What is a Stealth Campervan?
Typically a vehicle under around 21 feet long that looks more like a work or utility van than an RV.
Recommended Parts
ISDT T8 BatttGO Charger 30A / 800W charger and auto balancer. Simple to use.
Mean Well RSP-1000-24 power supply if you have a 24V battery bank. A cheaper power supply (PSU) will take longer and be less reliable.
Broan 120V / 240V - 500W / 1000W electric heater - Usually you need charge assist in the winter, so why not go ahead and get free heat while you charge (if your station is free). You can charge and heat at same time, but don't max out the charging amps, keep to maybe 15A AC.
Many charging stations provide free power, not to do EV owners a kind favor so they can drive around for free, but to reduce air pollution and wars over oil for the benefit of all life. The debate on whether small, custom stealth campervans* (and larger RVs in the future) should qualify is easily settled by reviewing the following benefits:
Eco Friendly
Reduce generator air and noise pollution
Reduce alternator charging / driving
Reduce propane dependency (cooking, etc.)
Battery, appliances and electronics last longer with cell balancing and prevent low-under voltage
Energy sources increasingly renewable and clean
Makes it more practical to live in a minimalist campervan and use as daily commuter
In the future can give power to the grid from solar panels when fully charged
Other Benefits
Can park up front in many premium EV parking spaces if less than 21' long
Save money compared to campground fees even if the charger costs
Do others a favor by freeing up high demand power campsites
Balance your battery bank cells when using a charger such as the ISDT T6
Very convenient: Don't have to fiddle with your own cords or adapters
Logical argument for non electric driving vehicle charging
There's no defense necessary because plug-in hybrids are allowed to use the same charging stations. Those vehicles don't have to plug in because they have a gas engine. This is not all about an all electric vehicle needing to get home, it's mostly about preventing air pollution. An RV plugged in prevents air pollution (less generator, propane, driving around for alternator charging, etc.).
Eco: Reduces generator charging, alternator charging / driving, propane dependency (cooking, etc.)
Eco: Battery lasts longer with three+ stage charging
Main reason charge stations exist is to reduce pollution, which we are doing
In the future can give power to the grid from solar panels when fully charged
An alternator charger for the RV battery causes stress on electric systems that EV charging alleviates.
Campground and RV park electric hookup sites are almost always full. When a less than 21' RV uses an EV charger, he frees up electric campsites for those who have larger vehicles and need them.
Warnings
*Install only in a DIY approx. 20' stealth campervan (no long wheelbase vans and certainly not extended length). Do not attempt this with a long wheelbase Sprinter, Transit, etc., name-brand RV, truck camper, class A, B, C, etc. as doing so will raise red flags against us resulting in the overall banning of this. Also you will not be able to fit a rig larger than 20' into these parking spaces.
Install J1772 adapter in a non-EV at your own risk. EV charge stations are usually 200 to 240 volts which can be dangerous if you make a mistake with the wiring, therefore I have to recommend a licensed electrician do that work.
True EVs will not let you drive off while plugged in. Non EVs with aftermarket EV charge ports do allow you to drive off while plugged in which will result in damage to property or injury to others. It is highly recommended to install a lighted hard wired to the EV cable voltmeter at the ignition switch and place a note on your dash display "WARNING: DETATCH EV PLUG" while charging.
J1772 charger voltage may vary from 110 to 240V. This is why it's highly recommended and critical to install a voltmeter to the system before connecting any appliance or device directly to the inlet wiring.
There is a small chance you could receive a citation for using an EV charger on a non EV. You could try parking next to an EV parking spot if the cord will reach AND if the cord will stay flat on the ground to prevent tripping. That way someone could take the actual EV spot if they need to charge a car to get back home (reduces chance of a feud or fine).
Verify the maximum amps your battery / battery bank can handle is greater than the amount of amps you charge.
Notes
Consider prioritizing the installation of an alternator to auxiliary battery charger, also known as: B to B charger, battery isolator, etc. because it's best to avoid EV charging stations for reasons mentioned above in the warnings list. Also, you could spend so much time driving around trying to find a free EV charging station that is available that you could achieve a charge during the driving. I have done just that many! times.
Download the "Volta" app so you can see which free charging stations are available in your area (shows when and where each charging station is available). Some EVs flash a green light indicating their car is charged and you can remove the plug from their car and plug into your RV parked next to them without waiting on them to leave or return. Or if the sign says something like 2 hour limit and they've been there over two hours, you can remove the charge plug and use it. That is considered acceptable.
Charging station etiquette: Place note "Use this charger for essential need, then please plug back in" (sometimes EV drivers need to charge to get back home, etc.); Here you can purchase pre-made place-cards
Some EV charge stations are fee based or may be restricted to Tesla cars.
It is possible to use an EV charger simultaneously with other 120V shore power, but could cause battery to get too hot with if too many amps at once.
I am achieving about one volt of charging per hour using the recommended parts with one Tesla Model S battery module, but you can use any battery bank; doesn't have to be lithium. So for example, to go from 20.4V (nearly discharged) to 24.4V (fully charged at a safe level), it takes me four hours. It is possible to get a larger charger and PSU for faster charging (not recommended due to overheating risks, bulkier equipment and higher costs) or a smaller (cheaper) charger and PSU for slower charging (not recommended due to extra time tying up an EV station).
I predict in the future more people will live in vehicles/RVs due to increased conveniences, better designs and need to relocate frequently due to climate changes, etc.
On December 20th, 2018, Eric Talaska - Eco Neato was the first known to successfully install an EV charge station adapter system in an RV / campervan (or possibly on any non-electric driven vehicle) and on the next day was the first known to cook using the charge station power with an electric induction stove. There have been EVs connecting to campground power, but this is the first RV to connect to an EV charging station.
Install Tips
Try to locate the entry port about in the middle of the vehicle so you can drive in straight or back in as desired rather than according to power cord length. In my example, I installed towards the rear only because I used an existing hole rather than drill a new one.
The hole needs to be 2" to 2 1/8". If slightly too small, you can cut and bend inwardly a bit.
Remove the existing four bolts. Use roofing screws. Use butyle tape to prevent water leaks. Always keep lid closed to prevent corrosion.
Warning: Electricity is dangerous.
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