I am going buy an EHU from towsure-expo mainly to run a cooler, but while the power is there I'll then use it for fan heater/tv/light etc.
We have a diablo 600 and use the porch area for the kitchen so I'll probably feed the cable under the fly sheet, around the tent into the porch. Would it then be ok to run a std reel mains extension lead (good one) from the porch into the living area to run everything else?
Or would it be better to feed the ehu through the zip hole provided at the rear into the living area, then use the extension through to the porch?
I dont think there an advantage to either way. Whichever way you do it, you will have something of the standard extension lead exposed to potentially damp conditions. We have a sperate day room for cooking in. What we did in the end was buy 2 EHU cables. On a lot of sites we can plug both in together on others we just run both so they are positioned correctly and then just swap them over at the hookup point when we want to cook and then swap them back again.
I would say its a good idea to use damp-proof sockets wherever possible, although I've yet to see a reel-type extension with these on. I'd make your own; this allows use of nice thick rugged cable, and for it to be made to the right length for your application. You'll get all the bits from a b&q or you could try http://www.cpc.co.uk .
If you do use a standard reel extension, you should open the whole reel out, (cut it short and fit new plug if you find you never use the full length) and if any sockets are unused I'd fill them with the kid-proof socket covers (to help keep the damp out, not just the kids!)
I think the option I'll take is to run the EHU through the opening at the rear of the tent into the living area where its driest. Then use one of these extensions:-
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.