Category Archives: Technology

Solar Power

April 14, 2015 Amy Rebecca Stunder Leave a comment

Solar power is a viable expense for RVs. Go Power! offers a sizing calculator to see which solar kit fits best for the consumer [1]. Also it offers a “solar map” that shows the United States by month and how much solar radiation a region of the country receives [2].

The Wynns are using solar power for their RV and have a helpful video explaining their system [3]. They bought a Go Power! solar kit for $4000 off of Amazon.com which comes with the following:
– 160 watt solar charging kit, 2 x 160 watt expansion kit
-3000 watt pure sine wave inverter for AC power
-30 amp pulse width modulated digital solar controller
-75 amp smart battery charger
-DC inverter install kit and Inverter Remote

On sunny days, they bring in over 25 amps, but even during cloudy days they bring in around 10 amps. Wynns recommend adding solar power to your RV if you normally are wild camping or boondocking.

Through further exploration of the Wynn’s website, over the years they have upgraded their solar power systems and most recently have been using flexible solar panels. As of two days ago, they posted their review of using solar power after one year [4]. With their flexible panels they have found some of the negative qualities about them:
– cupping of the material (concavity)
-surface scratches from having to clean it
-gouges from tree branches when driving through forests
-the panels are glued and easier installation but then they are unable to tilt them up to receive maximum sunlight

Though they have not noticed any less quality or less amps that are brought in. The flexible ones are more light-weight and have a warranty of 10 years but then the tempered glass solar panels have a 30 year warranty. Yet, it should still be considered that in 10 years from now the technology of solar panels will have advanced so keeping the same solar panel for 10 years is ideal before purchasing a more efficient one.

This is the Wynn’s overview of solar power usage from 2011 [5].

Basic	Medium	Heavy
Power lights, run a fan, keep house batteries charged	Power lights, run a fan, charge cell phones, laptop and watch 2 hours of TV a day	Power lights, run a fan, charge cell phone, laptop, watch 2 hours of TV a day, use electric kettle, electric blender, run the microwave for 5 minutes
12 volt Basic System	12 volt medium system	12 volt Heavy Duty system
55 watt module	2 – 140 watt modules	6 – 140 watt modules
Charge control	Charge control	Charge control
25’ module cables	25’ module cables	25’ module cables
10’ battery cables	10’ battery cables	10’ battery cables
Fuses, fuse holders	Fuses, fuse holders	Fuses, fuse holders
Average use per day: 220 watt hours Cost $478	1120 watt hours Cost $1,175	3360 watt hours Cost $12,708
		2000 watt pure sine inverter/ charger, AC hook up wire, remote inverter controller
*battery bank not included	*recommended 200 AH battery bank	*recommended 600 AH battery bank

Most websites speaking about RVs using solar panels refer to Go Power! as the company of choice. DoItYourselfRV.com says how to expect to pay $200 for every 100 watts of solar power.

Sources:

[1] https://tools.carmanah.com/src.web/GoPowerCalculator.htm?state=RvDiv

[2] http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/1961-1990/redbook/atlas/Table.html

[3] http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/extreme-rv-solar

[4] http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/flexible-rv-solar-issues-review

[5] http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar-power

[6] http://www.doityourselfrv.com/rv-solar-panel-kits-systems/

Technology

RV Insulation

April 3, 2015 Amy Rebecca Stunder Leave a comment

RV insulation is vital to travelers who stay for long periods of time in northern states. From viewing a series of videos online, there are innovative and cheap ways to better insulate an RV. Aluminum-sided campers will have less insulation than fiberglass-sided campers. Adding foil wrap on the inside of RV helps insulate [1]. Other methods include the following: using block foam inside and weather strip outside on windows, use curtains on windshield when parked, put rugs down on non-carpeted floors, only leave the slide-outs open when needed since they are not usually insulated well enough like the rest of the RV is, and “skirt” your RV to prevent air flow from getting underneath [2]. Even if not owning a “skirt”, you can pack snow up against the perimeter of your RV to still prevent air flow [4]. Instead of running the propane heater all of the time, electric heaters would be more efficient. Often times it may get too humid with propane heater on, so a dehumidifier would then be needed. A small space heater can be placed in the compartment where the water filter and other pipes are to prevent them from freezing. Gregg Zart created a video blog that highlights what lengths he went to try to prevent his RV from freezing after having moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, the new oil boomtown from the Bakken riches [3]. He insulated most windows with foil, wrapped the hose with foam, yet his water ruptured causing his tub to fill and the toilet to have no water. He then forth needed to use the camp site’s facilities to do laundry and bathroom needs. Overall he was very disappointed in how his methods of insulation failed him during his time of need in -30 degree weather.

