A site owner told me that he had to start metering the electricity because of the increasing number of people who were using the site’s EHUs to charge up their electric bikes and cars overnight. It was either raise the pitch fees ( so that everyone on site helps to subsidise the electric vehicle owners’ running costs. No thanks ) or install meters. As my motorhome is diesel and my bikes are pedal powered I’ll take metering any day.
That makes sense, especially folks charging electric cars, that’s when you would max out at the 16A eh. Metering definitely seems to be the fair options then it’s properly pay for what you use. Thanks for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
A friend of mine has a caravan with an awning and annexes bigger than the caravan. He has two or three electric heaters going 24/7. It's folk like him that by abusing the EHU that it's no wonder that sites are metering electric. And so they should.
Very interesting David. I've always left my Motorhome plugged in at home, thermostat set to 10°C, water heater off, battery charger on. I guess it is probably costing between £6-£8 a day depending on how cold it is. It's also a good point to note that the microwave is sitting there constantly consuming electric.
Hi Bob, Thanks very much for the comment and for watching. I imagine yours will be (much) better insulated than ours, there are a lot of thermal bridges in our panel van conversion (back doors etc) which you don't get so much in a coach built. My heating doesn't have temperature but it was between around 15-17.5C so should have put it on a little lower, all be it was great to get in when it was warm! Once the charger has filled the battery, imagine the usage should drop off significantly too - I wonder if there's much difference between the "wet" heating vs. blown air too. Thanks again, have a great weekend, all the very best, David 👍
£6-8 a day every day, seems insane unless (and even if) you live in it. In winter i pay about £8 a week for gas which powers the wall heater, water heater (periodically) and fridge. Electric consumption is about 2-3 units a day if I use the electric heater in the morning for a few hours in winter - timed before work. If electric heating is not required I use less than 1 unit a day on a working day, more at the weekend. Once the leisure batt is fully charged, all the lighting, 12v appliances use very little power at all. In your case a nice propex gas heater or one of those webasto (or similar) diesel heaters which have timers and temp settings might lower your leccy bills a bit.
@@LeisureBit we run a pub in dale abbey derbyshire and have been doing motorhome stopovers for years now( about 8 or 9). I am still in process of opening a cl on back field and the ehu will be metered as i think its the way forward for a buisness to progress.
Interesting and frightening all at the same time David. Jon from Life After Bricks did a vlog in a similar way a few months ago now and gas was so much cheaper than using electric. I can see more and more people looking for wild camping and just using a site once or twice a week. Cheers K.
Thanks Karlos, it’s quite frightening isn’t it - hopefully the cost per unit will fall back down to a reasonable level over time. Daft that gas and diesel is cheaper to heat your van eh. Thanks again. All the very best, David 👍
Your dedication is much appreciated. I think insulation is the key. Buying a Silver Screen insulated screen cover makes a hell of a difference + no condensation. Also I was lucky enough to buy a double floor insulated Carthago motorhome which hardly needs any heat, but again, small changes can make a huge difference. For example when skiing in the alps I put extra insulation in the doors and used old sleeping bags around the cab floor and a cover on the dashboard again makes a difference. I don’t know how much electricity I was using but it wasn’t much as even as minus 10 the heating only kicked in periodically and I was on a hook up with about 10 amps at 110v. For Scotland I got a bit fed up with the limitations of relying on a hook up so went for refillable LPG and solar which is OK for about 9 months of the year, but in the dead of winter a hookup is best. However one day I may increase the diesel tank from 90 to 120 ltrs, apparently this is possible with the Ducato and then see if I can replace the Gas Electric heating with a Diesel Electric option. But as I say with real care to improve insulation, and with decent solar, for 8 or 9 months of the year, no hook up is needed.
Thanks very much for the comment, most appreciated. Very true on insulation - like the idea of a diesel as an alternate and probably in addition to the electric. Really appreciated - thanks again, David 👍
Thank you! Had not realised that metres were now being used. Thinking of a small motorhome and good to be aware of all the extras needing to be considered.
Thanks for the comment, they certainly seem to be getting installed wider which makes sense from the campsite owners perspective - so long as they are upfront if electric is extra, it helps factor in. Thanks again, all the best, David & Rachel 👍
Hi David, thanks for the vblog. You put in the hard work and answered the questions I thought about, but could not be bothered to look into. Also, you do a great job of it. 2 points that I think of most. 1. Putting up or holding prices at the same time metering the electric, it just reduces the amount of places I would go as I'm certainly not going to go to sites that do this. 2. I would be very happy to heat my van using my gas and pay as I go on the 240v for lighting, microwave , tv etc. This would encourage people to be careful and reduce their carbon foot print slightly. Would be a lot less people with heating on max & windows wide open. Also, this would help with the summer / winter issue where site owners would have huge variation in electrical bills. Many thanks
Thank you - hopefully where electric is included people will be more sensible as it will only drive up future costs as you say with windows open! I think it’s the fairest way so long as they have a decent rate secured on the units so it’s not excessive, pay as you use is the most fair I think. Hopefully like some sites base fees will drop a little. Fingers crossed 🤞 Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, David 👍
This was very interesting David, we hadn't spent time on a metered pitch since the energy price increase, but in 2021 we spent 60 + nights on a small site with metered electric, coin operated, we were in our touring caravan, we moved pitches 3 times so used 3 different meters, our average cost worked out at per day was £1, some days 90p others £1,10 . I appreciate these cost would be a lot higher now.But we didn't run or do anything that we wouldn't do today in our CV. We ran the water heater for an hour an half each day, 2x45 mins, microwave each morning kettle twice a day,, Tv 2 hours evening the 3 way fridge was constant on elcetric, battry charger on ever 4 to 5 days for a day. We never leave anything on standby, microwave Tv etc. Yet one of our neighbours in a simular touring caravan, using a pitch that we'd been on the previous week said that he was putting £5 per day in the meter.It's all down to how the individual operates. Personally I would prefer all sites to have a meter on each pitch, we moved from a tourer to a campervan, with electric included in your pitch fee, campervan and motorhome owners are paying for electric they're not using when they take their vehicle off site, sightseeing act, Just my humble opinion.
Thank you - I do think metering is definitely the fairest options so long as they site operator gets a good deal on the unit rate, it’s then all down to choice isn’t it. Hopefully at some point we will go back to the days when it costs a pound or two for electric 🤔 All the best, David 👍
Hi David well done on a very comprehensive video i think this is going to be a major issue across the tourist sector as I’ve noticed the price of static caravan holidays increase significantly as well I presume as a result of the electric crisis It will make things harder for campsite owners to deliver without change but the tips you share will help people to be more aware I can see more people have generators like you see in the USA Or more use of solar looking forward to the next video best wishes to you all Daniel
Hi Daniel - thank you - really appreciated and thanks for watching. Yes it’s wide reaching isn’t it - looks like some better news today on cap coming down but still a long way to go to get back to where we were, positive it’s falling through. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Nice video David, thorough, and well explained. With hookup prices like that (£8/day), you’re probably best switching things like your heaters, water heaters and fridge to gas. Microwaves and electric kettles use alot, but only for a short period - remember not to use them at the same time as each other or as other big power draws like electric heaters.
