Project Site: https://EV4RV.org
Ever wanted to own an Electric Vehicle (EV) but live in a motor coach and did not think it was possible. THINK AGAIN! For under $1000 you can build a system into your motor coach that not only powers your rig, but also will Level 2 Charge an EV off the SAME 50 or 30 AMP connection your RV plugs into. All without blowing that 50 AMP breaker! So dream no more…You can do it! You can own a Tesla, or any EV, and live on the road!
We both also live on the road FULL TIME and both own Tesla Model X’s and very much enjoy owning such a vehicle. With some parts you can buy on-line and some FREE, open source software that Michael wrote, if you want a little project to do, you too can also now own an EV!
In this video we talk about the history of the project and show you the interface in action and running! Below you will find a link to the open source project, complete with download links and step-by-step setup instructions to make it all possible.
Why give this away for free? Simple…We both fully support Elon Musk’s vision of an EV future, however, we could not do so based on how we lived. BUT THEN THAT ALL CHANGED when, let’s just say, creativity stepped in and a solution was created!
So, come on, what are you waiting for? Go order your Tesla, Mustang Mach E, BMW i3 or whatever, and while you are waiting for it to come in, prepare your coach to charge it!
Project Site: https://EV4RV.org
or if your prefer “David’s way”… https://OutsideOurTurtleHerdingBubble.com
EV4RV Software Install Tutorial: https://youtu.be/3flAuTf0OTA
EV4RV Project Full Time RV’ers:
https://TurtleHerding.com
https://OutsideOurBubble.com
22 Comments
You CAN flat tow ANY EV!! You just won't have it for long!
Guys go back to coach Proxy and get Tiffin to offer it as a option.
Great information. Thanks for the time.
Keep the rubber on the road.
If u drive 50 miles about how much will it cost to recharge it to full? Roughly estimated
great video! I have been towing my Tesla M3 Performance for over a year now, and ran into all the challenges you describe here (and more!)… I think i will give this a try on my new coach!
I use SmartEVSE from Netherlands to measure the current one of my EVSE’s is using and limit the 2nd one. Your solution is also nice.
You guys were great 👍🏻
This is interesting. I just learned from you that the 50 amp plug I had installed in my garage to use for prepping my travel trailer (I have the dog bone to take it to 30 amp) can be used in the future for an EV. Cool!
Interesting "Output of Transfer box"? So you can charge off the Generator? Am I getting that right? I so wish you could flat tow a Model 3…. I dream Toad is a Model 3 flat towed and with the s/w mod so that it would charge only when the brakes are applied!
No comment
You guys are a hoot. lol
David did you buy or Lease your Tesla i am trying to decide what to do.
You guys rock!! Just got it all set up completely today (Thanks David) and I love the fact that I can now use my BMW i3 to work and back (75 mile round trip) and be able to be fully charged in the morning to do it again. Before we set it up I had a 20+ hour charge time on a stock Level 1 Charger and regular outlet. So incredibly lucky to have met you in person!! Thank you 🙏🏼
Hey David. Can you just plug your X in to the 110 outlet on the post and trickle charge? We trickle charge our Model 3P most every night at our house. Gives us roughly 15,000 miles of range a year. If I understand it correctly trickle charging the battery from no lower than 20% to no higher than 80% is best for the battery. Any type of fast charging shortens the life a little. Keep the fun, helpful videos coming! Take Care, Brian
With possibility on experience weak breaker, should you keep a spare 50 amp breaker on your MH?
Awesome nerdy video, lot of good information being shared. Thx
Can you advise how hard it would be to use an existing Juicebox Pro40 (inc wifi), our existing charger with this setup, instead of the OpenEVSE ?
When you guys roll into a park do you disclose that you're charging up-front, or do you just figure it's better for ask for forgiveness than beg for permission? Are most park owners and managers ok with you once they know you're not drawing more than 40 amps?
You guys didn't answer THE most important question – Where to get Michael's T-Shirt!! I Love IT!! Groot — Root 😀
Also, I believe that the Nissan Leaf can be dolly towed after going through a bunch of craziness to release the parking brake on the rear wheels.
If I could flat tow a Model 3, I would be doing this right away. My neighbors are long time friends of Martin Eberhard (the "other half" of the brain trust that started Tesla) and I had the pleasure of having dinner with the neighbors when he was there once. Discussing it with him, it would be easy for Tesla to make them flat tow-able. You guys just need to go figure that out now!!
Can the evse be operated from a 120 volt AC source instead of 240 volts? I want to try to program this system so the Tesla M3 charge rate tracks the sun level of output. Right now my system charges the M3 at 1450 watts when the solar exceeds that level. However the sun drops lower I need a way to lower the L1 charging rate to a lower level than 1450 watts. Is it possible to do this? I have not ordered an evse yet but I do have the raspberry pi 400 and a working solar system using 9 panels https://egpreston.com/AMnoonPM.jpg which charges off grid but I need to throttle down the Tesla charge rate when a cloud comes over. Any comments are appreciated. Send email to g.preston@ieee.org Gene Preston thanks
Just bought a Tesla Y and the Aluma Tilt. I ordered the Spliter as I don't feel comfortable trying to wire it myself. How long did Michael use the splitter method? I know I am going to have watch my electrical current in the coach, but I figure if I'm not using 3 A/C's or my Dishwasher or my W/D during charing, I should be ok. Just wish you two were near by to help me on the install… Great video!
That was really impressive