Hello All,
I've been lurking on here for a few weeks now and I have to say, there is a TON of great info! This is my first post about my project, sorry about the lack of info.
My automotive skills are about average. No problem changing batteries or tires. But I've not tried anything more complicated. My electronics skills are above average. I can wire a house and build my own circuits.
We purchased a 2011 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 with the goal of doing an RV conversion. We got our Sprinter for a song because it doesn't run. A little more research revealed that the diesel in Sprinters are notorious for breaking down (over-engineered). I have been wanting to get an electric vehicle (looking into doing an EV conversion on my commuter car) and thought I would look into converting the Sprinter. Lo and behold, not only is it feasible, it *might* be cheaper than replacing the current diesel and will definitely be cheaper in the long run. Enough back-story, onto the good stuff.
The Sprinter comes with a 3.0L V6 Diesel that puts out 188 hp at 3800 rpm and 325 ft-lb at 1400 rpm. The weight ratings are: Curb weight 6196 lbs, Gross weight 9900 lbs, Payload 3794 lbs and Towing 5000 lbs.
I'm still debating between an AC or DC motor. I would love to hear all your thoughts on that. So far, it seems the consensus is that AC is better but DC is cheaper. I'm leaning toward doing a DC conversion for now. I've read a few forums on here where people have converted trucks and SUV's. How big of a motor will I need?
Clearly, as this is an RV conversion, efficiency and range are the most important factors. Not looking for performance. So we'll be spending most of our budget on batteries. Definitely looking into finding Leaf/Volt batteries or building my own.
Controller: If I go AC, going with the OpenReVolt unless you guys suggest otherwise. As DC is simpler, I haven't read up that much on DC Controllers.
My next big question is transmission. The sprinter is an Automatic and I can't figure out if it will be better to do direct drive or 2 speed.
Lastly, as this is an ERV conversion, I am planning to put some solar panels on the roof. I'm already planning to re-fashion the roof top piece above the cab to help with Aerodynamics. I was wondering if I have to keep the electric systems separate or if I can tie them together. This gets back to the AC versus DC discussion.
I can't wait to hear all your input!
I've been lurking on here for a few weeks now and I have to say, there is a TON of great info! This is my first post about my project, sorry about the lack of info.
My automotive skills are about average. No problem changing batteries or tires. But I've not tried anything more complicated. My electronics skills are above average. I can wire a house and build my own circuits.
We purchased a 2011 Mercedes Sprinter 3500 with the goal of doing an RV conversion. We got our Sprinter for a song because it doesn't run. A little more research revealed that the diesel in Sprinters are notorious for breaking down (over-engineered). I have been wanting to get an electric vehicle (looking into doing an EV conversion on my commuter car) and thought I would look into converting the Sprinter. Lo and behold, not only is it feasible, it *might* be cheaper than replacing the current diesel and will definitely be cheaper in the long run. Enough back-story, onto the good stuff.
The Sprinter comes with a 3.0L V6 Diesel that puts out 188 hp at 3800 rpm and 325 ft-lb at 1400 rpm. The weight ratings are: Curb weight 6196 lbs, Gross weight 9900 lbs, Payload 3794 lbs and Towing 5000 lbs.
I'm still debating between an AC or DC motor. I would love to hear all your thoughts on that. So far, it seems the consensus is that AC is better but DC is cheaper. I'm leaning toward doing a DC conversion for now. I've read a few forums on here where people have converted trucks and SUV's. How big of a motor will I need?
Clearly, as this is an RV conversion, efficiency and range are the most important factors. Not looking for performance. So we'll be spending most of our budget on batteries. Definitely looking into finding Leaf/Volt batteries or building my own.
Controller: If I go AC, going with the OpenReVolt unless you guys suggest otherwise. As DC is simpler, I haven't read up that much on DC Controllers.
My next big question is transmission. The sprinter is an Automatic and I can't figure out if it will be better to do direct drive or 2 speed.
Lastly, as this is an ERV conversion, I am planning to put some solar panels on the roof. I'm already planning to re-fashion the roof top piece above the cab to help with Aerodynamics. I was wondering if I have to keep the electric systems separate or if I can tie them together. This gets back to the AC versus DC discussion.
I can't wait to hear all your input!
