[Quazy]

I was wondering since they come up from time to time. Should a person stay far away from them? Looking for something to do a camper conversion with.

 

[remy_martian]

You can buy a lot of gas for what I've seen them fetch and most campers only drive single digit 000's per year, if that. IIRC they only had like 30 miles of e-only range

 

[Quazy]

I was just wondering if there is any known major issues with them and if parts availability is hard? I have a very unique use case scenario. Where the range won't be a issue.

 

[remy_martian]

Parts seem impossible when it comes to its electronics, so they get salvaged. There are people I know on here that have been looking for years for the control & inverter stuff, lol. Otherwise, it's just an Express.

 

[Quazy]

Yea thinking a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Might be a way better option. Or even the new Toyota van.

 

[remy_martian]

The upcoming Ford all-electric tradespeople vans look promising. That's what I'm waiting for on a camper conversion.

 

[Quazy]

Yes but they will be $$$$$$. Looking for something a few years old. So I won't need to pay that new vehicle premium.

 

[remy_martian]

Vtrux are rare. Transit Connect comes up once in a while, though small for a camper.

You can always do your own Vtrux...it's just back to back motors on an ICE- equipped mini-Winnie, for example.

 

[Quazy]

So I gather all third party conversions are basically equal? Like Via Vtrux, Smith Newton, Estar, Azure, etc. There isn't one that uses parts readily available still? Are you talking about the Azure Transit Connects?

 

[remy_martian]

I'm not aware that any of those have parts available as far as electronics go.

 

[Quazy]

Yea found this... 2015 Chevrolet Express Cargo · Hybrid Electric VTRUX VIA but seen it sold for this a few years ago. https://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/auction-results/29933855/2015-chevrolet-express-g2500 . So figured I would pass after hearing parts are hard to find.

 

[remy_martian]

There was one on eBay a few months ago. Can't remember what it sold for. Want to say $18k

 

[brian_]

Due to the issues with obsolete electronics, I think a better plan - if one is set on a battery-electric van for an RV - would be as remy_martian suggested and do you own conversion of a common van... but with salvaged EV components or at least current aftermarket/DIY bits. The problem is that most EVs are small and light compared to a camper van, so suitable motors are not common (Tesla motors have lots of power, but not enough cooling for heavy use); the larger commercial conversions used big motors, but the controllers for them are the problem. CanadaLT28 is approaching this by using two Nissan Leaf drive units in one truck for his VW LT doka with Nissan leaf - that seems like a viable solution to me.