When we last discussed the electric truck, Tesla had not released a photo to the public. We located one for this post, plus an update on the Cummins Aeos.

First, let me introduce you to the answer for travelers pulling a light trailer, the Bison. It appears to be designed for campers and tailgaters. Take it to sports events or to the campground, everything is included, even a generator.

Havelaar Bison

 

Canadian-based Havelaar with its all-electric pickup called the Bison is the latest manufacturer to declare its introduction into the electric truck market.

The fully-electric Bison power train sees a dual-motor (front and rear) set-up driving all four wheels with peak power of 220 kW and 510 Nm torque. The prototype, sporting a 40 kWh battery pack, is estimated to make 60 mph (96 kph) in roughly 6 seconds.

According to Havelaar, the higher-end 90 kWh model should achieve a 300 km (186 mi) plus range. Curb weight is 5236, ground clearance is 9.8 inches, 46 ft. of exterior cargo space and 18 ft. of lockable storage.

The Bison’s radically angular body built around a high strength steel chassis with integrated composite panels is designed to withstand the rugged terrain of Canadian backcountry.

Note how the body sits low over the top of the tires. This should make for smooth handling but an issue for sport drivers. But will it make a compatible tow vehicle for small trailers?

With an array of nine cameras providing a 360-degree view of the surroundings, it sure looks like a winner. One unique selling point is the Bison‘s ability to act as an onsite generator via a 120V socket located in the bed and down in the bumper.

Cummins Aeos

The new Class 7 Urban Hauler EV, also known as the Aeos, has  a 140-kWh battery pack and electric motors. That means peak range is about 100 miles and gross vehicle weight (GVW) is capped around 75,000 lb. Extra battery packs could extend that to around 300 miles.

Like electric cars, the truck has regenerative braking, and the trailer roof can house solar panels for a bit more range on sunny days. The wing mirrors have been replaced with small cameras for better aerodynamics, and the sealed body and under-floor section should also smooth things out.  With no engine to cool, it does not need a radiator either.

Cummins wants to have an electric powertrain in production by 2019, including battery electric and plug-in hybrids, and plans to produce the electric internals while outsourcing vehicle bodywork. This means that Class A or even Class C motorhomes powertrains may soon follow.

Tesla Electric Truck

And finally, . . . a photo of the Tesla truck (drum roll), very aerodynamic. Incredibly this truck can go from zero to 60 in just five seconds and, even with a max load of 80,000 lbs. it can accelerate to 60 mph in just 20 seconds.

• The Semi can also travel up a five percent gradient with a max load at 65 mph, compared to a diesel truck that can travel 45mph.

• The new electric powertrain has a decent 500 miles of range at maximum weight at 60 mph.

• There are motors on each wheel which alter torque and eliminates the possibility of jack-knifing.

• Drivers of the Semi sit centrally instead of to one side and flanked by two touchscreens.

• Claimed reliability for one-million miles before breaking down.

• It runs on solar power and is able to plug into the new “Mega Charger” network already in place on major highways.

• The truck comes with Autopilot which assists with braking and lane keeping.

“Because this truck has no gears, you are not constantly shifting gears,” said Musk. “It has one gear. It is smooth. It is like you are driving a Tesla car, it’s just big.”

Now, does this sound like the perfect platform for a motorhome? Yes, it does!

American-made Competition for German Imports

As soon as we started gobbling up the high-quality Class B+ German imports here, American manufacturers copied their ingenuity, floorplans, and quality. The first result is the Regency Xalta LX. If you are in the southwest for the winter, drop by La Mesa RV and take a look. Let me know what you think.

The coaches built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis in Fort Worth, Texas, feature the 22-ft. Regency Electric Coach W/ 3 Kw Power Tech High-Efficient Diesel Generator

• 4×4 Option
• 30 Amp Ship-To-Shore Electrical
• 725 Watt – 45 Amp Converter/inverter/charger
• Work Station W/ (2) USB 12v Plug And 110v Plug
• Convection Microwave Oven / Dual Burner Electric Cooktop
• 3.2 Cu Ft 110v/12v Refrigerator Freezer
• (2) 19″ Flat Screen HD TV’s
• (1) Blue-Ray DVD Player
• Tanks – 24 Gal. Fresh, 25 Gal. Grey, 22 Gal. Black
• Handcrafted Hardwood Cabinets
• Under Floor Heating
• More…

Richens-Hedges Mercedes Sprinter Tiny House

For a break from the huge to the tiny is this DYI remodel of a Mercedes Sprinter. The walled-off sleeping bunks and small staircase replacing the usual ladder make it look cozy.

 

 

• Entegra Coach is recalling 1,598 (2016-2018) Aspire, Anthem, Cornerstone, and Insignia motorhomes. The vehicles have lights that do not include reflectors and the vehicle does not have separate reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

• Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dynamax Isata vehicles, models ISC36DSD, ISC35DBD, ISC36DSD4X4, built on RAM chassis equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines that have Concentric-brand water pumps without a vent hole. These water pumps may leak coolant.
• Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling eight 2018 Puma recreational trailers. The Federal Placards indicate incorrect tire load range and tire pressure (PSI) information. The placard states a tire size of ST205/75R15/D requiring 50PSI, however the installed tires are size ST205/75R15/C, requiring 65PSI.
• Forest River Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 762 (2017-2018) XLR Toyhauler, Vengeance and Wolf Pack recreational trailers equipped with an optional generator. The generator’s exhaust pipe is mounted too close to the trailer’s plastic underbelly.

• Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC is recalling 1,085 (2018) Prowler and Trail Runner recreational trailers. The wires for the electric brakes may get caught in the spring hangers during axle movement, possibly resulting in the wires being severed.
• Heartland is recalling 561 (2018) Pioneer recreational trailers. The liquid propane (LP) manifold block may be mounted too close to the center shackle, allowing the shackle to hit the LP hose fitting and cause a propane leak.

• Highland Ridge RV is recalling 118 (2018) Light recreational trailers, models 312BHTS and 275RLS. The safety chains on these vehicles may be rated for a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7,600 pounds, however the trailer has a GVWR of 11,700 pounds.

• Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling 9,930 (2016-2018) Jay Flight SLX recreational trailers equipped with a 35-amp power converter. The electrical circuit from the battery does not have overcurrent protection such as a fuse or circuit breaker.

• Newell Coach Corp. is recalling 36 (2017-2018) P50 coaches. These coaches have 100-amp self-resetting circuit breakers that may trip unexpectedly causing a loss of essential coach chassis systems such as ignition power, head lights, tail lights and wipers.

• REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling 395 (2017-2018) Fleetwood Jamboree and Holiday Rambler Vesta motorhomes. The hydraulic leveling system lines may not be properly secured allowing them to contact the axle or the chassis drive train components, possibly resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
• Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling 36 (2018) Ace, Axis, Hurricane, Windsport, and Vegas motorhomes. The wiring for the trailer lights may have been inserted into the wrong locations of the trailer lighting socket causing the trailer lights to not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

For more information about the RV lifestyle, click HERE.