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can i make the switch to an electric motorhome?
Q
As a regular reader of Practical Motorhome, I’ve noticed your recent coverage of EV campervans.
My existing (Auto-Trail) motorhome is banned within the M25, so I like the idea of being greener. Yes, I’m aware of the high start-up costs, but the benefits interest me more.
Where I live in Scotland, we are blessed with an extensive network of vehicle recharging points across the country, so a range of 100-150 miles per charge works well.
Could you please tell me if the ’vans currently available offer fridge/lighting and so on using the traction battery, or use separate methods to keep the living quarters heated? Lastly, could a campsite overnight hook-up be used to top up the travel battery?
R Okonoski
A
Gentleman Jack replies… Zero-emission campervans are still very much in their infancy, but in a comparatively short time, they will become as mainstream as those powered by conventionally fuelled engines.
To answer your specific questions, at the time of writing, those advertised as zero-emission are either all-electric (induction hobs/compressor fridge and so on) or a conventional campervan (gas hobs, electric/gas absorption fridge and gas-powered space heating), but within an all-electric base vehicle.
Most are converted by specialist bespoke campervan converters and as such, they will build to your own specification (within reason), so the choice of power sources for equipment fitted – and the choice of the equipment itself – will be yours. There are many such bespoke converters in Scotland and I’ve listed just a few of them below.
Any standard 230V power point can be used to recharge the traction battery. But – and this is a big but – the speed of recharging will depend on the amount of ‘oomph’ available. Some campsite hook-ups are 13A, but many are only around 4-5A.
A fast charge requires a different sort of power point, and these will have to be installed as a separate system.
I would approach decision-making on this matter as follows:
■ Estimating the age of your Auto-Trail leads to the deduction it is a coachbuilt. Changing from that to an elevating-roof campervan is a significant move, and I wouldn’t consider investing large sums of money in the change before making sure all travellers will be happy in all weathers. Thus, I recommend hiring one and trying the lifestyle first.
■ Investigate the market, both for base vehicles and converters. The current favourite zero-emission campervan base vehicle is the Nissan e-NV200, but exciting new models from Nissan and other manufacturers will be along within the next two years.
Some other points to consider:
■ Quoted battery-powered vehicle ranges should be taken as a guide only. Using equipment such as demisters, lights and windscreen wipers will reduce the range, as will driving through hilly areas, and so on.
■ I am not an engineer of any sort, but making a rough ‘back of the envelope’
‘Zero-emission campervans are very much in their infancy, but in a comparatively short time, they will become as mainstream as those powered by conventionally fuelled engines’
calculation suggests the average mileage a motorhome covers is so low, that the reduction in emissions achieved over your present vehicle is unlikely to ever balance the carbon footprint of building the new zero-emission base vehicle.
■ Some fellow motorcaravanners in your position have come to the conclusion that a hybrid base vehicle might be the best compromise at present. One that is in demand is the Transit Custom.
■ ‘Currently’ (sorry!), many owners of classic motorcaravans and cars are having them converted to all-electric or (less popular) hybrid power. Just now, this is expensive, although the cost will fall dramatically over the next five to 10 years. This is likely to be a popular option for many of us who own a conventionally fuelled motorcaravan, regardless of its make, type and age.
Events at which you can examine a wide range of bespoke converters:
■ Scottish Motorhome & Campervan Show, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh EH28 8NB, 23-25 July 2021. You can take your Auto-Trail and pay to stay for the weekend on-site if you wish.
■ National Motorhome and Caravan Show, NEC Birmingham B40 1NT,
12-17 October 2021.
■ Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show, SEC Glasgow G3 8YW, 3-6 February 2022.
Here are a few Scottish converters to start you off: AV Camper Conversions, Calder Campers, Caledonian Campers, East Neuk Campervans (multiple award winners), Mill Garage Duns (very long established converter), and Rockin Vans.
In addition, have a look at Sussex Campervans, and in particular, its well-planned all-electric conversion of the Nissan e-NV200 (1).
what does a habitation check actually involve?
Q
In your magazine and on your website, I’ve often seen mention of habitation checks. We’re relatively new to motorhomes, however, and I’m not exactly sure what these entail. Could you please advise on what we should expect from one?
Tom Barker
A
Nick Harding replies…
The habitation check is a record that the ‘living’ side of your motorhome has been professionally checked and inspected, and everything is in the best possible condition. A good used motorhome should have a consistent record of such checks – it’s a strong sign that previous owners have looked after the vehicle, ensuring that all aspects of the living accommodation, including electrical, gas and water systems, are safe to use. Such checks are also handy in flagging up potential future problems.
Sellers will often say the motorhome has a service record, referring to work carried out on the base vehicle only. Habitation checks should really go hand-in-hand with this.
You can find out more at www. habcheck.co.uk, or ask your local dealership for more information.
Can I mount a tv bracket on my wardrobe wall?
Q
My motorhome doesn’t have a TV bracket fitted, and I’d like to add a flatscreen set to the rear of the wardrobe wall, so we can watch it from the bed. The wall is made of quite thin ply, so is this going to be a problem in terms of mounting the TV?
There’s a 12V and aerial socket nearby, but no mains - is that likely to matter, or will I need to extend a cable to the nearest mains socket? George Johnson
A
Diamond Dave replies…
Furniture in motorhomes is built from lightweight plywood, which is not very strong, so screwing the TV bracket directly to the wardrobe wall is likely to pull the screws straight out again. You could reinforce the wall area by attaching a piece of ordinary plywood, say six inches square by a half-inch thick, inside the wardrobe, using through-bolts and nuts, rather than wood screws.
It is thought best practice to install a quick-release mount for the TV, and to remove it from the bracket for travelling, because bouncing around on the move puts added strain on fixings. As for power: your best bet is to get a 12V TV, which you can watch off hook-up; that way, you won’t need an extra mains socket for the TV. ■