That’s the plan, I’m getting an electric valve fitted to my LPG so it works automatically then where possible will try and save some money. Thanks for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
We went to Austria earlier this year and the electric was charged for. We heated our van with a truma 2kW heater and the cost after 6 days was £150!!! Eye watering considering the already pricey cost of the site itself. Lesson learnt and will be runnning combination of gas and electric.
Crikey that’s a lot isn’t it and it can soon mount up and be a bit of a shock. You don’t notice so much when it’s warmer. Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Although our Truma heating system runs off gas, electric or a combination of both, we have never used the electric only option. I could be wrong but I don’t think we use much electricity. We have a solar panel and the only time we were off grid last year was in sunny June and the battery never mover off fully charged. It will be interesting to see how things go this year. Thanks for sharing another interesting video.
Hi Sylvia, thanks for the comment and for watching. If you're not using the electric or combination option, I would imagine you wouldn't use too much as heating is by far the greatest consumer in most leisure vehicles. When the weather is warmer you consume significantly less, plus as you say if you have solar that all helps too. All the best, David
Generally speaking , I feel sites have gotten very greedy regardless the price of electric. Very informative video thank you for taking the time to make it.
Good video thanks. PAYGO all day for me. On club sites you are paying for other units air con and people heating their awnings. We have upgraded solar now and will be choosing the CS and CL network. Cheers both
Thanks Paul, pay as you go is definitely the fairest way isn't it then you literally pay for what you use. Once the weather warms up as well heating consumption reduces dramatically. Thanks very much for the comment, all the very best, David
Very informative. Thank you. Savvy campers ought to be looking at solar, if they haven't had it installed already. It will pay for itself in no time, especially if retrofitted to the existing leisure batteries. I'm a full-timer. Aside from a cheeky top-up here and there during the winter, I don't use a campsite hook up - heating with diesel and cooking with gas.
Thank you - appreciated and thanks very much for watching - I think solar is a no brained isn’t it if you want to get away from the traditional campsites. Diesel for heating is certainly becoming more appealing - sounds like you have a great setup. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Electricity prices are shocking on campsites, caravans and moho’s may not have the best insulation so using gas would be preferable to high electric charges, take into account once water temperature is up to temp the thermostat will disconnect the heater until its temperature drops and may be off for some time unless hot water drawn off, similarly once your van is warmed the heater stat will cycle your heating on and off, although poor insulation would be an issue, kettles and microwaves are high energy use but only really in use for short periods at a time, great vlog and becoming a big issue for campers
Thanks very much for the comment, it's such a difference to what it used to cost and very good point on insulation. Thanks very much - all the very best, David 👍
Great video David,as usual,food for thought. I live in Spain and travel thru France mostly and the sites are on average €10 per night with showers and all amenities inc hook up on some.I find the UK a total rip off on site fees with some charging £2 a night for a 🐕!!!! Keep up the videos.
Thanks for the comment David, appreciated. Yes, it does seem to have got expensive in the UK in comparison (some cheaper sites around though) - hopefully things with more Aires in the UK might help balance off if they don't go nuts on the price. The dog charge where there's no dog facilities is a bit naughty isn't it - ours has never used the showers :) - thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Metering, and the cost of electricity on site is something I feel will be affecting us more and more as time goes on. Last season, I visited 2 CL sites which had meters, both of which offered a number of units inclusive and paying for anything over. On both occasions, it was reasonably warm weather and I didn't even use all the inclusive minutes. On another occasion, my club booked at site in Dorset at the start of September (when the heatwave began). I'd given no thought to the electric and just booked a pitch with electric hook up, paying something like £28 a night inclusive. But a couple of days passed and I ask my neighbour why he wasn't hooked up, and he told me it was because the site charged £9 a night for electric. I didn't even know I had a choice, but that was probably my own fault for not looking. Now I happen to own a Bluetti solar charger which I bought last year, with the intention of going off grid when possible. So now I will be carefully checking which sites have all inclusive and which have separate charges. I'm buying another solar panel and another leisure battery for this season to make sure I can comfortably go off grid.
Hi thank you for your comment. We agree it is going to become more and more common with the cost of electricity the way it is. We have done a few sites that had meters. There is one we are going to soon that charge an additional £3 per night for hook up and we have decided to use that as £3 seems reasonable. Thank you again for your comment Rachel & David 💕💕
Sure I already commented on this but can’t find it. Sone good stuff for people who might underestimate electric usage. Very useful and timely video David 🙏👍
Thank you - I thought it would be helpful as it’s just another consideration if it’s not included but helps explain why it’s costing more - fingers crossed there will be more choice longer term as I’m sure electric prices will come down - thank you very much, all the very best, David 👍
Thank you David for this most informative video, I bit the bullet and installed a 230AH lithium with a 270W solar set up and Eberspacher diesel heater so fortunately we never need to hook up (It wasn’t cheap though) Happy Motorhoming GB
Thanks Gary, that’s a great setup and a decent amount of solar too, know what you mean on the cost, suppose it pays its self back over time with the current costs. Thanks again for the comment, all the best. David 👍
I recently stayed at a site with metered electric and a smart card top up system. Any unused credit was refunded on departure as by law, sites cannot profit from the resale of electricity. After 2 very cold and wet days I had consumed about £18 worth of electricity (52p/KwH) so switched to gas heating and ran my just my fridge and LED lighting on electric. The consumption dropped to just under £3 per day. I have 2 x 6kg refillable LPG cylinders which I estimate will run heating, fridge and cooker for 10 -14 days and costs about £17 to refill @85p per litre from my local ASDA. Exchangeable cylinder gas is very expensive (about £24 for a 6kg refill), but still cheaper than metered electricity. If energy prices stay relatively high which I think they will for couple of years and more sites switch to individual metering, my initial £350 investment in the refillable system will recoup at a much faster rate (based on the above figures about 10 fill ups). I used to shower in my MH but now I always use the site facilities as they're usually included in the pitch fee. Same with washing up.
Electric heating is definitely one of the big consumers isn’t it - LPG refillable is great - sounds like you have a good system in place and making it cheaper to run with the current cost - thanks for sharing, all the best, David 👍
Thanks for the comment, appreciated. Let’s hope the cost comes down in the not too distant future and things stabilise again. £4 per day at the moment is really good I think. Hope you’re both doing good. Have a great week, All the best, David 👍
There is a case for meters, especially as I saw when travellers conned their way onto an electric included site, which was very reasonable priced. These people had two washing machines and it was like a Chinese laundry.
