Sun Ray Kelly is building a unique rolling home (which will be featured in our book on tiny houses). Inspired by gypsy caravans, he got a vintage 1984 Toyota dolphin camper vehicle (1-ton rear axle), demolished the camper shell, and built a canted-wall, curved-roof frame out of recycled aluminum. Called the Gypsy Wagon, it’s got a wild new shape and a unique solar/electric/diesel hybrid power plant.
The sides are cedar, there’s a forward solarium, a stained glass rear window, and a back porch. There will be 3000 watts of solar panels (some of which will fold down), two 156 volt banks of lithium iron phosphate batteries, and a 12 inch GE electric motor. The Toyota’s gas motor has been removed and a four-cylinder 1500 cc diesel motor installed that will run on bio diesel.
The batteries will be charged 3 different ways: one, by plugging into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet; two, by the PV array installed on the roof and wings; and three, by a 26-kw Perkins diesel powered generator (a “gen-set”). As SunRay explains, “Trains have for years been run with an electric motor powered by a diesel generator.”
Sunray is a brilliant (and competent) builder. Click on the link below, then go to the slideshow at the bottom of the page and click on the arrow to see some 2-page spreads of his work in Builders of the Pacific Coast: https://www.shelterpub.com/_builders/BPC-book.html
Any green angel investors out there? SunRay, as usual, is working on a shoestring, and could use financial backing. It’s a wonderful project that will enlighten and inspire people to utilize alternative sources of energy and recycled materials. Contact him at: sunray@sunraykelley.com, all and stay tuned in here for progress
Hey Lloyd, awesome find! I've never seen windows like that on an RV. Very very cool.
What kind of wind resistance will that front create?
Nice!
I will look for this book.
Tootles,
Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/
The whole thing is a moving rock, Joyce, but electric engines are an instant-torque kind of thing. I don't think it was intended to be one's daily driver anyway.:)
hey, i think i saw that contraption on the highway in oregon a few weeks back! it's even more beautiful in person.
Oh, wow. That is so unique and I love the solarium. Will you have photos of the inside and of the solar panel setup in your book?
SUPAH!
There will be 3000 watts of solar panels (some of which will fold down), two 156 volt banks of lithium iron phosphate batteries, and a 12 inch GE electric motor. The Toyota's gas motor has been removed and a four-cylinder 1500 cc diesel motor installed that will run on bio diesel.
Find here medium & heavy duty truck parts, industrial diesel engines, Heavy Duty Truck parts.
I can do broadway shows in the glass soundstage to pay for my
campground spot…I think we have a winner here
It is really interesting and fun to watch the process…………… solar panels cost