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Quote: Originally posted by Skinflint on 04/5/2007

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You've just cited two reasons why we don't have an ECU. :)
1. Shopping - We have an unpowered coolbox that is perfectly adequate to keep perishables edible overnight or for a day. That forces us to buy fresh daily, which in turn means we deliberately seek out independent local shops /markets / delicatessens / farms / butchers to supply it. We end up eating far a nicer and wider variety of food than we would if we had stocked up with the "usuals", and we're supporting the local economy rather than faceless supermarket chains.


Post last edited on 04/05/2007 15:06:46

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So do I! That's precisely the reason for having an electric coolbox. These sorts of places aren't open 24 hours and I like to be able to plan my day around doing what I enjoy, not going shopping.    Personally, having to shop daily is likely to result in a late evening trip to the supermarket because we've got delayed doing other things.

Also the nearest we've camped recently to any kind of shoping facilities is about 6 miles.  If you shop daily that is 168 miles on a fortnights' holiday.  I reckon the amount of electric the coolbox uses is probably less harmful enviromentally than the increased milage.  At least it is in our car.

Our unpowered coolbox is fine if we are somewhere were we can freeze ice blocks but have had problems in the past with freezers not working/ being out all day and not getting to campsite reception in time etc.   

Quote: Originally posted by Beccylovespurpl on 04/5/2007

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Quote: Originally posted by Skinflint on 04/5/2007

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You've just cited two reasons why we don't have an ECU. :)
1. Shopping - We have an unpowered coolbox that is perfectly adequate to keep perishables edible overnight or for a day. That forces us to buy fresh daily, which in turn means we deliberately seek out independent local shops /markets / delicatessens / farms / butchers to supply it. We end up eating far a nicer and wider variety of food than we would if we had stocked up with the "usuals", and we're supporting the local economy rather than faceless supermarket chains.


Post last edited on 04/05/2007 15:06:46

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So do I! That's precisely the reason for having an electric coolbox. These sorts of places aren't open 24 hours and I like to be able to plan my day around doing what I enjoy, not going Shopping.    Personally, having to shop daily is likely to result in a late evening trip to the supermarket because we've got delayed doing other things.  For me the incentive to buy local produce is because it is nicer and I like to treat myself when I'm on holiday.  I'm a big cheese lover and it's one of those things that you get different, varieties of in different places and I have to try it all!

Our unpowered coolbox is fine if we are somewhere were we can freeze ice blocks but have had problems in the past with freezers not working/ being out all day and not getting to campsite reception in time etc.   

We don't have kids so I don't have the issue with the DVD thing.  If I did I probably wouldn't have EHU either!

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Quote: Originally posted by chrisowen on 04/5/2007

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Seems that the main conclusions of this thread are:

1. Nobody really minds if folks choose to use EHU to more easily provide the basics of outdoor life - cooking, cooling etc.

2. Lots of folks object to others using EHU if that means that they can then inflict their choice of leisure activities (cd/dvd/tv) on their neighbouring campers (unless they - like Liddenham - respect their neighbours and use headphones).

3. There is a subsequent discussion that arises from this one about what we go camping for. This seems to break down into broadly two "camps". Those who camp for:

- the cheap self catering holiday, offering flexibility but as many home-comforts as possible.

- a chance to get away from the rat race and to consciously enjoy a simpler, quieter and more straighforward lifestyle for a while.

Whilst we all probably try to choose campsites that best reflect our own view of what camping should be, we will inevitably find both types of camper on the same sites. That's when life can get a little difficult at times!

Personally, I think that lots of tenters are just caravanners in disguise!

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That will def not get you any friends on here

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Personally, I think that lots of tenters are just caravanners in disguise!

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Wot????? Wait until tonight when i'm travelling down the M5 in my wagon........you will definately know i'm not a caravaner by the amount of expletives uttered, when they are crawlling along at 40mph !!!!

Quote: Originally posted by chrisowen on 04/5/2007

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Seems that the main conclusions of this thread are:

1. Nobody really minds if folks choose to use EHU to more easily provide the basics of outdoor life - cooking, cooling etc.

2. Lots of folks object to others using EHU if that means that they can then inflict their choice of leisure activities (cd/dvd/tv) on their neighbouring campers (unless they - like Liddenham - respect their neighbours and use headphones).

3. There is a subsequent discussion that arises from this one about what we go camping for. This seems to break down into broadly two "camps". Those who camp for:

- the cheap self catering holiday, offering flexibility but as many home-comforts as possible.

- a chance to get away from the rat race and to consciously enjoy a simpler, quieter and more straighforward lifestyle for a while.

Whilst we all probably try to choose campsites that best reflect our own view of what camping should be, we will inevitably find both types of camper on the same sites. That's when life can get a little difficult at times!

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We take EHU for our coolbox, lighting, charging our mobiles, my hairdryer (sorry but without that I look like one of the Jackson 5 on a bad hair day!) heating as I can`t stand cold and neither can my daughter and trust me if she is cold camping is NOT a pleasant experience for anyone! 

We also take the toaster, which we find is easier than the constant falling out when I try to make toast when OH is cooking, if you leave him to make toast and cook he burns it everytime. Since we took the toaster life has been less stressful. We also take a small oven we bought in Wilkinsons as it gives us greater flexibility and variety at meal times.

We don`t take a TV or CD player though. At the end of the day, camping is supposed to be an enjoyable experience and you take and do whatever you need to for you to enjoy it. As long as you don`t disturb your neighbours what does it matter if you use EHU or not?

We use EHU for the fridge and lighting.  My kids would be tv addicts if they could but do not even think about it when camping!! so definitely no tv/dvd!

Personally I wouldn't use a table lamp but we bought a little camping strip light which was cheap and cheerful from Argos.  Absolutely fab and takes up no room in the car and much safer than a table lamp.

Horses for courses in my opinion!  I will be using hook up for the first time this season, have always done without before.  But are two week holiday in Cornwall will be a lot nicer with a few little luxuries that the EHU will provide!

Provided you are considerate to your neighbours I dont see the issue!

Steve