Electric Hook Up

[looneytune]

Hi

We're off camping in just over a week and have booked electric hook up as it's our first time

What sort of things can you normally plug in to these or does it depend on site?

[Theresa]

bumping this for you as i'm interested. on another thread someone said you had to buy a special cable? Come on in all you experienced campers and give us the low down plse

[tiredemma]

you need to buy a hook up mains adapter (ours was about £40), this plugs into the mains on site. We use ours for the kettle and the fridge mainly

[MindingMum]

Kettle
Electric coolbox
Fan heater
Phone chargers
DS chargers
Toaster
George Foreman grill
Insect repeller

Ermmm ....
oooh mechanics clip on bulb thingy
hair straighteners???

[looneytune]

Excellent, cheers Soooo, we need to buy an adapter then, best get looking for one!

Thanks!

[Theresa]

sorry to sound thick, but i really dont know what to expect! Is it kind of like an extension lead, one end in the 'socket' on the campsite and the other end to plug in your appliance(s)?

[saggyhairyarse]

Yes, pretty much. Every EHU pitch will have socket point that you plug your adapter in to. You then run this to your tent, some tents have EHU zip things you can thread the cable through (if yours has this, it might help you decide which way to pitch). You then plug your appliances in to the adapter.

[Theresa]

thanks, prob wont bother for initial trip but interesting to know for future reference!

[looneytune]

Cool so we just need to take an extension lead then? Is there a maximum amount of electricity that you're usually allowed or is it just you pay for electric hook up pitch and do whatever you want? Sorry, first time and I haven't got a clue!

[MindingMum]

You just pay for the hook up and use as much as you like.

The last time I went with my 5DC we had hook up and my friend (and her 6DC!) pitched in the next plot without it. We all used my hook up.

You will need an extension lead with at least 4 sockets ime

[looneytune]

Excellent, sounds great Saw someone mention they take their grilling machine and I thought what a fab idea!!! Means we can cook up a proper breakfast without having to leave things go cold whilst waiting for other things!!

I can't wait now, bet it will be stressful at times but the main thing is hoping the rain holds off for the putting up and taking down of the MONSTER tent

[Heartmum2Jamie]

We've just got back from our first ever camping experience, which we thoroughly enjoyed and had a pitch with EHU. We used it for the kettle, phone charger, charging the torch, oil filled radiator, laptop so the kids could watch a film (good thing as it rained while we were cooking tea and it kept them amused and out of our hair)and the pump to blow up/deflate the beds. Obviously we were cautious and only had certain things plugged in at the same time, certainly never the kettle & heater together.

As we have just got back, we were very lucky to have had dry weather for both pitching and dimantling the tent, although we will have to unroll the tent to allow it to dry out properly as it was still a bit wet this morning from last nights rain. Not sure how much fun it would be pitching in the wind/rain, lol!

[looneytune]

Pleased you had a good trip. We're DEFINITELY taking the laptop, that was a must right from the beginning as ds1 (5) can then be watching a dvd when we're busy sorting dinner/trying to settle ds2 (will be 8 weeks when we go and he's been having problems so can take some settling!).

When you say be careful what you put on at the same time, what sort of things should I be watching out for? At home we have several things all attached to the same extension lead but do we have to be more careful when using hook up? Sorry if thick question but I haven't got a clue!

[Heartmum2Jamie]

I am not sure if there is any restrictions on site, like you, we have extentsion cables and all sorts running off sockets at home. I think I was more worried about giving myself some kind of shock or blowing myself half way across the tent as I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my 3rd, lol! I think I read somewhere about not plugging in 2 appliances that provide heat, so a heater/kettle or heater/toaster. Not sure how much to believe it though.

Have a great time. People thought I was mad camping with my huge belly, so I can just see how they will look at you with a tiny baby (congrats by the way!) Honestly, I slept fine and ate better while away, so can recommend camping and being heavily pregnant!