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Hi there,

Being a motorhomer I know absolutely nothing about camping in a tent (although I always used to fancy the idea when my kids were younger and I was more mobile) but I need some advice please?

There is a group of us going away for a few days, some are motorhomers, some have touring caravans and a couple in the group are taking tents. Now my son and his girlfriend (both camping novices) have borrowed a tent and are bringing that along and so we are trying to get together sufficient items to make their stay pleasant and comfortable but because it is a one off he doesn't want to go to a great deal of expense as it will not be something he will be able to enjoy or do again on a regular basis and of course he will be giving the tent back. Can someone suggest where we look for getting him a cable of some sort that he can plug into the campsite EHU with maybe a couple of 3 pin sockets for inside his tent? He doesn't want to be paying out for some fancy EHU set up costing a lot of money as it would be  pointless for just the one occasion but at the same time whatever he uses it obviously needs to be safe. Any tips or suggestions from all you experienced tent owners would be very welcome.

Thanks.

Sooh

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Electric-20m-HOOK-UP-CABLE-REEL-Camping-Caravan-Tent_W0QQitemZ180238590975QQihZ008QQcategoryZ90870QQcmdZViewItem

Is this type of thing any good and is it safe?

Please advise me. Thanks

Sue

Hi

To be honest I dont think I would recommend that at all ,the only safe way is getting a proper EHU unit. Read the sticky at the top of this forum on EHU and they advise exactly what is safe.

If its only a few nights and there will be people with motorhomes etc is it worth them getting EHU at all?

Hi Sooh,  that reel does not have an RCD and is therefore not safe.  Bearing in mind that when used in a tent it will almost certainly become damp, it is imperative that an RCD should be incorporated in the lead to prevent electrical shocks.

A proper EHU lead with RCD and MCB protection can be bought for less than £50, which is a cheap price to save a life.

Thanks folks for your information and we will steer clear of anything dangerous or risky so will forget that idea. I think we will have to see about using other means of power as £50 is a lot to pay for such little use and so a rechargeable lantern maybe would be more appropriate.

Just a thought - we do have a spare EHU but one end is for the campsite EHU and the other plugs into a motorhome or caravan. Is there such thing on the market like some kind of adapter we could use on that for their tent? Probably not but I thought I would ask anyway?

Thanks again.

Sue

 No disrespect intended here but surely for just a couple of nights and with you having electric it wont kill them to go without..we camp on a regular basis for up to 3 weeks at a time and have managed happily without electric...sometimes have had to approach caravaners in france with ehu cos theres been no electric in toilet block to blow up air bed but always found them to b very helpful,we use gas or led lighting and really find its ok..anyhow hope they have a great time no matter what they decide on.. 

Evo

Sooh, if they just want it for powering a light , this  led  UFO  one would be ideaL , ONLY £3.99  IN WILKINSONS, or you may even be lucky to get one from poundland.

The lead you already  have would also not be safe if adapted, because it would still not have the safety cutout thing on it.

A small gas cooker would warm the tent up in a few minutes before going to bed, so no need for heater either, I would imagine they wil be using the home comforts of your motorhome anyway during the day and just sleeping in the tent?

Can't be too carefull about electrics on campsites.The only sure thing is to get one from a reputable dealer and have the right one.

WG

Thanks all of you. I have taken your advice and just gone and bought my son a simple battery op lantern that he can hang from the tent with a clip and at least now I will not be fretting that they will be frazzled!

I am so looking forward to getting away with the grandkids and everyone for a few days and I just hope the weather stays as good as this for us all next week - please keep your fingers crossed for us everyone?

Sue

Quote: Originally posted by Fiona28 on 04/5/2008

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We camped for a whole season before we got EHU.  We managed quite well with battery lanterns and a suitcase cooker.  If heating is the problem, get a couple of hot water bottles.  We do that anyway if the weather is cold.  Lovely and snuggly when it's cold outside.

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