Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - What's the best RV/motorhome aerodynamically?

slowmover · 12-14-2010, 08:38 AM

Gonna get off-track here a moment: JacobAziza,

I read the blog and watched the videos. There are assumptions about living in an RV that pertain only to a mild climate. In ones where summer temps do not fall below 85F for months, or winter where temps do not rise above 50F, an RV is hard pressed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. RV appliances, second, are not built to (nor do they have to meet) the standards for housing. They are considered temporary use.

The electric use and rates charged are low, as is the park monthly fee. I've seen higher in most places AND higher electrical rates. Many would never allow the water collection system shown, for example.

You're luckier than you realize: mild climate, high income/education metro area, low ground rental, low electrical, wow! Many, many RV'ers would have to commute a great long distance to have such a low "housing expense" near a metro area. And suffer higher living expenses at least half the year due to energy consumption AND commuting expense.

And are the tires less than 5-years old? Brakes/bearings serviced yearly (trailer used on-road or not, it's a requirement), etc. Most states require annual inspections. How is insurance coverage. Etc (you needn't answer, your strategy speaks for itself, the rhetorical questions here are for others to consider).

Yes, they are cheap to get into. But on a square foot basis they are actually energy hogs compared to a house. There is no thermal mass, for instance. And while my gas-powered tank-style home water heater may be "inefficient" in the eyes of some, a tankless heater does not make for any savings were I to install one in my home. I've crunched the numbers more than once. In RV's I've only seen a few, approved, tankless installations. What Code was followed for non-standard installations? Etc.

Back to topic: A Westfalia (and similar) is good for a camping trip. For someone who needs, say, business clothing and samples or tools/equipment, it's pretty small, and quite limited in all fashions.

Especially if those four people have to stay indoors due to weather. What about A/C? If remote, what about electrical? "Boondocking" is do-able for about 1-2-3 days before inputs are needed (water, electrical, propane) (or output: sewer tanks). Yes, one can do much to extend remote camping, but not without a generator. And one that can run A/C will be well above $1k and need constant fuel replenishment plus oil/filter changes every day or every few days depending on use. For those interested the RV specific sites have a lot more information.

There is a point where an RV of a certain size is more livable than others. And it has to do with capacities of fresh water, sewer water storage, kitchen amenities (refrigerator/freezer size), etc. That there is a point that is too small. A CASITA trailer is recommended as a default choice for study in re space available for about two people.

For four or more, something larger is required where climate is not ideal, and the purpose of the trip is income related. Avoiding hotels is not as easy as it appears, for on a night-by-night basis they come out ahead. Catch a train or plane or bus, and get a room. No RV can match that, in general.

.

12-14-2010, 08:38 AM	#52 (permalink)
slowmover Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 2,442 2004 CTD - '04 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT Team Cummins 90 day: 19.36 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,422 Thanked 737 Times in 557 Posts	Gonna get off-track here a moment: JacobAziza, I read the blog and watched the videos. There are assumptions about living in an RV that pertain only to a mild climate. In ones where summer temps do not fall below 85F for months, or winter where temps do not rise above 50F, an RV is hard pressed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. RV appliances, second, are not built to (nor do they have to meet) the standards for housing. They are considered temporary use. The electric use and rates charged are low, as is the park monthly fee. I've seen higher in most places AND higher electrical rates. Many would never allow the water collection system shown, for example. You're luckier than you realize: mild climate, high income/education metro area, low ground rental, low electrical, wow! Many, many RV'ers would have to commute a great long distance to have such a low "housing expense" near a metro area. And suffer higher living expenses at least half the year due to energy consumption AND commuting expense. And are the tires less than 5-years old? Brakes/bearings serviced yearly (trailer used on-road or not, it's a requirement), etc. Most states require annual inspections. How is insurance coverage. Etc (you needn't answer, your strategy speaks for itself, the rhetorical questions here are for others to consider). Yes, they are cheap to get into. But on a square foot basis they are actually energy hogs compared to a house. There is no thermal mass, for instance. And while my gas-powered tank-style home water heater may be "inefficient" in the eyes of some, a tankless heater does not make for any savings were I to install one in my home. I've crunched the numbers more than once. In RV's I've only seen a few, approved, tankless installations. What Code was followed for non-standard installations? Etc. Back to topic: A Westfalia (and similar) is good for a camping trip. For someone who needs, say, business clothing and samples or tools/equipment, it's pretty small, and quite limited in all fashions. Especially if those four people have to stay indoors due to weather. What about A/C? If remote, what about electrical? "Boondocking" is do-able for about 1-2-3 days before inputs are needed (water, electrical, propane) (or output: sewer tanks). Yes, one can do much to extend remote camping, but not without a generator. And one that can run A/C will be well above $1k and need constant fuel replenishment plus oil/filter changes every day or every few days depending on use. For those interested the RV specific sites have a lot more information. There is a point where an RV of a certain size is more livable than others. And it has to do with capacities of fresh water, sewer water storage, kitchen amenities (refrigerator/freezer size), etc. That there is a point that is too small. A CASITA trailer is recommended as a default choice for study in re space available for about two people. For four or more, something larger is required where climate is not ideal, and the purpose of the trip is income related. Avoiding hotels is not as easy as it appears, for on a night-by-night basis they come out ahead. Catch a train or plane or bus, and get a room. No RV can match that, in general. .