Thanks for the comment, meters are definitely the fairest way (so long as the pitch fees are offset from where it was previously electricity included) then it's pay for what you use. I've seen on a number of sites folks with heaters in the awnings and even outdoor patio style heaters plugged into the van or hookup. Thanks again, All the best, David 👍
Thank you David for a very interesting and informative video. I saw this coming with the campsites so now I'm all Victron and Lithuim Batteries. To give you an idea I've not hooked up in over 100 days now and just spent the week in Hawick using only my solar panels and gas for boiling a kettle. The DCtoDC charger will get the Lithuim Batteries to Float (full) whilst driving. Expensive to install everything but it'll pay for itself by not paying campsites for electric ⚡and pitch fees over the coming months. Regards Mac 😊
Thank you - that’s great that you are setup to be self sufficient - sounds like all is working well and saves you a good few £’s on pitches usually into the bargain. All the best, David 👍
David, a very well presented vlog and certainly an "eye opener". We're due to take delivery of our Constellation 3XL next month. At the NEC this February we joined a number of groups but will look carefully when making any bookings. Keep up the good work. Krs Sid and Nicola, Rugby.
Thanks very much A appreciated and thanks for watching. Exciting times - bet you can’t wait - it’s just another consideration when booking isn’t it to avoid any surprised costs. All the very best, David 👍
Good and enlightning vlog. I have just ordered a 200amp hr lithium battery and a 50amp charger, 3000 watt inverter. Just need to watch your video to learn how to wire them up. Wish me luck.
Hi David, as usual you have “got into the weeds” great! As you say many sites will be metering electricity in the future, we were in Braemar in September, no meters, during their month off meters fitted, and that’s just one site we know. During the bad days of Covid I fitted an ammeter to monitor the AC consumption whilst connected to mains supply. We are spoilt in UK with 16A being the norm, sometimes 10A shock horror. In Spain 6A is the norm with some site upgrading to 10A, at a cost. However the long stay sites for Brits “wintering” have had meters for some years. The “canny” Brits buy Spanish propane and run their services on LPG, I must confess we bit the bullet in 2020 and paid for 10A then paid €55 on departure for a 6 week stay. Since then we have also fitted a 2.2kW Eberspacher so we might just go for the 6A package if we ever get to Spain again for the winter! Having escaped from Portugal during Covid times with NO sites open I have upgraded with solar, LiFePo4, inverter and I fitted a DC ammeter as well to see what I am drawing at anyone time. As we have discussed I haven’t a mega battery like you but I have doubled my DC endurance which seems to work for us. The diesel heater being the cream on the cake. With your setup why bother to put out a 230V lead ech,👍👍 I did say to you before I’m waiting for the video of you on the roof fitting another solar panel, HoHo! Finally we toured Greece in 2018 and whilst visiting Delphi we had a 3A hookup!! Couldn’t even boil the kettle, went to the bar instead!🍷🍷🍺🍺 Great video, I love all the stats, incidentally I have a stand alone 400W electric heater in my van now on a thermostat set at 10°C. Cheers Mike🍷🍷
Hi Mike - thanks for the comment as always - you’ve got a great setup and useful things like the low wattage heater to keep the chill off. Definitely need to be creative to get best value don’t you and the ammeters certainly come in handy. Hope you’re good - All the best, David 👍
Campsites have never been shy of hiking prices! Example of a caravan pitch at say £30 per night. Now bear in mind you are renting the pitch, not just part of it. Therefore you should be allowed to put on the pitch whatever is needed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Not so! Put an awning up they want more money despite you still being within the perimeter of the pitch you have paid for. Then more money for a side tent on the awning, then the dog, then the kids! Some are pay for showers. It goes on and on. The next rip off is the service. The appliances provided by companies are out of warranty but the caravan manufacturer insists its serviced to keep the warranty on damp/water ingress. Whats servicing a cooker got to do with damp? Not that anything is actually serviced, they merely confirmed its working! For paper thin walls and everything brad nailed and stapled together the industry is a rip off from top to bottom!
Thank you - It is naughty when they charge add-ons which don’t actually cost anything more in real terms - leisure vehicle warranty is a minefield! All the best, David 👍
It depends on your unit rate and how high the heating is on and of course how well insulated the van is, I have found if you put it on frost guard it uses less but it’s cold when you got in then and you need to take the chill off still. I had it set cool but not cold so it would warm up fully quicker. So definitely can run it lower at less cost by keeping it just on frost guard. Also if your unit rate is cheaper that massively helps too 😀 Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Informative, thank-you. With wider events out of UK control, costs will likely remain high for some time, if not indefinitely! This is where a solar/lithium battery set-up, might mitigate the need to 'plug-in', though would it work-out any cheaper!? Like all things in life, nothing is free, though some van life types, may wish otherwise! Be interesting to work-out the comparison, between initial costings of solar/lithium upgrades/instals, with an annual usage factor along with years owning the camper van factor with recharging costs (If solar and alternator has not recharged as wished for!), to that of just using camp site/home hook-ups. Would it get anywhere close to getting your moneys worths back? This of course the million dollar question! Does solar/batteries save money, even after entail outlay considerations, or don't they? I certainly don't know the true answer! Of course, the real reason for solar/lithium choice, is the freedom to 'off-grid' as a life-style choice and not at designated sites. Like all things Eco and Planet Saving, is it purely a perception with truthful reality evidencing it is far from being Eco? What it is most certainly is, is a privilege, as many don't have the basics in their lives, compared to what our camper vans provide! Simple - If you are going to do a lifestyle, then make sure you can afford it, that is the truth!
Thank you - Very true! I think when you purchase batteries etc it’s for options rather than to save money, certainly true from my perspective. Thanks again for your comment, appreciated and great perspective, All the best, David 👍
Interesting! We have a truma diesel heater in our van but have only used it briefly. Next time I’m worried about the van freezing up I will consider using it instead of connecting the hook up😱which we noticed bumped up the daily kWh useage. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, appreciate the comment, it's been really surprising how much it actually costs now - very noticeable isn't it, in the past you wouldn't have really noticed too much. All the very best, David
Hi David I like the video but I would encourage people to test out their own vans to see what they consume. I have a self built all electric no gas van. We mainly stay off grid but we did stay on a metered site for one night in Scotland at the end of October 2022 mainly to recharge our lithium batteries. The cost per unit (1kwh) was 38 pence and our electric cost came to £1.63 for a one day stay. We used a low wattage electric fan for the whole duration of the stay with thermostat set to 21 degrees so kept nice and toasty, all cooking done on induction hob, air fryer and microwave and used electric kettle for lots of tea. By my calculations boiling my 900w kettle for 5 mins uses (900/60) x 5 = 75 watt hours which equals (0.075 x 0.38) = 2.8 pence and my microwave uses 1200w so would cost 3.8 pence to run for 5 mins. For my personal use metered is better but I hear a lot of sites are using a prepaid card system with minimum £5 top up
Hi Mick, thanks very much for the comment, you're absolutely right, it varies massively depending on the type of heating, how cold it is outside, how cold the van was when you put the heating on, how well insulated your van is and how high the heating is - I noticed the outside temperature had a significant impact (as you would expect) - when it warms up becomes significantly less. Great point again and thank you for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Absolutely right - the worry is some haven’t got a good deal with their supplier and are paying a lot more and have no choice but to pass it on. Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Some awesome research there! I’m all for metered pitches IF the option to take it with no hook up is given, it really is starting to annoy me that people think £30 a night (and above) is acceptable for a non hook up pitch! It’s also been a thing I’ve had issues with for years that a VW transporter (for example) pays the same as a 8m plus motorhome! Sites are getting greedy we need to stop accepting it. I can live without 240v most of the time and the next van will address this slightly better.
