The Future of Boondocking: In-chassis 14.3-kWh lithium battery

[jeffmc306]

I caught an article about an Australian RV manufacturer, Retreat Caravans, that’s building a new totally electric model with lithium batteries in the chassis - all 14.3 k-Wh of it. Add over 2000 watts of roof solar and now you’re cooking with electric (not gas)!

I’ve wondered when some company would take a cue from the electric auto design and integrate battery storage in the trailer frame. It keeps the center of gravity low and greatly expands the total capacity.

And, with e-trucks becoming a reality, they could use the trailer batteries to extend range or recharge the truck in an emergency.

I hope Airstream / Thor begin to think about integrating this kind of technology sooner than later!

Read the full article here: https://newatlas.com/outdoors/retrea...-e-rv-caravan/

[wave man]

Wow. THIS, is brilliant

[Prettygood]

That’s more than I could see needing in any scenario. Love the idea, makes so much more sense. A good retrofit would be to have tesla batteries that are end of life for a car added into the airstream frame at a greatly reduced price. Still fully usable, and should be cheap compared to new lithium.

[kidjedi]

I have the shell off of a 31' Excella and the frame is sitting waiting for me to work out the math and find "affordable" (moreso than new) batteries for doing just this. Also doing radiant heat flooring. I have also been looking at this idea to restore a 1976 Argosy 26' mobilehome with this kind of battery capacity to use for an all electric toad (or at least an electric motorcycle or two).

[jeffmc306]

Just found a video walk-through of this trailer. Imagine the possibilities for the Airstream community that goes off-grid.

https://youtu.be/2yjuKgtNJzA

[gregwall]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Just found a video walk-through of this trailer. Imagine the possibilities for the Airstream community that goes off-grid.

https://youtu.be/2yjuKgtNJzA

Brilliant design. Love the battery mounted on the frame with nothing on the roof but solar panels. I have no problem carrying two propane tanks, but electric heat would eliminate humidity problems.

[ghaynes755]

To bad they went with flexible panels on the roof. The landscape is littered with folks that had flexible's and were disappointed or worse.

[TouringDan]

Thanks for this thread.

I am renovating a 95 34’ and planning to install 1,400 - 1,600 watts on the roof along with 400 watts currently installed on my truck cap. I am removing the roof top AC and installing a 12,000 btu/hr split system heat pump. I plan to install at least 4 100 Ah Renogy lithium batteries (caught them on sale at Amazon for $518).

After seeing this thread I may try to install the batteries at least partially in the frame to lower the CG and minimize the interior space used by the batteries. I won’t go totally electric, but may go with 2-5 Lb propane cylinders. I am going with a compressor fridge so will only need propane for hot water and cooking. I think two 5 Lb cylinders will be plenty for hot water and cooking.

Dan