Modifying RVs & Motor-Homes

[ConvertMotorHomes!]

Has anyone successfully modified their RV or Motor-home? I think there should be a sub-forum. It would probably the most challenging to modify and for that same reason, the most fun and rewarding. Any ideas on how? I think the most obvious would be to remove as much unnecessary weight as possible. Maybe take out the couches and replace with cheap, Swedish, IKEA ones? Perhaps replace the fridge with a mini one? Instead of a toilet just a hole in the bottom of the vehicle? Maybe you could replace the full-sized stove with a little portable electric one? I'm relatively new to eco-modding so, throw your ideas out there!

[aerohead]

How about a photograph of your rig,taken from the side!

[Clev]

Originally Posted by ConvertMotorHomes!

Has anyone successfully modified their RV or Motor-home? I think there should be a sub-forum. It would probably the most challenging to modify and for that same reason, the most fun and rewarding. Any ideas on how? I think the most obvious would be to remove as much unnecessary weight as possible. Maybe take out the couches and replace with cheap, Swedish, IKEA ones? Perhaps replace the fridge with a mini one? Instead of a toilet just a hole in the bottom of the vehicle? Maybe you could replace the full-sized stove with a little portable electric one? I'm relatively new to eco-modding so, throw your ideas out there!

For something with such a giant front profile, I'd recommend aero mods first. Underbelly pan, sealed up gaps, boattail. Weight reduction will mostly help you when going uphill or accelerating in town, but doesn't make a huge difference on the freeway.

[SuperTrooper]

I know this is just a design study, but check it out.

David Zaiter - Industrial Designer - Miami, Florida

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by ConvertMotorHomes!

Instead of a toilet just a hole in the bottom of the vehicle?

WHAT?!? I will make sure I don't follow you if you ever stop at a Mexican all-u-can eat. And large fines for something like that.

I would say for one run empty tanked, gallon of water 8 pounds, 3-40 gallon tanks Hmmm counting fingers. 960#'s would be alot not to haul around. Keep the toilet please.

[SuperTrooper]

When my family camped back in the '70s my dad's dream was to own an Airstream:

[Big Dave]

The problem here is that RVs are inherently low-mileage vehicles. The RV industry knows its customers. 7500 miles a year is a high figure even when fuel is cheap.

High-mileage people buy busses. A better project would be to start with a school bus chassis and make a high-MPG bus.

[SmartTrucker]

I plan on buying an old motorhome next year and was figuring the same thing. Lighten up anywhere where I can but I'm not going to be just after FE I want to make the ride smoother as well and not be the guy holding up traffic on everyhill. A SLEEPERhome??

I want to go with a bus as well like Big Dave is recommending but my wife wants nothing to do with it I think it would be the best possible ride with the most possiblities as far as FE, space & power

[aerohead]

Boattail it!