Petrified

Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
70
Likes collected
749
Location
West Yorkshire
Funster No
50,407
MH
Kentucky Camp Corral 4
Exp
Absolute beginner
Hi all
I know its a big adventure and I know that knowledge is power, so I read the vicarious motorhoming guide, which provided me with a lot of powerful knowledge. One of the things it said is that different countries require different LPG connections; who knew? Will I have the right ones provided by the hirer or do I have to go buy a load of different ones so I can get my LPG tanks topped up anywhere? My powerful knowledge vicarious guide also tells me about reverse polarity; unfortunately I don't know what this is - does it matter? Also is it true that in some aires people put their toilet cassette emptying spout around the fresh water fill tap to rinse the cassette out? What can you do to avoid faecal infections in this situation?
 
You'll have to check with your hirer but they are freely available. Reverse polarity isn't an issue unless you are in the habit of sticking a knife inside a plugged-in toaster or changing mains bulbs with the power on. Just wipe around suspect taps with bleach before using them.
 
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Hi,
Thanks Tony
I guess I am probably being a bit too neurotic, but its all a bit scary if you've never done it before. We once toured with a caravan twenty years ago and last did Eurocamping ten years ago but that's it in terms of experience of relatively roughing (!) it. Thank you for your support
Sue
 
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I'm in a state of I really want to have this adventure and I really want to stay at home in my comfort zone, lol

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You worry too much, everything will be fine once you start out. I've never seen people using a drinking water tap to rinse the cassette out, it probably occasionally happens in Aires where the 2 taps are next to each other but contamination would be very rare in my opinion. Will you need to buy LPG abroad? How long are you going for? We've been away 11 weeks and been ok with 2x6kg bottles.
Forget about reverse polarity, motorhome sockets don't have switches on them so it doesn't make any difference.
 
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I'd second all of the above. Once you get there you'll wonder what all the fuss was about but it is scary until you do it - like anything really.

Wyn
 
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Hi Sue, I do understand the conflicting emotions. I'm sure everything will be fine once you are over there.

Unfortunately I have heard about the clean tap being used to rinse out a cassette and that was in this country ! :sicker::mad:. Just take your time and think about what you are doing.

Have a great trip:)
 
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I'm in a state of I really want to have this adventure and I really want to stay at home in my comfort zone, lol
What countries are you intending visiting?
As previously said,except for the odd occasional Aire where the taps are close, then it's not a problem anyway.
Lots of Aires have water that is chargeable and that would mean putting money in just to rinse the cassette.
In that regard, we always carry a supply of bottled water for consumption. We do fill the bottles up in places that are obviously looking decent. I daresay the rinsing does happen on the odd occasion but more often than not, it's an urban myth (with the odd one possibly correct). So get bottled water for consumption.
The thing about the gas is, how long are you away and what size are the cylinders?
Incidentally, take 'gassing' suggestions with a massive hand full of salt unless you are taking. 2 or 3 Rolex watches, a few thousand pounds plus euros and they are accessible and you're taking designer clothes and shoes with you.
However, don't get tempted to use Aires de Service but use Aire depending Camping Car. Plus, your gut feeling will tell you that the Aire is suitable.
Also, books like ACSI are good where you can get good campsites at discounted rates (except peak times of the year) and ANY concerns that you have, open a thread and ask away.
Your hirer should give you all the lowdown on the motorhome BUT check, double check and do it first yourself that you are competent at operating the fridge on gas and how to light the boiler for hot water and heating. Neither are difficult but especially the fridge and boiler appear to cause a problem to newbies. Just fully familiarise yourself and if necessary write it down, stage by stage.
Within the day, this will be in your comfort zone.
 
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I've seen a lot of cassette rinsing from the clean tap. Take antibacterial spray , we spray the taps before use otherwise enjoy.

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I'm sure you'll be fine. :) As already suggested, if you are going with a full gas tank you should be able to last out for the duration of your trip. If you do need to fill up find a garage which can lend you an adaptor, Many carry a selection but I don't think you will need it.

Assuming your hire MH is fairly modern, reverse polarity (live and neutral connected the wrong way round) shouldn't be a problem, the electrical protection system will still work. However, the sort of electrical things you might plug in, such as hair dryers, are double insulated so the risk is negligible - unless as mentioned you poke a metal tent peg into it when plugged in but switched off.

If it is a hire MH I wouldn't drink water out of its tap, unless it was going to be boiled in the kettle. You don't know what's gone into its fresh water system in the past. Just buy bottled water.

And enjoy the trip!
 
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French supermarkets sell 5 litre bottles of water ( big, squarish looking with carrying handle) for about €1 which you can use for drinking water. Take some bleach wipes so you can wipe around any taps if you're worried.
Only problem I ever had was accepting drinking water through a short hosepipe ( in the UK) Gave me and the dogs gippy tums.

You'll be fine. Enjoy your holiday.
 
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Have you checked with your hirer that you are allowed to take it abroad? Bottled water is so cheap your better picking up a few large ones as and when you need it.

We use the tank water to boil the kettle for tea though.

If you get stuck with reverse polarity just ask a neighbour or site warden.

Enjoy your trip and have fun. Take lots of pics and make everlasting memories.
 
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I'm in a state of I really want to have this adventure and I really want to stay at home in my comfort zone, lol
I had that feeling the last couple of months as I've now gone full time in my motorhome
Too late now though I've sold the house
 
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