   #27
Senior Member
 
DogLovers's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
Cool to see, cool to talk about just not practical for the majority of RV users in the US. We generally travel much further than current battery technology can accommodate. I'm holding out for the nuclear reactor powered coach where the atomic pile in stored in my mother-in-laws car with her in it towed behind us.
__________________
Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
DogLovers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2019, 10:58 PM   #28
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
... with a remote operated, quick-release hitch: no doubt!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 12:56 PM   #29
Senior Member
 
DogLovers's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
... with a remote operated, quick-release hitch: no doubt!
Yeah buddy!
__________________
Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
DogLovers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 03:28 PM   #30
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, does it? Somewhere between present fuel-powered motorhomes and future 100% battery-powered are many hybrid options that could improve motorhomes short term. Ford alone has already introduced two types of very different hybrids that could be adapted for motorhome applications.

I guess it depends greatly on what you’re trying to accomplish. My personal interest is more in using the powertrain’s electrical capabilities to improve camping (the house’s function), while others seem more interested in improving driving economy. Not that there can’t be some overlap between these two goals.
__________________
Chance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 03:47 PM   #31
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I guess that we'll all have to see where that "Green New Deal" referendum ends up...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 03:51 PM   #32
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Chance..."brain storm"!! I just figure out a solution for you!!! Get any old motorhome that fits your "camping while traveling" requirements. Buy a small cargo trailer and place a forklift battery or 2 in it! Wire that battery into an inverter system large enough to supply your A/C's!! Those batteries run an entire 8 hour shift of loading and unloading in warehouses without any issues...that's a lot of power!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 04:21 PM   #33
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Wouldn't that be just about like towing around a small nuclear powerplant behind you?
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 05:02 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Wouldn't that be just about like towing around a small nuclear powerplant behind you?

That is exactly what he wants!!! And somehow...he'll end up with it!! Hope he has lots of outside plugs for us!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 05:16 PM   #35
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Remind me to buy a 1,500 mile long extension cord!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 08:16 PM   #36
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
Chance..."brain storm"!! I just figure out a solution for you!!! Get any old motorhome that fits your "camping while traveling" requirements. Buy a small cargo trailer and place a forklift battery or 2 in it! Wire that battery into an inverter system large enough to supply your A/C's!! Those batteries run an entire 8 hour shift of loading and unloading in warehouses without any issues...that's a lot of power!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
That is exactly what he wants!!! And somehow...he'll end up with it!! Hope he has lots of outside plugs for us!!
I purchased quite a few of those forktruck batteries on different projects, and they are quite large and heavy. Given the same lead-acid battery chemistry, they are not much different than golf cart batteries of equal total weight.

If you like large batteries, you should have seen the ones used on a hybrid bus our school worked on decades ago. I don’t recall exactly but they were probably well over 1,000 pounds each, and there were two. A diesel charged the batteries constantly.

I’m helping a friend with engineering on restoring a classic motorhome, and one goal is to upgrade electrical system and house batteries to run rear A/C in bedroom overnight without using the generator. To make it work right, the hardest part is charging the batteries fast while driving. It’s a fairly unique (obsolete) engine so finding a bracket for a second alternator doesn’t seem an option. He wants to have a Volta system’s capability without spending an absolute fortune. He also wants to run front A/C off alternator while driving so generator doesn’t have to run so much.

Once most of this hardware comes from chassis manufacturer, the cost will be a small fraction of what we are looking at, and will become a no brainer. I prefer new stuff, and think a second alternator like on new Ford 7.3L V8 would be a great start.
__________________
Chance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 08:33 PM   #37
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
What sort of unique and obsolete engine are we talking about?
(We had a Starcraft with a 413 in the doghouse...)
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2019, 07:00 PM   #38
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Texas
Posts: 6,187
THOR #2121
Olds 455 cubic inch (7.5L) with 3-speed auto (no overdrive).

FWD unit was used at least on Cortez, GMC, and Revcon motorhomes mostly during 1970s.

Alternator capacity can be upgraded easily because original was small by present standards. However, engine was never used on trucks or commercial applications as far as I know, so no factory brackets for a second alternator. Belt drive is being upgraded so there may be a chance to make additional modifications. Trying to rebuild something that old is almost like starting from scratch — I suppose much like building your own van camper except larger and much more complicated due to old stuff that has to be fixed, replaced, or upgraded. It’s very expensive so hard to justify unless you just want to and can do it.
__________________
Chance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2019, 07:16 PM   #39
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Have you checked with JEG'S, to see if they've got a bracket that could be used?
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2019, 09:14 PM   #40
Senior Member
 
DogLovers's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
Find somebody in here that has a CNC lathe and get them to cut you a bracket custom fit to the application.
__________________
Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
DogLovers is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 10:31 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2