Can I Convert an old RV to Electric?

by Phil
(Carl Junction, MO)

This Old RV

Is there a conversion kit available for RVs and vans? I have a 1976 RV that I would like to convert to electric. I also have a 1973 van. Both the RV and van are made by Dodge. Can they be converted, or will I have to forget about it?

Hi, Phil -
No, there's not a conversion kit for vehicles that large. That doesn't mean it can't be done, but there may be some reasons why you wouldn't want to.

Your vehicles are pretty heavy. All that weight has to be moved, which is easy for the gigantic diesel engine or V8 that they were born with. Just burn more gas, 10 mpg or so, and move that mammoth down the road!
Now, when you convert that mammoth to electric, instead of moving it with petrol, you're moving it with lead (batteries). The heavier the vehicle, the more lead you need. Lead weighs a TON. Your vehicles weigh a TON.
See the problem?
There comes a point where you can build an electric vehicle that needs so many batteries to just get ROLLING that your effective range will be, maybe, to the end of your driveway; )

I seldom do what's sensible, though.

Me, I'd convert both those vehicles to electric, just because somebody said I shouldn't. I'd put in two big AC motors, lift the whole chassis up a foot or so and install battery boxes under the whole length of the floor, beef up the suspension and brakes, and be on my way.

Even if it's expensive - and it is - consider this: it's still probably cheaper than filling the tank these days.

Regards,
Lynne