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valhalla360
No paticular place.
Senior Member
Joined: 08/19/2009
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Good Sam RV Club Member
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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.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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CharlesinGA
South of Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Member
Joined: 01/12/2016
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REBourke wrote:I've managed to get into contact with a lower level official at Ford who says that the Ford Transit chassis and motors are likely built in the US to US standards. I've just received a VIN# from a dealer near Paris & so will check this with Ford to confirm manufacture.
Good to hear that the electric conversion will likely not be a problem, but at this point I'm not going to worry about either electric or plumbing issues until I can confirm that the chassis and motor are likely to meet the US import standards.
I like the suggestion to purchase the Ford BEFORE it is transported (not exported permanently) to France as this may help with importation of the modified US vehicle back into the US.
Please keep the suggestions and comments coming in and I'll update as progress is being made.
Aloha!
Bob
The Transits for the North American market (and South America)are built in the Kansas City assembly plant. Transits for Europe, Africa, and Asia are built by Ford Otosan in Kocaeli Province, Turkey. Those are the only two Transit plants worldwide, according to Wikipedia.
Charles
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO six speed std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB.. previously (both gone) 2008 Thor/Dutchman Freedom Spirit 180 & 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome.
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