Morning Rick, thank you. I would assume that where they do metered pitches then it becomes totally optional (if you don't use you don't pay) but hopefully they don't just keep the site fees as is with electric included the same as those should reduce a little to off-set. Some sites seem to charge a different price for campervan vs motorhome but that seems to be less and less and some seem to charge based on pitch size but again not the norm but it's actually fairer when they do that. If you happen to stumble on a clever heating system which doesn't use diesel or LPG and is practical when you're looking about please let me know as it's heating (space heating in particular) which seems to be the energy guzzler. You going lithium in the next van? a lot seem to be doing as standard now on higher end models which makes total sense and more and more factory built now coming with inverter solutions too. Hope you're both good, hopefully catch you soon (you at Harrogate show in March or Peterborough show in April?) All the best to you both, David 👍
@@LeisureBit pitch sizes are contentious too… if I buy a pitch I should be allowed to put up an awning if it fits not be charged…. We’ll be doing a lot more off grid and C.S or C.L. in future. The new van won’t be lithium no (certainly not initially but we’re having 2 batteries and 2 panels plus b2b and the like, also diesel heating over gas… we don’t believe the hype on gas disappearing but it certainly will be harder to find and heating uses lots of it. We’re low use 230v people so we’ll probably get a power bank for that.
Very informative David, I got it wrong at about £3.60 before any answers came up 🤣. I'm happy to pay a fair price for fair consumption but heard of people charging electric cars on site - no wonder rates are going up !!!!
Hi Tim, thank you, yes it seems people are going a bit mad with things like that so it’s no wonder and as you say on a meter it’s pay for what you use. Wonder what will happen when vans eventually go electric as that would change the game a little wouldn’t it - all be it pay as you use is definitely the right model to have. Hope you’re all good. Hopefully catch you soon, all the best, David 👍
Amazing job! Just wow! I loved the video, many information, many tests and you saved me many time to have the knowledge. Very well explained also for dummies like me. I wonder if you have a plan to set a excel table with all that information, it will be great to know the consumption also to know how long can you run in a battery in off grid what I'm planning. I think the most economical solution now is to don't pay for electricity in the campings, use lpg for heating and using battery for a couple of days, it should be enough and then you can recharge the battery driving home or with solar
Thank you and thanks for watching - appreciated. I was going to pop an Excel when I do the DC and inverter side with all of the info from the 3 (hookup, DC and Inverter) along with a calculator in it too - watch this space 😉 Exactly ref for a few days. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Hi, interesting video and the first time I've seen your channel. We took our caravan to Ullswater in November. Found out when electricity kept tripping when we turned the kettle on the site was only 6A. Included in the pitch fee was an electricity card which was supposed to have enough on it to last the week in with the pitch fees. The pitch next to ours left their meter card in their electric hook up point which was handy as our meter card ran out before the end of our stay. That was the only time we have stayed at a site with 6A and was a quick learning curve and have changed the high power electric kettle for a whistling one to use on gas. Last week we went to Hawick on a fully serviced16A site and at the end of the week couldnt disconnect the electric cable from the caravan as the sockets had fused together. Got it off after 20 mins and had to change the electric lead 3 pin socket as the positive and neutral cables had burned. Any tips on why this happens and what can be done to prevent it (WD40 electric spray perhaps?)
Thanks for the comment and for watching. 6A you have to keep turning things off before you use something else don’t you. Ullswater is a nice area. Regarding the lead and campsite outlet overheating and fusing together - I would Imagine there was a loose connection in the socket, it may be just warn with years of use, Alternatively it could be a loose wire in either the lead or the site outlet which has then got hot and caused it - generally it’s a poor connection - WD40 might help it stop sticking if it was a mechanical thing but sounds like a loose fitting socket to me - might be worth reporting it to the campsite also as they should get it looked at. All the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Thanks for the reply. The site socket was fine it was the caravan to electrical lead that fused together. The cable hasnt had much use as its only 6 months old and came new with the caravan. It was fine in its first 2 trips. The first trip was during the 40"C heatwave last August and the aircon/fridge etc were on every day for 10 days and no problem disconnecting , fine for a week in Ullswater too. It did happen to us once before a few years ago with our previous caravan but not as bad to get off as this one to get off.
Ah, gotcha sorry I thought it was the hookup end rather than the van end. Do you know if your hookup lead is 2.5mm cables or 1.5mm? Just wondered if 1.5mm and used at full power (16A) would more likely to warm up than 2.5mm to a point of problem. If it’s just the Live which is fusing together worth looking more closely at that and try and see if it’s the socket or plug causing it. I’ve had mind stick a bit but not through warming up just friction as socket is very tight on the plug.
@@LeisureBit The Coachman electrical cable supplied with the new caravan has wires that look thicker than 1.5mm so perhaps 2.5mm when I put a new plug on it. Both the neutral and live wires were burnt , earth was fine. Its back at the dealer now as the E+P self levelling legs wouldnt lower so will get them to change the socket too
I live in my van when working away from home, I use an ecoflow solar generator + 220w solar panels for my tv iPad / phone and lighting. I use gas for the heating and the only thing I use on the mains is my fridge this works well for me
Brilliant informative video, how interesting, however as for me personally, I'd never be sitting in our motorhome while either the site owners or club sites management are attempting to charge us the commercial prices for electricity as in the 50p example given when paying 34p at all other times, just would never happen. Still as long as the meter prices are made clear along with the pitch fees, then I guess we have choices unless we couldn't get the location we want or need as in not agreeing to the prices quoted; let's all see what the future holds?
We are finding that out of school holidays, we can hire a static (including gas/electric/heating/linen) for FAR less then taking our own van! (Prestatyn 4 night £56~£79!!)/ Van pitch inc electricity ~£35~£45 pn!! Add to that the trouble of moving over to an electric car that can't tow a van... Touring Caravan makers may be in for a lean time!
