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We are taking our motorhome away this weekend for the first time. When on the camp site, is it better to power the fridge from the mains hook-up or the gas supply? I suppose running the fridge using the gas will allow for more appliances via hook-up?

Any "on site" advice for our first trip? Please...

Regards
Chris

I'm no expert as I'm quite new to all this but we always use the hookup, why waste your gas.

Tony

As above - if you're on site then you're already paying for the hook-up in your site fee, so you may as well power your 'fridge from it.

To us (and probably most others) 12v is for driving, 240v is for hook-up, gas is for wild-camping.

On the subject of wild-camping (of which I'm quite an advocate) you will obviously use more gas due to fridge, heating e.t.c. all being powered by the stuff, but 2-3 nights site fees costs more than a gas bottle refill and a refill lasts a lot longer than 2-3 nights. Based on a purely financial basis, wild-camping makes a lot of sense. Based on peace & quiet, it still makes a lot of sense. Based on the sense of adventure and freedom, it makes even more sense.

Sorry, sometimes I just can't shake the salesman out of me. Hmmm... if only I could find a way actually selling wild-camping...lol

Have fun this weekend, even if it is on a site :0)

Phil

Thanks for the advice!

I'm really looking forward to doing some wild camping. We'll probably go to the Norfolk coast for that. This weekend we are staying somewhere more local as a trial run. http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=4593

Hi TC01,

As a keen sea fisherman, will you please let me into your secret wild spot by the sea.

Regards

Tassie

Hi Tassie,

It’s not to far from Southampton, I can’t tell you exactly where because I came across it by chance, I know I’ll be able to find it again by going over the route I took last weekend (hopefully) but as for giving you an address or directions I can’t at the moment, I’ll make another post on Monday with more info.

Tony

Hi Tony & Tassie

You've certainly got me going about wild camping with the motorhome. We've spotted several places on our travels and seen many others of our fraternity taking advantage of wild camping. We haven't yet 'bit the bullet' but just the thought of the freedom, and the saving has encouraged me. We should have opened up a post for 'wild camping' locations or is there an existing post?

Don

Just googled this: - http://www.wildcamping.co.uk/index.php?s=cb2119efe5222c5ae8350186470add1e 

Are there such things as "wild camp get togethers"? It would be nice to have friends near by for security, and if any help is required!

Any good wild camp spots in Cambridgeshire?

Chris

Well that went well, found the spot, (nr Fawley) parked up and thought this will do, decided to go for a short stroll to check the place out and came across a sign saying ’NO CARAVANS‘ ‘NO CAMPING’ so I think to myself I’ll take the chance and stay anyway, so went back to the van and put the kettle on, about half way through my cuppa the coward in me came to the fore and I started imagining a council official giving me a hard time and moving me on, so I reached for the cc site book and booked a pitch in Worthing. Aah well I tried, if only I wasn’t such a coward.

Tony

Hi Tony,

I've been waiting all weekend for your directions.

I had my rods packed all ready for the go, never mind I'll find somewhere soon.

Cheers

Tassie

Bit late but....

230V anytime, these absorbtion fridges run better on electricity.

Hairy

Thanks for the advice re: the fridge everyone!

Our first trip went very well. We ran the fridge off 12v while driving then switched to hook-up. It got cold very quickly! Just right for my beer (Shepherd Neame Spitfire)

Pics of our trip are now on my profile.

Chris

Glad everything went well for you both and you've now got over your initial 'fridge trauma'

Checked out your gallery... that washroom looks familiar...lol

Also, to Tony (TC01) I wouldn't worry too much about council officials. As far as I'm concerned you have two options (1) the aggresive approach... "I'm not blocking any access points/emergency exits of any kind. If you want me to move you'll have to get an injunction, that'll take at least a week and by tomorrow I'll be gone" (2) the easy approach... "I've been driving for a long time and am very tired. We're constantly reminded that driving while tired is dangerous, so I've stopped to get some rest. When I feel suitably refreshed I'll continue on my way". If you did get an unlikely request to move anyway, then you can simply suggest that a quick call to the police will confirm your right to stop for as long as nessesary, that ought to send him on his way.

We wild-camped a couple of weekends ago at one of our usual spots and at around 1:30a.m. a vehicle pulled onto the remote little car park where we stay, then turned around and drove off again. We can only assume that it was a National Park Warden patrolling at such an early hour, but nothing was said or done. It is plain to see if you are simply minding your own business and causing no harm, or a bunch of louts being a nuisance. And yes, there is a 'no camping' sign there.

All the best

Phil