Camping Exterior Electric Hookup

Question: Can I run a electric fan heater in my van from the campsites electric hookup

Lone gunman The van will take it fine, whether the site's hookup will is more likly to be your problem, most sites give you about 10 amps, if the heater is all your using that equates to about 2500 kilowatts. Of course if your using that sort of power remember to turn it off before you use an electric kettle or other heavy load.

Euan Horza

There are three questions there.

1. What load does the site allow? - If your lucky it's 13a, if not it'll be less.

2. What load does the Dis box in your van allow? - Assuming you have one, read the current off the breaker. If you don't have one your stuffed.

3. Is the wiring up to it? - Before plugging anything in make sure you have sight of the wiring involved from the plug at the campsite's box all the way back to the appliance and ask Is it big fat flex?, Is it undamaged? Is it all still fitted where it should be fitted, tight and not flapping around? Is it earthed?

In a way the 230v ac is less risky in most cases than the 12v. Unless there are obvious problems with your install then the campsite's breaker will tell you when you've used too much load. In most cases a "whopper" of a heater will be too much but read the lable and work it out, does it use more or less than your fan heater?

1. dont plug the hook up into the site post then unroll it and plug it into your van, too many people do this, and a bad bit of insulation on the lead, wet grass, wet hands, it 'll mess your hair up! And carrying the live end isnt to be recommended

2. dont roll your lead up when it is cold, let it warmup in the van or sunshine before you roll it up neatly and tightly, becuase thats how the insulation gets cracks in it, when it is cold and brittle.

3. when you attatch the vans cable to the electric hookup make sure you unravel it and lay it out, coiled wire running heavey current can get pretty hot.