Importing an RV from Europe to the US
Having lived in Hawaii for the past 4 decades we have always rented RVs when we travel on the "Mainland" US or in Europe. But now we are moving back to California and wish to purchase a B+ RV. In Eu...
Forum Discussion
DownTheAvenue wrote:
Not practical. As already mentioned, the entire electric system will not be compatible. The next hurdle is converting the vehicle part to U.S. standards. Just because it is a make and model also sold in the U.S. does not mean that it is built to U.S. standards. The vehicle will have to meet current U.S. standards for emissions, safety glass, air bags, crash worthiness, and headlights.
Even if it's the exact same make & model built to the exact same standards, you have to prove to the US govt that it meets and I would be shocked if the manufacturer would want to get involved.
As far as the wiring: you would have to go thru and convert everything to run on 120v/60hz or you need to install a system to convert the 120v/60hz to 240v/50hz.
- A step up transformer can do the voltage but now you are running at a different hertz...some device don't care. Others won't be happy.
- The gold standard solution if you don't want to replace the appliances is to install a large battery charger to feed the battery bank and then run everything off an inverter...this solves both the voltage and hertz issues but is expensive.
Of course, when your air/con goes out, you now have to source a 240v/50hz model, so spare parts tend to be a hassle.
The camper I imported from Europe of course was running on 220. Just had a friend put in another outside ort that says 110. That goes to a transformer and takes care of battery charging, refrigerator, etc. I then installed some 110 outlets inside to run my American gadgets. It can be done, not complicated