Wow, that's shocking that it's hardly any difference / cheaper to hire a static than it is for a tourer - hopefully prices will come down if demand falls for touring pitches. Thanks very much for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
Hi Les, my fridge is a compressor 12v type so will include that in an upcoming video on the 12v side and work out the effective mains consumption - I should have mentioned that, sorry. Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
I still have my hook up as paid enough for it. Use it with family and friends when they come camping with me. However I have purchased power stations to reduce the cost down now on campsites. Purchased a small Jackery 2 years ago, and now have a larger 600watt power station. It's better for a long-term as a investment if camping is a part of your lifestyle in my opinion, it is for me, but for those that do the odd camp not worth the investment. I love having my own power when I camp as it is 🔋 game changer for me. You just pay for the pitch, pitches have increased even with no electric due to the cost of living. So a saving for the consumer must be somewhere. As a solo female camper I must be able to charge my phone whenever I need to with no worry of loss of power for safety reasons, also for entertainment. I also prefer to carry now a electric blanket as and when needed. My power stations help me at home too. So win, win but the price of power stations is costly, very hard on your pocket for initial purchases unless money isn't a issue for you. Not everyone is rich or comfortable. I don't have a Van neither want one. Down the road may be a nice compact motorhome.
Thanks very much for the comment, having your own power when you need it is ideal isn’t it - looks like you’ve got a good approach to make sure you keep charged up etc. happy camping in 2023. All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Thank you David. Part-time camping around work has really helped me with my mental health since my mum recently died. So I love it. Hiking and the outdoors, even a one nighter in the countryside does me the world of good. You simple feel refreshed. Stay safe and blessed. Subbed to your channel. I part-time car camp and camp in a tent. Love it.
@@happydays9613 my sincere condolences, it’s exceptionally tough isn’t it. It’s amazing what the great outdoors does to help with mental health, I love going for a walk and camping for that exact reason, it does wonders for you. All the very best wishes, David
Crikey - that’s a massive rate, imagine that is giving eye watering bills - let’s hope it comes down very soon. Thanks for sharing - all the very best, David 👍
Thanks for the comment, appreciated- I was thinking the same, with a bit of luck the cost will come back down to make it viable again - all the very best, David 👍
Great video new subscriber Just a thought 💭 , ( to alleviate the depression of energy costs ). if you’re away for a week are you using less electricity than if you stayed at home , if so it’s a win win maybe? If you take your dog rather than putting him in a kennel ( £25/ night )it’s a win win ? . Yes I know it was a cheap holiday and you can go as you please, and now things are changing, you can blame me for that , because iv just started converting a van . Just trying to justify it to myself really. Good luck 👍🏴
Hi Micky, you’re absolutely right you should save some energy to offset the cost especially if you turn the heating down while you’re away. Thanks very much for the comment and for subscribing - all the very best, David 👍
About 20 years ago there was a Law passed to stop campsites making money on selling Electricity, they could only charge what they bought it for! the Law still stands, but i don't think Campsites remember this? At the time, they decided to put everything into a site fee, they charged you the max they could and put it in the site fee and claimed it was free electricity! Like hell it was! Now they are crying and claiming its so expensive so they must start metering electric again! bet they don't drop their prices for site fees only add the cost of metered electric! I think they will price themselves out of the business as people only have so much money they can spend on leisure activities.
Know what you mean, that’s the issue isn’t it where the base cost has got silly and it’s not very often dropping as it should. Thanks for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
Thanks David for such an informative video! I'm keen to get these power meter monitors and check energy consumption of heating, hot water and appliances in our van. Can you let me know which plug-in power monitor you use and which mains one you use? For the mains one, did I hear/read that you had to modify it in some way, if so how did you go about this? Many thanks
The plug in one I bought was a KETOTEK Power Meter Energy Monitor UK Plug (from Amazon) but they all pretty much work the same way. The one I made in the box is a Seamuing Smart Meter Energy Monitor which has WiFi for monitoring - I will be soon doing a video installing permanently into the van which may be of interest. Both on Amazon for ref. The simplest way is with a plug in one. Hope that helps, All the best, David 👍
Thanks for a very informative explanation. We have upgraded to Lithium batteries, and a Powerbank, works well. Can I ask , where can I buy the fresh water fill cutoff gadget….is it home made ? Many thanks .
Thanks very much for the comment Les, Lithium works well doesn't it. The Water Fill gadget I made as a bit of an experiment as I couldn't find anything readily available which would do the job and am looking to do one more integrated into the van so there's less stuff to carry but with the same functionality. Once I've made that I might be able to make it available if it works well enough and offsets any effort of installing it. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Diesel heater costs around £100 on the lowest setting you would be sweating in a short while, uses about 1 litre per 12 hours if on continuously which I doubt you would have it on that long. You can also run it on red diesel legally .They also make a water heater version. Once in bed I wouldn't have the heating on.
Thanks Peter, appreciate your comment - that’s pretty economical, I’m considering fitting one as an additional heat source - thanks again, all the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Have one in my garage it gets warm very quickly ,made a big difference to heating the house, normally open door to garage its like walking into a freezer now wife hangs washing in there its dry in about 90 mins so not only warming the garage its drying the washing saves using the tumble dryer..Its a big Garage so warming a smaller camper will be easy.
Hi Stephen, you could be right - let's hope though some good campsites keep the price right and electric costs come down eh :) Thanks for the comment, All the best, David 👍
Good video - we recently stayed for 3 nights at a site In Lincolnshire that had metered electricity and we had to pay £25 deposit when we arrived and we would get back what we didn’t use. Surprisingly we didn’t get any money back as we had actually gone slightly over ! I think in future I’d buy a bit more careful to read the meter myself - not sure about using gas as being cheaper because we have Alde heating on our Elddis and that consumes a lot of gas - it’s definitely a subject that needs consideration and may mean some people won’t be able to afford to use their vans - I’m currently thinking of going down the lifepo4 / inverter route and using more off grid sites - I wonder how many nights away before the system pays for itself?? Many thanks
Thank you - appreciated and thanks for watching. It’s a great question on how long it takes to repay - the main issue is heating as there doesn’t seem to be many practical affordable solutions other than gas or diesel. For other electrics where the demand is either short or lower power Lithium works very well I have found - just the heating bit to crack! Not surprised at the £25 being not quite sufficient to cover it from what I found 🤔 You’re right in affordability as if you had budgeted a certain amount it could put you massively off budget in worst case. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Hi David, thanks for putting in the effort to make this video. Interestingly the Wi-Fi power metre on Amazon has a 20% discount at the moment so may get one and convert it along your lines… The other thing that interests me is the Water-fill meter but I can’t seem to find that either on Amazon or eBay. Do you have a link ? 👍🍻
Hi Miranda, thank you - really appreciated. Great they have a discount, for what it does it's great value for money I think. The Water Fill is something I made as I couldn't find a gadget which did both flow monitoring and water shut off, it does come in handy though. Sorry about that otherwise I would have gladly shared it. All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit you’re obviously a clever man who enjoys putting these things together… the rest of us are just lazy and wait for things to drop into our laps 🤣 … but looking forward to more of the same👍 … Final question. I have a TaylorMade Screen cover. Out of interest what make are you using?
