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...
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
------------- Our motorhome loves Rock'n'Roll... it rolls all day and rocks all night ;0)
Talking of wild camping, were doing our 1st wild camp this weekend, found a nice quiet spot by the see last weekend, knowing my luck it will probably be full of travellers this week.
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
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.
Was pondering something similar myself. Is is worth (financially) paying for a mains hookup as it is usually around £2 extra / night? Was wondering how much gas would be used instead to run fridge and heater.
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?
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.
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)
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
------------- Our motorhome loves Rock'n'Roll... it rolls all day and rocks all night ;0)
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: Fridge - Gas or mains?
