Any reason why not?

[Baggydave]

im considering fitting a waterproof lockable box to the rear (unused) roof ladder with a cable permanently connected to the vans fuse box. Then all I’d have to do is pull out the cable & plug into electric post.

It seems logical but can anyone see a reason why I shouldn’t?

thanks & merry Christmas to all.

 

[Andacami]

Seems ok. One thing to consider would be to isolate/disconnect the existing EHU socket and wiring.

 

[Silver-Fox]

My question would be why would you want to if you have a permanent hook up point already?

Just wondering as you do

 

[Two on Tour]

My question would be why would you want to if you have a permanent hook up point already?

Just wondering as you do

Same as you, I don't get the reason why without an explanation as to why.

 

[Baggydave]

My question would be why would you want to if you have a permanent hook up point already?

Just wondering as you do

good question thanks.

Well it was simply to save the faff of getting the 25m cable reel out of its underfloor locker, along with the lead between van ehu point, (plus post adaptor if needed) & then plugging it into the reel After running the cable to the post.
I was thinking that if I had a permanently connected cable all I’d have to do is run the lead, plug in & job done. I use a continental reel type so the uk post Adaptor I could keep in the ext box too.

just an idea I woke up with

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[poppycamper]

good question thanks.

Well it was simply to save the faff of getting the 25m cable reel out of its underfloor locker, along with the lead between van ehu point, (plus post adaptor if needed) & then plugging it into the reel After running the cable to the post.
I was thinking that if I had a permanently connected cable all I’d have to do is run the lead, plug in & job done. I use a continental reel type so the uk post Adaptor I could keep in the ext box too.

just an idea I woke up with

Do what we do.... even less faff....
.....Don't Plug In...

 

[WESTY66]

I could be wrong but don’t frankia do this with electric cable and water hose??

 

[olley]

Most RV's do this as mine does, but it's all in a side locker.

 

[Baggydave]

Do what we do.... even less faff....
.....Don't Plug In...

We do mostly do without electric but due to wife’s disabled buggy needing charging & my e-bike we do need to if not driving long enough to do it on the move. Especially in the winter when the solar don’t work so well.

 

[Baggydave]

Most RV's do this as mine does, but it's all in a side locker.

Now that’s an excellent idea!
thanks I didn’t realise some vans did this

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[Minxy]

Just make sure that if you leave part of the cable on a reel that it is safe to do so and won't overheat, if you have a heavy draw this might be an issue and you don't want melted cables nor a possibly resulting fire! I'm not sure if the 'standard' type EHU cable will be safe to use like this so you might have to go to the expense of getting a more robust/well insulated one and that itself can cause an issue as it will take up more room and possibly be even more difficult to roll/unroll especially if cold.

 

[Silver-Fox]

good question thanks.

Well it was simply to save the faff of getting the 25m cable reel out of its underfloor locker, along with the lead between van ehu point, (plus post adaptor if needed) & then plugging it into the reel After running the cable to the post.
I was thinking that if I had a permanently connected cable all I’d have to do is run the lead, plug in & job done. I use a continental reel type so the uk post Adaptor I could keep in the ext box too.

just an idea I woke up with

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t see it’s much faff getting a lead out and plug in two ends

You would still need adapters I presume
Also still uncoil and coil back up.

Still if you are happy doing the work and it’s what you want

 

[Baggydave]

Just make sure that if you leave part of the cable on a reel that it is safe to do so and won't overheat, if you have a heavy draw this might be an issue and you don't want melted cables nor a possibly resulting fire! I'm not sure if the 'standard' type EHU cable will be safe to use like this so you might have to go to the expense of getting a more robust/well insulated one and that itself can cause an issue as it will take up more room and possibly be even more difficult to roll/unroll especially if cold.