The reverse side of this insulation research is how to keep cool during extreme heats. Several methods include: parking your RV facing north to allow for natural shade by mid-day, cook outside with a solar oven, set up a shading canopy to block radiation from transmitting inside the RV. Aluminum wrap can be taped to the outside of the windows. Also another cheap, innovative way to stay cool is to place AC filters on the inside of your window and spritz with water to create your own form of evaporative cooling [5].

Sources:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GLvKL3-cDI

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgvRP5_TElA

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1oeODwudrI – Gregg Zart

[4] http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/winterize-rv – How to Prepare for Winter inside and Out

[5] http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/keep-cool-extreme-heat-ideas-burning-man – How to Keep Cool in Extreme Heats – Ideas from Burning Man

Technology, Why Micromobility

Land Rover and Airstream, Joint Arctic Circle Testing

March 25, 2015 Casey A. Raia Leave a comment

Land Rover, the most popular vehicle to tow Airstream trailers in England, is doing its Arctic Circle testing a bit differently than the average car company. As a joint test, Land Rover towed a modified 27 foot-long Airstream camper behind its Range Rover Sport Hybrid. The test apparently went very well and both vehicle and trailer performed flawlessly given the treacherous conditions of the Arctic.

Click the link for the full story and more information.

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/22/airstream-land-rover-arctic-circle-testing/#image-20

Technology

A Small Expensive Step in the Right Direction

March 24, 2015 Casey A. Raia Leave a comment

John Mayer & Earth Roamer –

Based off the Ford F-550 turbo diesel (4WD, 6.7L Power Stroke V8, 300HP, 660lb-ft of torque) – stock from factory >$37,000
27ft long, 19,500 pounds
EarthRoamer
- Bill Swail: CEO and Founder, adventurer and nature photographer –
  - “Expedition vehicles. Bring RV comfortability to the world’s most remote areas.”
  - Designed for stand alone functionality
    - No water, electric, or sewer hookups necessary
  - 90 gallon capacity > typically travel 1,000 miles
  - SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF!!! Batteries contain 255 amp-hours of storage, recharged by engine and solar power
- European-style black water treatment
  - 5 gallon cassette, take into a bathroom and flush into toilet or dig a hole and bury it if in a remote area
- 10,000 – 12,500lb towing capacity
Used high $100k, new $300-$500k
- Incredibly expensive but the company spares no expense
- Retractable steps, off-road capabilities, wheels, interior design and materials
- Many technologies are over the top for typical RV users but there is a lesson with this company
  - Batteries, solar panels, black water treatment
- No random swales, but still guilty of corny graphics on occasion

https://autos.yahoo.com/news/john-mayer-just-bought-massive-earthroamer-truck-153059257.html

http://earthroamer.com/

Tesla –

All started with Elon Musk’s tweet saying there was going to be an “end to range anxiety”
Over-air updates to vehicle’s charger packs
- Increase range just by tweaking things inside the computer
  - Cheapest > 208 miles per charge ($63k)
  - Biggest Battery > 265 miles per charge ($73k)
  - Fastest/Most Expensive > 270 miles per charge ($98k)
- Before we slam just how much these over the air updates can actually do, Tesla’s first car ‘Tesla Roadster’ went from a 245 mile range to a 400 mile range…
- Just reached 400 super charging stations world-wide
  - Full charge in 40 minutes, strategically located on popular routes and within walking distance of cafes or shopping centers
  - It is completely free to use these stations… (at this point in time)
- Pilot Battery Swap program
  - Tesla will swap out a low battery for a full battery in less time than it takes for a combustion engine car to get filled with gas
  - Still in the testing phase, only one example of this service in California right now and customers were contacted and later chosen to take part in the study
  - Right now it is by appointment only and take about 3 minutes total
  - The cost of the battery swap is slightly less than a full tank of gas for the Model S’s competitors
    - Fast vs. Free
  - November, Michael Fritts hit all 50 of the United States strictly using Tesla’s super charging network. He did not spend a dime on recharging anywhere
    - Current Network vs. RV mentality… not lining up, but could.

“The fact that we were able to drive 11,500 miles without spending a cent on gas or oil or putting a single emission in the air was amazing,” Elbertson says. “I’m still shocked that we did that.” – Lita Elbertson

Modern Day “auto-camping” (term from Winnebego Nation) in a Tesla Model S –

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/24/sleeping-tesla-airbnb-hotel

http://www.teslamotors.com/

Technology

RV Parks Go Green

March 4, 2015 Amy Rebecca Stunder Leave a comment

Initial research on how RV Parks are becoming more sustainable is still ongoing. Linda Powers Tomasso published a study of Sustainability at RV Parks in 2010 [1].

