Message Forums

Hi everyone, wonder if you can help please, going to France for the first time in a few weeks and just discovered that the site has 6 amp electric hookup and my vans 10 amp is this a problem and do I need to do anything before I go??

Thanks

Sam

Sam

I am puzzle about the question you are asking? Where are you getting the information that your caravan is 10amp? Is it from the breakers in the electrics. As far as I know you can hook any UK caravan up to a 16amp supply on a Caravan Club campsite.

The situation in France with your campsite is that the maximum supply is 6amp so although it will be OK don't take your domestic kettle with you! On 6 amps you should be able to use the water heater or the electric heating up to 1000watts but not togethers. All the other things in the van like fridge, charger, TV can work with either of the above appliances.

David

I agree, no problems with 6 amp as long as you are careful. Low wattage kettle is ideal. Remember the fridge and battery charger will be running in the van.

Some sites have hair driers in the sanitaires block if you must have one.

My hair is not long enough (not much of it these days!) OH just towels hers and leaves it!

If weather is nice use a bbq to cook!!!( Or go to a restaurant!)

A two slice toaster is ok for 6amp, a houshold kettle is NOT. We had to use the gas for kettling in france, after a few trips to reception for resetting!

To work out the amps look on the appliance for the wattage and divide that by the voltage, so a 2200w kettle will use 10amp if the voltage is 220v.

Our first van was a Monza, with gas lamps and 12v lights, which ran off the car.!

The gas lights were nice but the mantles were fragile! It had a 2 burner cooker and grill and a footpump for cold water only. No fitted loo, had a portaloo.It was better than a tent!

I fitted a fridge (gas/12V).

Our first ouiting was a cold easter at Bala -we used an extension lead through a window and a fan heater. We enjoyed ourselves.

Besjdes the 6amp supply dont forget about polarity. We've just returned from two fantastastic weeks at Chateau Du Ganspette (6 amp) and found the polarity was reversed although they do use the same familiar plug we are used to and not the European two pin type.

Have a fab Hols.

See caravan club advice for first time abroad here.  The advice on reversed polarity is just over half way down in site safety section.

Brian

Quote: Originally posted by Feux Verts on 20/8/2008

---

As an aside - our first van had NO electric !! Gas mantles were popping and we had to pump the (cold) water using a pedal on the floor. Someone gifted us a hairdryer that had a "hotplate" that clamped over the gas burner on the hob - and had a 12v blower that wafted the warm air into one of those plastic hood type hat affairs. I eventually installed an "after market" RCD kit. We loved it - it was a Sprite Alpine - late 70's model.

Needless to say we had no kids at that point - so no need for electrickery to power TV, PSP - laptop etc.!!!

We had some great trips even without the luxury we now enjoy!!

FV

---

Ahhh...... I remember those times too. In our old two berth Swift Doublette and my old Ford Cortina. Car wasn't that old then but the 'van was.