There will be a cost to the campground to install meters (which they will add to their charges), but that's the fairest way to charge for the pitch. Heating is the biggest cost, so campers would be wise to have a fossil fuel heater for their camper. The issue of EVs is mentioned below, and charging their batteries takes a major draw!
Thanks Bob, It's definitely the fairest way to charge on usage (and for them to be clear on the unit rate before consumption). I didn't realise it was such an issue with people charging up EVs on sites, I have seen a number of signs / info in leaflets in the last though. All the best, David
Hi Peter, thank you - indeed it is interesting as it’s running on the battery side will cover that off but then can work out how much if on mains too - all the best, David 👍
A very skewed dialogue meant to scare people as the author is using domestic rates when most sites will be paying commercial rates which will be £0.75 or more at the very least! Also one must remember that if you are cooking while out and about you are not using those kwh at home so the microwave test is a bit pointless except to show one the amount of power you are using. At the end of the day if you were at home you would be paying that extra £66 anyway for using the maximum for the 48 hours. What ones needs to look at is the extra between the domestic rate and the commercial rate as the "extra" cost.
Thanks for your feedback - appreciated. It often depends on the rate secured by the campsite owner and their supplier - some are still getting it for 10p/kWh that I am aware of but you’re right some will be paying well over the amount commercially than domestic cap - it’s purely for comparison. Another good point is while you’re away you may be using less power at home (especially if you turn the heating down or off) so there is an offset there of course. The intent is not to scare people it’s for awareness as people are getting shocked by the bill they are getting on top of their stay - it’s a case of checking and being mindful - there are many variables involved including unit rate, weather, what you use and how high you have heating on - this is just based on my experience with my van. Thanks again, David 👍
I understand where you are going with this, however if you applied your initial workings and introduced 12P per kw hour then the campsite costs would not have been economically viable to site owners 2 years ago? Plus if you charge your 12v system ar 30amp for a prolonged time you will boil it dry.
Thanks for the comment Stevie - interesting point, I chatted to a couple of campsite owners and a lot of them close over the winter months (typical end of October to early March) so they miss when there’s the biggest demand - for those that are open all year they say it averages out, for example in the summer you will likely use less than 5kWh rather than 20 odd. Ref the battery, I’ve got lithium so it just stops when it’s full and can charge upto 250A if I’m not mistaken (not that I have that charge capability of course) All the best, David 👍
in this day and age theres no excusel for needing an EHU atall.....Heating needs to be Diesel or Gas and the rest 12v. No mains 240v is required these days.
If they start doing this, campsites should put the cost of the pitch down. If they dont, people will stop going. Or is there a bigger agender here. Is this another way of stopping people travelling or wanting to travel. I know some sites that have installed a wind turbine that supplies the electric for the site.
Thanks for the comment Peter, they should definitely reduce the cost of the pitch where electricity was included and where it isn't now, that gives a choice. Great approach for solar and wind turbines and other renewables to off-set grid usage isn't it. Thanks again, All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit I'll be honest with you, I didn't watch the whole video before I commented. I thought you were saying it was going to cost another £60. My apologise.
Very informative video, thanks p, I would be interested know how much a day (24hs) it costs to have a mains connection to my motorhome with just the charger on, everything else is switched off, my motorhome also has a 80 watt solar panel connected
Hi Terry, I found my charger was pulling just over 400W while charging the battery but as soon as it had charged it dropped off significantly to between 20W-50W powering the van, if there's solar input too that reduced the overall power, so depending on the size of your battery and how much it's depleted, I would estimate a unit of electricity per 2-4 hours (charger size dependant) so assuming it fully charges in 8 hours, at 34ppu then about 68p and then perhaps 1unit per day max standby (that's all just approximate) - hope that helps, all the best, David 👍
Human nature to use it if it's free.... we had some council bungalows near us and the heating was free... in winter all the windows were open and the heating on full.
Guess you’re right - then folks get metered afterwards as it’s not sustainable to keep it included eh. Thanks for the comment - most appreciated- David 👍
Hi Dale, I don't think LPG is going to be totally phased out, it's just one of the forecourt companies who look after a number of filling stations have decided to replace with EV Chargers rather than to keep the LPG. It just means less places to get it - I would imagine the specialist places will keep supplying it. Great question on the cost too - as will less forecourts having it mean the cost will go up more widely, let's hope not. Thanks for the comment, all the best, David
Have you had any warranty/build quality issues that needed a return to the dealer. A friend of mine bought an ( new ) elddis that he renamed HELL dis as the first time it rained he discovered it had an extra shower!!. It took much stress and phone calls to get sorted. He lost it for almost3 months. still regretting buying it.
I’ve not had anything which has required fixing by the dealer - I’ve sorted a couple of bits out myself like the door panelling screwing on rather than it just being stuck - but nothing major so far - just with the Fiat side I’ve had issues - is it a campervan or coachbuilt your friend has out of interest? All the best, David 👍
It's a caravan. Apparently elddis are aware of front panel leaks around the windows. Elddis are ( or were ) the most complained about caravan manufacturer. A panel van is much less likely to have structural issues than a coach built motorhome or a caravan as they don't flex nearly as much especially on bumpy roads and potholes etc. the fiat van base vehicle should be ok as the commercial drivers give them plenty of use and miles. With regular servicing they should hit 250000 miles no problem. No campervan is ever getting no where that. Also campervan/motorhome users tend to pamper their vehicles both with servicing and driving. I agree with buying a camper that is still needing personal touches as even more expensive ones tend to have work and things retro fitted. You've added some sensible mods to yours. Well done
I've seen the water meter you use, a few times, in your videos, and thought it was a good idea. Could you give us a link for it, as I have looked on line but haven't been able to find it.
Hi Rob, it’s something I made myself as I couldn’t find anything practical which did the same, plenty of flow meters but not ones which control the flow as well and stop when the required amount is delivered. It’s very handy. All the best, David 👍
Looking at your video I am interested in the water gage you have which is recording the amount of water that’s filling the van what’s it called and where can I get one please?
Hi Rod, it's something I have built myself as I could only find things which either stopped/started the water or flow meters so wanted to combine to achieve it. It's something I am thinking of building into the van to make it easier and not have to carry around separate gadget. Thanks for your interest, all the best, David 👍
Blimey I thought this was meant to be a fun pastime? I have yet to come across a site charging for electric on pitches (apart from seasonal). I do know that people take the mick, I have seen people with large televisions, microwaves, awning heaters and every item under the sun in their awning, no wonder site owners get annoyed. Why not do a comparison with average use, it’s unlikely anyone will use 16 amps for 24 hours, as you say. Let me know which sites charge and I will avoid them.