Source:
[1] http://www.eplerwood.com/beta/images/Tomasso%20Grad%20Project_RV%20park%20sustainability_2010_XII.pdf

Technology, Uncategorized

Fuel Efficiency

March 4, 2015 Amy Rebecca Stunder Leave a comment

How can the future of RVs become more fuel efficient? Why don’t we see more fuel-efficient RVs? Fuel efficiency is mainly impacted by the vehicle weight and engine type. RV manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce vehicle weight and to create more efficient engines [1]. In 2014, Winnebago, one of the nation’s leaders in “fuel efficient motorhomes” introduced the Trend which is called the Viva! from the Itasca line, class C [2]. It uses a Ram ProMaster Chassis which is 280-hp and 3.6L V6 gas engine.
[3] Above: Trend Viva! by Winnebago

[4] and [5] Comparison Specifications

[5]

Sources:
[1] http://www.roamingtimes.com/b/articles/why-dont-we-see-more-fuel-efficient-rvs.aspx

[2] http://winnebagolife.com/2014/02/the-all-new-trend-viva

[3] Image: http://winnebagoind.com/products/class-c/2014/trend/overview/

[4] http://winnebagoind.com/products/class-c/2014/trend/specifications

[5] http://www.mikethompson.com/files/rv-downloads/2014-Citation-Mercedes-Benz-Sprinter-Motorhomes-Literature-12-2013.pdf

Technology

Energy Efficiency Exploration

February 18, 2015 Amy Rebecca Stunder Leave a comment

To begin an exploration of energy efficiencies, first two categories will be examined.
1. Water consumption
Water consumption consists of several factors including water heater, faucet usage, drinking water, etc.

Standard water heaters in most RV’s hold 6 gallons which is fine for weekends but not for much longer [1]. 10-gallon water heaters are better for longer distances, but the tankless water heater has several benefits that many are unaware of. Tankless water heaters use propane burners and sensors to power it, and they consume less fossil fuels. [1]
A typical home uses 40-100 gallon water heaters, and an average residence uses 110 gallons of water per day [2]. In my own calculation of my personal water consumption that I had to record for another science course, my daily consumption is 193 gallons. This was measured through calculating the flow rate of faucets, timing my water usage, and looking up manufacturers information for toilet, dishwasher, washer, etc.

A study was conducted in 2010 by Linda Powers Tomasso anaylzing sustainability at RV Parks [6]. Only 10% of RV owners use it as their primary residence, while 90% have fixed residences but use RV for other recreational excursions. RVer’s use 27 gallons of water per day, while a home uses 150 gallons per day [6].

2. Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption consists of several factors including gas to power the vehicle, power for all appliances, etc.

Often times people discuss whether gas or diesel is more efficient for the use of RV’s. Gas-run engines are in the front of the vehicle and the maintenance is cheaper yet it is less fuel efficient for distances. Diesel-run engines are located in the rear and are quieter. The initial cost is more but this engine will last longer and is more efficient [3].

A recent comparison of Mercedes I-4 Turbodiesel engine to a V-6 explores the differences. Mercedes claims that their engine gets 18% better mileage than V-6 after 200 miles, but the results prove else wise [5]

I-4	V-6
Displacement: 2.1 L Horsepower: 161 Torque: 266 Gears: 7	3.0 L 188 325 5
After about 200 miles = 17.4 MPG	16.5 MPG

Brian Brawdy is an advocate for the Green RV and in 2009 appeared on local news. It is stated that 25% of manufactured RVs have solar panels on them. Brawdy’s green RV is 91 square feet of living, has around $3000-worth of solar panels which is almost 500 watts of power, and also has a wind turbine and rainwater collector. Biofuel is using cooking oil/grease to power a vehicle, but some motor companies state in their Owner’s Manuel that you cannot put vegetable oil or else it will violate the warranty [4]. From this interview, Brawdy’s enthusiasm for green RV-ing is shown, which leads to further questions of how many RV-ers WANT to have a green RV? What population of residential vehicle owners care enough to want green technologies implemented? And why are motor companies hindering new green technology advancements?

Power of appliances used can be found here and here.

Sources:

[1] http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/11/rv_tankless_water_heaters.php

[2] http://www.fmca.com/polks-top-7/3586-environmentally-friendly-rving-seven-ways-to-reduce-rv-fuel-consumption.html

[3] http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rv-diesel-or-gas

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqBvaVck8bc

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZbsrarewaI

[6] http://www.eplerwood.com/beta/images/Tomasso%20Grad%20Project_RV%20park%20sustainability_2010_XII.pdf

Technology

MICROMOBILITY

Category Archives: Technology

Solar Power

RV Insulation

Land Rover and Airstream, Joint Arctic Circle Testing

A Small Expensive Step in the Right Direction

RV Parks Go Green

Fuel Efficiency

Energy Efficiency Exploration

Efficient Technologies

home is where you hook up