We have just bought a Conway tt on Ebay in very good condition(1984 model) the tent came with a electric hook up but no 12volt, now to the problem i need some help with. Do i buy a battery and charger or simply get a 12v transformer, we will be about 3 to 4 lights drawing about an amp each and a pump for the kitchen tap.We will not be camping without electric at any time, With 3 kids and a dog we like a few creature comforts(electric at the top of the list)
By the way think this is a great site and very usefull thanks.
Basically I agree with the idea of a transformer but what happens the day you turn up at a site that you would really like to stay at and the warden says that an EHU pitch will not be available for a couple of days?
Or, what do you do when all the EHU plugs go out due to a fault in the system? This has happened to us twice this year already.
When you are depending on your 12v system for lights and your water pump, there is nothing to beat a battery and a charger.
We all like our comforts, but I like to know that "no matter what" I will still have a basic system that I can rely on.
Sorry for the attack of thickness (we've been out of camping for some time now) but what exactly are "Power Points"? i have never heard of these.I had also thought we could use the car's battery as a back up (long wire with crocodile clips).
Quote: Originally posted by secondtimeround on 26/5/2008
Hello art b
Sorry for the attack of thickness (we've been out of camping for some time now) but what exactly are "Power Points"? i have never heard of these.I had also thought we could use the car's battery as a back up (long wire with crocodile clips).
I think she means standard 3pin plug sockets, fed by your EHU.
I agree with Lobey. EHUs on sites aren't infallible, and it is nice not to be plunged into darkness if your neighbour trips it, or the site goes off for the night. At least you can still see, and draw water to make a cuppa in the morning (on the gas stove)
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
If you can, use the EHU for lighting etc. Do you really need 12V if there is mains electric? We've only known one fail once. It was back on in a few hours. Sounds like a lot of money to run a tap! Battery is a good back up if the mains goes off though. A charger gives belt & braces if you can fit it, if you decide to go for 12V.
We have decided to go for an 85ah battery and a charger.The new question now is this- Is it ok to have the charger permenently connected to the battery so when the battery needs charging we just switch on the charger and then switch it off when the battery is charged.I have put the battery and charger in one of the side lockers and fitted a battery level meter to the outside of the locker(bedroom side) problem with this is it is difficult to remove,also when charging do i need to remove caps on battery. Many thanks Dave.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Battery or Transformer