We mostly only use electric to charge the batteries & the reel we have has a thermal cut out. Also use electric kettle & fan heater if on electric but they are low wattage & only one at a time. I very much doubt if we ever use more than 6A

 

[Baggydave]

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t see it’s much faff getting a lead out and plug in two ends

You would still need adapters I presume
Also still uncoil and coil back up.

Still if you are happy doing the work and it’s what you want

It’s just another thing simplified as far as I’m concerned.
our present van is significantly higher from the ground than our last one & twice now during heavy rain we have tripped out, I presume due to splash.
I normally plug in & tuck the reel under the van. It now seems to get splashed easier & there is only so far I can push it.
it will be work but only once so overall better I think.
thanks for all the input. It will be a job for when we come back from Portugal.
thanks guys

 

[LithiumConvert]

just an idea I woke up with

Did you have a bad night then?

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[Minxy]

Well it was simply to save the faff of getting the 25m cable reel out of its underfloor locker, along with the lead between van ehu point, (plus post adaptor if needed) & then plugging it into the reel After running the cable to the post.

So you use an EHU lead and also a cable on a reel as well? Why?

It’s just another thing simplified as far as I’m concerned.
our present van is significantly higher from the ground than our last one & twice now during heavy rain we have tripped out, I presume due to splash.
I normally plug in & tuck the reel under the van. It now seems to get splashed easier & there is only so far I can push it.

This confused me at first as I couldn't understand how with your MH being higher that 'splashes' were a problem until I realised you are actually putting the reel outside and now can't put it out of 'splash' range.

Reels are not meant to be in use outside when there's a possibility of them getting wet and tripping, even if protected from splashing it can still get damp or possibly 'flooded' in bad storms which would be very dangerous to you and others in your vicinity. It's certainly not a practice I would recommend you continue with.

As you will still use the same methods, ie cable on reel (in covered housing/box of some sort) with a EHU lead connected, it will still have a joint somewhere and whilst you may have protected your reel from getting wet the joint will still be susceptible - do you have a proper waterproof connector/cover for that?

 

[Baggydave]

That will teach me to ask.

 

[Lenny HB]

Reels are not meant to be in use outside when there's a possibility of them getting wet and tripping

Nothing wrong with it if you use the correct lead I always used one like this but don't bother now as out of the last 100 nights away only had one night on EHU.
.

 

[Baggydave]

From what I see in Europe most vans use cable reels similar to mine. I’ve had mine for the last 15 years & used with no problems. A lot of the hook up posts are simple eu 2 pin sockets, especially the aires. campsites Are often the 3pin uk type.

as I’ve said I just wanted to make my hooking up simpler.

thanks for all the advice.

 

[Two on Tour]

.

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[Minxy]

Nothing wrong with it if you use the correct lead I always used one like this but don't bother now as out of the last 100 nights away only had one night on EHU.
. View attachment 848101

I was talking about standard type reels with normal cables on not specific ones made for external use with proper ends on that won't be affected by splashing, if a cable on a reel is affected by rain splashing on it then it can't be one meant to be used in that way.

From what I see in Europe most vans use cable reels similar to mine. I’ve had mine for the last 15 years & used with no problems. A lot of the hook up posts are simple eu 2 pin sockets, especially the aires. campsites Are often the 3pin uk type.

So what cable reel and ends have you got? If it is like Lenny's it wouldn't be affected.

 

[Minxy]

What concerns me is so few people take electrical safety seriously, mention gas and lots of concern, but electric not so much.

Gas can leak but will likely disperse safely, but leaking electric will likely fry you before you know it.

 

[Baggydave]

Appears to be safer in wales! Do they have 20mph electric too

 

[Minxy]

Appears to be safer in wales! Do they have 20mph electric too

View attachment 848214

Do they even know what a plug is????

 

[Otter Spotter]

Nothing wrong with it if you use the correct lead I always used one like this but don't bother now as out of the last 100 nights away only had one night on EHU.
. View attachment 848101

I have one of them, works great for me and the cable doesn’t harden over time does it !

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