Some musings on future power trains
As an owner of a 32ft DP with a Cummins 6.7 diesel and two F150 pickup trucks with 3.5 Ecoboost engines I have long felt that the Ecoboost outperforms the Cummins used in this application, is quieter and more responsive. I am not saying that the Cummins doesn't have its own merits, it gives great fuel economy and will probably outlast both me and the coach. Despite those Cummins advantages I have wondered how my coach would drive with an EcoBoost in the back in place of the Cummins. Then lately I have been reading reviews of the hybrid version (PowerBoost) and learned that it is a very capable, efficient and quiet generator as well as strong main powerplant. So what would my coach be like with a PowerBoost engine?
First off, you immediately lose 600lbs in engine weight.
Second, you wouldn't need the generator, that save an additional 420lbs and opens up a large storage area.
And, you would probably save $14,000 (serious EWAG here) in equipment costs, not including generator installation.
So what next?
The current version of my coach already comes with an induction cooktop and electric element in the water heater, leaving space heat the only required task for the propane. So lose the propane altogether, opening up more storage and eliminate another 100lbs or so. With only one engine it would be much simpler to use waste engine heat to heat both the cabin and hot water while boondocking or just driving down the road in cold weather.
Use some of the cost savings to invest in a 120V heat pump for the dash heat and air (you could still have the choice of engine heat there if you wanted too). Eliminate the engine driven AC compressor and have another AC available when parked. This shouldn't take anywhere near all of the space created by removing the generator.
Add a 10kwhr of more battery pack so that more efficient use of the hybrid and generator functions can be made, along with possible solar power and even a limited shore power supply. Note here that Elon expects to have battery cost below $100/kwhr soon, if not already.
You could also remove one starting battery and the DEF tank, saving several hundred more pounds and opening up more storage.
The rear axle could go back another foot or more for more stable handling and reduced rear drag.
There should be plenty of room to add 15% more gasoline if range is an issue.
All in all, the only problem I see potential durability issues but since I am only averaging 6,000 miles per year on the coach and my EcoBoost engines have proven very reliable I don't think that would be a problem. You could even detune the PowerBoost to the level of the Cummins if needed and still use the electric drive boost to outperform the current drive train.
Just food for thought. And maybe motivation for a next generation coach that is compatible with current infrastructure. Hopefully the hybrid options become more available and diverse.
First off, you immediately lose 600lbs in engine weight.
Second, you wouldn't need the generator, that save an additional 420lbs and opens up a large storage area.
And, you would probably save $14,000 (serious EWAG here) in equipment costs, not including generator installation.
So what next?
The current version of my coach already comes with an induction cooktop and electric element in the water heater, leaving space heat the only required task for the propane. So lose the propane altogether, opening up more storage and eliminate another 100lbs or so. With only one engine it would be much simpler to use waste engine heat to heat both the cabin and hot water while boondocking or just driving down the road in cold weather.
Use some of the cost savings to invest in a 120V heat pump for the dash heat and air (you could still have the choice of engine heat there if you wanted too). Eliminate the engine driven AC compressor and have another AC available when parked. This shouldn't take anywhere near all of the space created by removing the generator.
Add a 10kwhr of more battery pack so that more efficient use of the hybrid and generator functions can be made, along with possible solar power and even a limited shore power supply. Note here that Elon expects to have battery cost below $100/kwhr soon, if not already.
You could also remove one starting battery and the DEF tank, saving several hundred more pounds and opening up more storage.
The rear axle could go back another foot or more for more stable handling and reduced rear drag.
There should be plenty of room to add 15% more gasoline if range is an issue.
All in all, the only problem I see potential durability issues but since I am only averaging 6,000 miles per year on the coach and my EcoBoost engines have proven very reliable I don't think that would be a problem. You could even detune the PowerBoost to the level of the Cummins if needed and still use the electric drive boost to outperform the current drive train.
Just food for thought. And maybe motivation for a next generation coach that is compatible with current infrastructure. Hopefully the hybrid options become more available and diverse.