Hi David, it is a fun pastime, so long as you don't get a surprise nasty bill at the end of your stay :) In 2022, I have only stayed at one with a meter where I've chosen to hookup (Pier Cottage, Coniston), I do hook up on my drive to do things and sometimes to warm through if it's been cold in the winter before going away and that's metered too. However, this year, a number of sites have either increased charges vs. what it was booked at or contacted to say they are installing meters and pay as you use electric. Average is difficult as I find it's so dependent on weather, my test of hooking up with the heating on LOW (inside temp 15-18C), over a few days, the amount (at 35ppu) varied from £7-£11(frosty day) and the temperature difference was around 7C between the days. In the warmer months that would be £0-£3 I would expect. All the best, David 👍
Hi Dave, in mine the fridge is a compressor 12V - I'm going to cover that in an upcoming video covering things which run off 12V rather than mains but will also work out the efficiency of the charger (in my particular case) to work out the equivalent hookup usage - hope that helps, thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Wow, that’s amazing - wish it cost that today!- what a difference now a days eh. Thanks very much for the comment and for watching, all the very best, David 👍
It's just typical british camp site "greed" I just came back from France a motorhome park in a municipal area Villiers-ser-mer €13 per night including unlimited free electric hook up and water/drop,So why's is this in France but just greed in the UK.....
Thanks for the comment, that's really reasonable! There's some bargains to be had in the UK still but generally creeping up, especially with electric of course. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
some interesting stuff but this video should have been maximum 10 minutes long . far too much waffle for you tube . and the £8 is absurd for keeping a van on tick over for 24 hours . of course it doesn't cost that much !!!!
Thanks for the feedback - I’m sure if it was turned to frost guard it would use less as it was 15/17C in the van so not cold but not hot either. And pretty chilly out - I checked over a few days and it was average £8 if it was 34p kWh All the best, David 👍
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A site owner told me that he had to start metering the electricity because of the increasing number of people who were using the site’s EHUs to charge up their electric bikes and cars overnight. It was either raise the pitch fees ( so that everyone on site helps to subsidise the electric vehicle owners’ running costs. No thanks ) or install meters. As my motorhome is diesel and my bikes are pedal powered I’ll take metering any day.
That makes sense, especially folks charging electric cars, that’s when you would max out at the 16A eh.
Metering definitely seems to be the fair options then it’s properly pay for what you use.
Thanks for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
A friend of mine has a caravan with an awning and annexes bigger than the caravan. He has two or three electric heaters going 24/7. It's folk like him that by abusing the EHU that it's no wonder that sites are metering electric. And so they should.
Very interesting David. I've always left my Motorhome plugged in at home, thermostat set to 10°C, water heater off, battery charger on. I guess it is probably costing between £6-£8 a day depending on how cold it is. It's also a good point to note that the microwave is sitting there constantly consuming electric.
Hi Bob, Thanks very much for the comment and for watching.
I imagine yours will be (much) better insulated than ours, there are a lot of thermal bridges in our panel van conversion (back doors etc) which you don't get so much in a coach built. My heating doesn't have temperature but it was between around 15-17.5C so should have put it on a little lower, all be it was great to get in when it was warm! Once the charger has filled the battery, imagine the usage should drop off significantly too - I wonder if there's much difference between the "wet" heating vs. blown air too.
Thanks again, have a great weekend, all the very best, David 👍
Hi Bob, so do I but keep a careful watch on it 👍🍻
£6-8 a day every day, seems insane unless (and even if) you live in it. In winter i pay about £8 a week for gas which powers the wall heater, water heater (periodically) and fridge. Electric consumption is about 2-3 units a day if I use the electric heater in the morning for a few hours in winter - timed before work. If electric heating is not required I use less than 1 unit a day on a working day, more at the weekend. Once the leisure batt is fully charged, all the lighting, 12v appliances use very little power at all. In your case a nice propex gas heater or one of those webasto (or similar) diesel heaters which have timers and temp settings might lower your leccy bills a bit.
Very useful tips on Electric Hookup on Campsites SHOCKING COST
Thank you - pleased it was useful - all the best, David 👍
Brilliant video. Thank you🙏
Thank you - appreciated - all the best, David 👍
Brilliant video, makes people look at what they're doing that otherwise wouldn't be on their radar , good very good video
Thank you - really appreciated 👍
@@LeisureBit we run a pub in dale abbey derbyshire and have been doing motorhome stopovers for years now( about 8 or 9). I am still in process of opening a cl on back field and the ehu will be metered as i think its the way forward for a buisness to progress.
Interesting and frightening all at the same time David. Jon from Life After Bricks did a vlog in a similar way a few months ago now and gas was so much cheaper than using electric. I can see more and more people looking for wild camping and just using a site once or twice a week. Cheers K.
Thanks Karlos, it’s quite frightening isn’t it - hopefully the cost per unit will fall back down to a reasonable level over time. Daft that gas and diesel is cheaper to heat your van eh.
Thanks again.
All the very best, David 👍
Your dedication is much appreciated. I think insulation is the key. Buying a Silver Screen insulated screen cover makes a hell of a difference + no condensation. Also I was lucky enough to buy a double floor insulated Carthago motorhome which hardly needs any heat, but again, small changes can make a huge difference. For example when skiing in the alps I put extra insulation in the doors and used old sleeping bags around the cab floor and a cover on the dashboard again makes a difference. I don’t know how much electricity I was using but it wasn’t much as even as minus 10 the heating only kicked in periodically and I was on a hook up with about 10 amps at 110v. For Scotland I got a bit fed up with the limitations of relying on a hook up so went for refillable LPG and solar which is OK for about 9 months of the year, but in the dead of winter a hookup is best. However one day I may increase the diesel tank from 90 to 120 ltrs, apparently this is possible with the Ducato and then see if I can replace the Gas Electric heating with a Diesel Electric option. But as I say with real care to improve insulation, and with decent solar, for 8 or 9 months of the year, no hook up is needed.
Thanks very much for the comment, most appreciated. Very true on insulation - like the idea of a diesel as an alternate and probably in addition to the electric.
Really appreciated - thanks again, David 👍
Thank you! Had not realised that metres were now being used. Thinking of a small motorhome and good to be aware of all the extras needing to be considered.
Thanks for the comment, they certainly seem to be getting installed wider which makes sense from the campsite owners perspective - so long as they are upfront if electric is extra, it helps factor in.
Thanks again, all the best, David & Rachel 👍
Hi David, thanks for the vblog. You put in the hard work and answered the questions I thought about, but could not be bothered to look into. Also, you do a great job of it. 2 points that I think of most.
1. Putting up or holding prices at the same time metering the electric, it just reduces the amount of places I would go as I'm certainly not going to go to sites that do this.
