Importing an RV from Europe to the US

REBourke wrote:


Good to hear that the electric conversion will likely not be a problem, but at this point I'm not going to worry about either electric or plumbing issues until I can confirm that the chassis and motor are likely to meet the US import standards.
Please keep the suggestions and comments coming in and I'll update as progress is being made.
Aloha!
Bob

I'm not going to dampen your enthusiasm because you seem to be headstrong in getting what you want. I will not cover the other aspects in terms of what you will encounter in RV that is not mfg according to US standard.

The impression that you have that the electrical system in a US made RV compared to foreign built is an easy thing to convert. . . on the contrary it is not.

The 220 volt system is completely different than the usual 120/240 volt system. In areas like Australia/ New Zealand and the entire European Union operate on 220 volt system. Thus, appliances including RVs are wired for this system.

The 220 volt system is fed from distribution transformers whose connections are different configuratively. Most of these systems except in commercial or industrial applications don't have the neutral conductor because of the delta connected secondary winding which is derived from a 2200 volt primary voltage.

And because of the absence of potential between either hot wires to ground, some US appliances will not work properly. Not to mention different plug configuration.

There is more to it that meets the eye.

Another thing that is of great importance is: 220 volt wiring systems use wires that are smaller gauge that NEC allows in terms of residential application. The usual 14 gauge minimum requirement is not mandatory in 220 volt system, in fact it would be an overkill. Compared to 120 volt system, a 220 volt appliance would draw half the energy of a 120 volt system. (watts=volts x amps) Thus the smaller wires.

You can get by with 16 gauge building wire in 220 volt but not in 120 volt system per NEC. And also, due to absence of ground potential they don't require wire enclosures like pull boxes and junction boxes.

You will have to rip out all those interior wiring to replace them and it won't be easy.

I have driven rental (for hire caravans) when I was in Victoria, Australia. Not much grades to negotiate while driving in the wide open country (outback) compared to the High Sierras in Ca.

Don't let my 2 cents dissuade you from what you plan to do. You requested some input and this is my contribution.

Mahalo