The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

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The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

March 25, 2023, 05:41:45 am

Some may find the following article interesting.

https://www.rvtravel.com/bowlus-electric/

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #1 – March 25, 2023, 12:56:06 pm

Thanks Sam!

Their Volterra looks nice, and it’s 17 kWh of lithium iron phosphate battery power (~1400 Ah) is impressive.

But then I notice the two small solar panels, something doesn’t add up. It’s like filling an Olympic sized swimming pool with a garden hose, will get it done eventually, but many days later.

I appreciate the concept, but without a bunch more solar, it’s an expensive showpiece. For that kind of money, rather find a used EarthRoamer.

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #2 – March 25, 2023, 12:56:13 pm

Quote from: Wingersky - March 25, 2023, 05:41:45 am

Some may find the following article interesting.
https://www.rvtravel.com/bowlus-electric/

Another pipe dream that isn't going to perform well in real life.
An all-electric trailer that uses solar and lithium batteries to provide all the comforts of home...cooking, refrigeration, heating and A/C.
Unless the shell is completely covered in solar panels, all the conveniences of the home will be short-lived. The photo shown has a minimal amount of solar panels, not the 1000+ watts of solar needed to provide the minimum needed to run everything.
Not having a generator is going to limit any boondocking during cloudy weather to when the batteries have become exhausted by running the A/C or heat, not to mention the constant power draw of the electric refrigerator.
Running the tow vehicle's engine to charge the trailer's batteries is the only way to recharge when the sun isn't shining.
This type of rig is going to be great in an RV park with hookups.

Solar is wonderful if you can install enough panels to cover your year-round needs.

Larry

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #3 – March 25, 2023, 01:17:29 pm

"This type of rig is going to be great in an RV park with hookups."

After looking at both links I wonder what the end result is when you mix hyperbole and claustrophobia?

This creature looks like something right out of the 1930s.

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #4 – March 25, 2023, 01:30:02 pm

Like Larry, maybe just fair weather camping, not too far away. A campsite full hook up 'queen'. The link to the car may really be for taking the car to get charged nearby, so you can charge up the batteries in the trailer. $300k, I know many houses that can be bought in remote places for that price. And I did notice that propane can be used for 'bad weather' events. I hope the factory provides a roller ball under that back bumper for that extensive overhang. Many simple driveways will remove that back end quickly!
And the sound of the generator will be your little Honda running outside to keep you warm. RonB

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #5 – March 25, 2023, 01:53:25 pm

If all the green freaks admitted to themselves just how much oil it takes to make green products, they wouldn't bother going green.
All electric RV's just aren't practical, no matter what. If you are going to stay in an RV park with hookups, you don't need any of the cool things. Just plug in and have at it.

But when you boondock, like I do, then power consumption and more important, generation and storage of power is a key.

I continue to think that hybrid is the future, at least one that makes sense to me.
Combining technologies into a package that compliment each other would get me to buy.

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #6 – March 25, 2023, 02:22:36 pm

Quote from: Jota - March 25, 2023, 01:53:25 pm

I continue to think that hybrid is the future, at least one that makes sense to me.
Combining technologies into a package that compliment each other would get me to buy.

That made me think. My 99 MB might be hybrid already. Unleaded gas, propane gas, 120v ac, 12v dc and solar.

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #7 – March 25, 2023, 03:07:14 pm

"This creature looks like something right out of the 1930s."

Exactly. That's because the exterior design is a near-exact copy of a 1934 Bowlus Road Chief. Aircraft engineer Hawley Bowlus designed and sold this super-streamlined trailer, but he was a better engineer than businessman. In 1936 he ended up selling the company to Wally Byam, a hard-driving salesman who renamed the trailer "Airstream Clipper." The rest as they say, is history.

The modern Bowlus company has no connection either to Airstream or to Hawley Bowlus's original company, but their product is a modern-day recreation of Bowlus's Thirties-vintage trailer. It's more sleek than practical (entry door over the trailer hitch, anyone?), and I agree with the comments about inadequate solar power. But it certainly is a pleasure to look at.

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #8 – March 25, 2023, 06:32:11 pm

Poorly designed and executed by a company that apparently knows little about engineering, space efficiency, or ergonomics. Lots of confused info on their website, and misleading statements such as "The Volterra induction cooktop provides a more energy-efficient cooking experience than its gas counterparts" - yes, energy-efficient but not RESOURCE-efficient compared to propane. Fifty gallons freshwater and 34 of gray, and a cassette toilet. I guess you pee out in the desert when that fills up.

Steve

Re: The first RV manufacturer to go all electric across product line

Reply #9 – March 26, 2023, 12:27:46 pm

A cassette toilet in a $310,000 RV?! Who would buy one of these?

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