I was against getting EHU till we went to France last month and ended up having to throw out more fresh food than we ate cause the 12 voltcoolbox couldn't cope with only being on when we went out. Now I think that next summer it would be good with it but i won't be letting the kids take anything to plug in though!
My personal opinion is what your "camp" plans are - if you are a weekend camper only then I really think you can get away without having one (we only weekend camp and don't have one). I have 2 kids who think it's such an adventure to be in the dark etc. If we were camping for say, a week, then I would be thinking about getting one if only for the fridge.
Don't have one, just rely upon ice packs (assuming the campsite has a fridge) and just buying food when we need it. Use the trangia for boiling water, radio and lights run on batteries.
BTW, when I first started lurking here, I thought EHU meant electrical heating unit!
It's easy to get by, by justing buying food as you need it then nothing goes off. Plus if you have to take lanterns etc with you anyway why bother with, a large stash of rechargeable batteries are what's needed.
You're camping all these luxuries aren't needed.
P.S camping next to someone who has a dvd player going at night is sooooo annoying, get some headphones.
Actually reminds me when we went to New Zealand, all the campsites had huge kitchens, free to use stoves, fridges, freezers etc so no need for EHU a lot better set up for the outdoor life than we are, I would love to live there.
We don't have EHU and so far have managed ok without it. OH has mentioned a few times about getting it, but then remembers the initial cost.
I went away with the kids for 10 days last year and it helps make the whole thing more adventurous when you have to buy things as you go along! The kids love going to bed with their torches, they sit in their 'rooms' making shadows for ages.
We are relatively new to camping, our third trip coming up next week, but yes, we do use EHU. Great for the electric kettle and that early morning cuppa, for the electric pump to inflate and deflate the airbeds, to recharge our mobiles and even use the toaster.
I didn't use EHU for a few years, the problem with keeping things chilled was resolved by getting a 3 way fridge, and using the gas. The rest of the stuff, I can recharge on the cigarette lighter socket.
I had bought a coolbox, but wouldn't go back to one again as the fridge is farrrr better.
When I booked my hols this year, they only had EHU pitches left, so i bought a set up ready. Didn't use it at all when I got their.
I can see the logic in one, but I do prefer using the gas/petrol for cooking/ boiling the kettle, it just feels more like I'm camping somehow...Hard to explain really.
But the fridge was the best buy of all, as it keeps the food fresh, and it gives a very small amount of heat off.
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: To EHU or not!!
