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Going to France and Spain
Posted: 08 Apr 2010, 19:24
by albertramsbottom
And I was wondering what sort of hookup I need?
Will I need an adapter?
Cheers
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 08 Apr 2010, 19:39
by Doctor Foster
Always best to carry a french hook up adaptor. You plug your existing hook up lead into this adaptor. I Have only had to use this adaptor once in our travels to France but worth having on the van. Halfords sell them fairly cheap. I also carry a reversed polarity hook up lead just in case and a plug socket tester so I can be sure which lead to use as some sites do have reversed polarity wiring, though I havent had to use ours yet.
Not sure about spanish sites and the type of hook up lead required but Im sure someone on here will know

Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 08 Apr 2010, 20:01
by albertramsbottom
[quote="Doctor Foster"]
Intresting - but that piccy looks like a hockup to french plug. I need a french hookup!
Are they the same as UK ones?
Cheers
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 08 Apr 2010, 20:22
by Doctor Foster
albertramsbottom wrote:Doctor Foster wrote:
Intresting - but that piccy looks like a hockup to french plug. I need a french hookup!
Are they the same as UK ones?
Cheers
Hmm Im lost. That is the lead in the pic that I use to plug into the french hook up posts If they have that type of socket. The majority of sites I have stayed on use the standard socket that normal hook up leads fit. However shoud you find you need the plug type shown in the pic then your standard hook up lead (orange cable with blue and white male/female ends) plugs into that adaptor lead you see in the pic. 'et voilĂ '
Unless Im barking up the wrong tree and you are reffering something else

Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 08 Apr 2010, 22:35
by andisnewsyncro
Spain is either the "normal" round 3 pin as over here, or use the adapter as in the pictures above.
Reversed lead is worth making up as mentioned, and get a tester.
Don't forget that most sites in Spain & France have a lower amp rating than the 16Amp that we're used to over here. It's often a very pricey extra too
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 09 Apr 2010, 09:21
by apcomark
Hi
I spent a month in france last year ... are u staying at aires or campsites....
always used my normal UK hook up at the 'aires' ....only one campsite had the french plug.... and i borrowed an adaptor from the reception no problem .... (after a bit of gesticulation/ charades and waving the plug around)
as dr foster says some french sites have a normal french 2 pin connector.... very strange but i think it is so the french can use their bog standard extension leads (as at home) rather than investing in the heavy duty 'camping only' hook up we are used too.....
i'm not sure if all campsites are like this .... mostly wild camped and used aires....
hope this helps ....
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 09 Apr 2010, 19:05
by jason k
did you manage to sort your overheat problem out?
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 10 Apr 2010, 21:04
by Doctor Foster
Did you get your hook up sorted??
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 12 Apr 2010, 09:01
by Ian Hulley
albertramsbottom wrote:
Intresting - but that piccy looks like a hockup to french plug. I need a french hookup!
Are they the same as UK ones?
Cheers
Most French Aires with electric hook-up and the cheaper/older/municipal campsites will still have the 2 pin and earth stud you simply use an adaptor as per the image shown, checking the polarity with the item also shown. Most of the more modern/upmarket sites will have the 16amp blue one same as here in dear old Blighty.
Can't comment on Spain.
Ian.
Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 18 Apr 2010, 10:47
by albertramsbottom
jason k wrote:did you manage to sort your overheat problem out?
I think so, it looks like the timing was out by 25degs
And I got the missing tinware Jason
Thanks for your help

Re: Going to France and Spain
Posted: 26 Apr 2010, 12:35
by Ralf85
You will need several different adaptors to deal with continental plug arrangements. I think that after several years I now have all the options.
Buy the ones mentioned above but be prepared have to go to a local shop to buy yet another one. Good luck.
