Next Generation Pop-Up Weekend Camper Van

[ClassB4Me]

Does anyone think the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV would be a great platform for an off-grid weekender-type camper?

• Onboard heat exchanger
• Flat floor with 140.5 cubic feet of space behind front row
• 1,700 lbs payload capacity
• Large 16kw LI-Ion battery with 6.6kw onboard charger
• Charge Port to refill the battery in 2 hours
• Eligibile for $7500 tax credit
• Replace panoramic roof with pop-up style roof
• Starting price $43K before fed and state rebates

Normal 7-seat minivan during the week with 28 MPG



JUCY CAMPER
https://youtu.be/AwsUEtFyiE0

PACIFICA PHEV
https://youtu.be/tNS7aoTUtX4

SWISS ROOM BOX
https://youtu.be/3cy3gKwirLk

[BobB]

Really not much different than another minivan. Has a sophisticated Hybrid drive system for the vehicle, but those systems have nothing to do with weekend camping, they are there to only provide vehicular propulsion. Do like the fold-dwon seats that leave a flat floor, but IIRCC others have that, too.

Depends on how it lays out for sleeping, storage, etc.
Would you add sink/water and where would tank go?
Refrigeration - 12v but would need battery, maybe solar on the top.
Auxilary battery and where would it go?
Poptop would be great for headroom, double berth up top; see GTRV.com - they would be able to convert it.

[mlts22]

The $50 question:

Is there some Chrysler-approved way of using the battery without scrozzling the warranty? If not, why risk it.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by mlts22

The $50 question:

Is there some Chrysler-approved way of using the battery without scrozzling the warranty? If not, why risk it.

Don't know if it is technically feasible, but if it is, it won't scrozzle your warranty. No need for Chrysler approval. The magic word is "Magnuson-Moss".

[BobB]

I think I see everyone is eyeing that battery and thinking "I could run a fridge off that, plus some lights and 12V stuff." My completely uneducated non-mechanic guess is that battery is part of the overall design the "hybrid" propulsion system. May not void any warranty, but then again, if it disables or compromises your vehicle, it may void the warranty. Might be a bit like jailbreaking a phone.

There are a number of hybrid vehicles out there, including SUVs and I have not come across any mention of anyone tapping into the battery for other uses. Maybe someone has. You might be able to do it but end up with "well, the beer is cold but we can't go anywhere so drink up"

So who wants to go first, buy one for $40+k, and try it?

[avanti]

Originally Posted by BobB

May not void any warranty, but then again, if it disables or compromises your vehicle, it may void the warranty.

That is absolutely correct. If you break it, you bought it. What MM says is that merely modifying your vehicle is not in itself allowed to affect the warranty. (Neither may using aftermarket parts or accessories.) As I said, my comment was predicated on the assumption that the mod was technically feasible.

And, it makes no difference whatsoever what the warranty booklet says. Warranties say all kinds of stuff (especially those coming from small RV upfitters). Provisions that contradict MM will be laughed out of court. And, since the law also requires the manufacturer to pay your legal fees, there are plenty of spec lawyers who will gladly help you preserve your rights for free.

[mkguitar]

in times of power failures many prius owners use an inverter to run the fridge or a couple of lights in the house, the motor in the car will come on as required to recharge the battery

lots of youtube tutorials

step 1, park outside

[ClassB4Me]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

in times of power failures many prius owners use an inverter to run the fridge or a couple of lights in the house, the motor in the car will come on as required to recharge the battery

lots of youtube tutorials

step 1, park outside

Honda already has a solution market ready.



Power Exporter 9000 vehicle-to-home charging system

With EVs approaching critical mass for wide-spread adoption, we are seeing some of the future possibilities sprouting in the form of new products from some of the big names in the industry. This unit allows owners of CHAdeMO-equipped EVs to tap their EV battery to power all their normal household items. Specific applications include providing V2H power during an outage, enabling emergency personnel to keep the lights on in life-saving situations, and off grid applications like camping.

No noise..... No fuel....