2. I would be very happy to heat my van using my gas and pay as I go on the 240v for lighting, microwave , tv etc. This would encourage people to be careful and reduce their carbon foot print slightly. Would be a lot less people with heating on max & windows wide open. Also, this would help with the summer / winter issue where site owners would have huge variation in electrical bills.
Many thanks
Thank you - hopefully where electric is included people will be more sensible as it will only drive up future costs as you say with windows open! I think it’s the fairest way so long as they have a decent rate secured on the units so it’s not excessive, pay as you use is the most fair I think. Hopefully like some sites base fees will drop a little. Fingers crossed 🤞
Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, David 👍
This was very interesting David, we hadn't spent time on a metered pitch since the energy price increase, but in 2021 we spent 60 + nights on a small site with metered electric, coin operated, we were in our touring caravan, we moved pitches 3 times so used 3 different meters, our average cost worked out at per day was £1, some days 90p others £1,10 . I appreciate these cost would be a lot higher now.But we didn't run or do anything that we wouldn't do today in our CV. We ran the water heater for an hour an half each day, 2x45 mins, microwave each morning kettle twice a day,, Tv 2 hours evening the 3 way fridge was constant on elcetric, battry charger on ever 4 to 5 days for a day. We never leave anything on standby, microwave Tv etc. Yet one of our neighbours in a simular touring caravan, using a pitch that we'd been on the previous week said that he was putting £5 per day in the meter.It's all down to how the individual operates. Personally I would prefer all sites to have a meter on each pitch, we moved from a tourer to a campervan, with electric included in your pitch fee, campervan and motorhome owners are paying for electric they're not using when they take their vehicle off site, sightseeing act, Just my humble opinion.
Thank you - I do think metering is definitely the fairest options so long as they site operator gets a good deal on the unit rate, it’s then all down to choice isn’t it.
Hopefully at some point we will go back to the days when it costs a pound or two for electric 🤔
All the best, David 👍
Hi David well done on a very comprehensive video i think this is going to be a major issue across the tourist sector as I’ve noticed the price of static caravan holidays increase significantly as well I presume as a result of the electric crisis
It will make things harder for campsite owners to deliver without change but the tips you share will help people to be more aware I can see more people have generators like you see in the USA Or more use of solar looking forward to the next video best wishes to you all Daniel
Hi Daniel - thank you - really appreciated and thanks for watching.
Yes it’s wide reaching isn’t it - looks like some better news today on cap coming down but still a long way to go to get back to where we were, positive it’s falling through.
Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Nice video David, thorough, and well explained.
With hookup prices like that (£8/day), you’re probably best switching things like your heaters, water heaters and fridge to gas. Microwaves and electric kettles use alot, but only for a short period - remember not to use them at the same time as each other or as other big power draws like electric heaters.
That’s the plan, I’m getting an electric valve fitted to my LPG so it works automatically then where possible will try and save some money.
Thanks for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
We went to Austria earlier this year and the electric was charged for. We heated our van with a truma 2kW heater and the cost after 6 days was £150!!! Eye watering considering the already pricey cost of the site itself. Lesson learnt and will be runnning combination of gas and electric.
Crikey that’s a lot isn’t it and it can soon mount up and be a bit of a shock.
You don’t notice so much when it’s warmer.
Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Although our Truma heating system runs off gas, electric or a combination of both, we have never used the electric only option. I could be wrong but I don’t think we use much electricity. We have a solar panel and the only time we were off grid last year was in sunny June and the battery never mover off fully charged. It will be interesting to see how things go this year. Thanks for sharing another interesting video.
Hi Sylvia, thanks for the comment and for watching.
If you're not using the electric or combination option, I would imagine you wouldn't use too much as heating is by far the greatest consumer in most leisure vehicles. When the weather is warmer you consume significantly less, plus as you say if you have solar that all helps too.
All the best, David
Generally speaking , I feel sites have gotten very greedy regardless the price of electric. Very informative video thank you for taking the time to make it.
Thank you very much for the comment - really appreciated- all the very best, David 👍
Good video thanks. PAYGO all day for me. On club sites you are paying for other units air con and people heating their awnings. We have upgraded solar now and will be choosing the CS and CL network. Cheers both
Thanks Paul, pay as you go is definitely the fairest way isn't it then you literally pay for what you use. Once the weather warms up as well heating consumption reduces dramatically.
Thanks very much for the comment, all the very best, David
We are now only doing cl and ths meets as the campsites are a rip off. Having paid for lithium and solar we intend using them.
Very informative. Thank you.
Savvy campers ought to be looking at solar, if they haven't had it installed already. It will pay for itself in no time, especially if retrofitted to the existing leisure batteries.
I'm a full-timer. Aside from a cheeky top-up here and there during the winter, I don't use a campsite hook up - heating with diesel and cooking with gas.
Thank you - appreciated and thanks very much for watching - I think solar is a no brained isn’t it if you want to get away from the traditional campsites. Diesel for heating is certainly becoming more appealing - sounds like you have a great setup.
Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Electricity prices are shocking on campsites, caravans and moho’s may not have the best insulation so using gas would be preferable to high electric charges, take into account once water temperature is up to temp the thermostat will disconnect the heater until its temperature drops and may be off for some time unless hot water drawn off, similarly once your van is warmed the heater stat will cycle your heating on and off, although poor insulation would be an issue, kettles and microwaves are high energy use but only really in use for short periods at a time, great vlog and becoming a big issue for campers
Thanks very much for the comment, it's such a difference to what it used to cost and very good point on insulation. Thanks very much - all the very best, David 👍
Great video David,as usual,food for thought. I live in Spain and travel thru France mostly and the sites are on average €10 per night with showers and all amenities inc hook up on some.I find the UK a total rip off on site fees with some charging £2 a night for a 🐕!!!! Keep up the videos.
Thanks for the comment David, appreciated. Yes, it does seem to have got expensive in the UK in comparison (some cheaper sites around though) - hopefully things with more Aires in the UK might help balance off if they don't go nuts on the price. The dog charge where there's no dog facilities is a bit naughty isn't it - ours has never used the showers :) - thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Metering, and the cost of electricity on site is something I feel will be affecting us more and more as time goes on. Last season, I visited 2 CL sites which had meters, both of which offered a number of units inclusive and paying for anything over. On both occasions, it was reasonably warm weather and I didn't even use all the inclusive minutes. On another occasion, my club booked at site in Dorset at the start of September (when the heatwave began). I'd given no thought to the electric and just booked a pitch with electric hook up, paying something like £28 a night inclusive. But a couple of days passed and I ask my neighbour why he wasn't hooked up, and he told me it was because the site charged £9 a night for electric. I didn't even know I had a choice, but that was probably my own fault for not looking.
Now I happen to own a Bluetti solar charger which I bought last year, with the intention of going off grid when possible. So now I will be carefully checking which sites have all inclusive and which have separate charges. I'm buying another solar panel and another leisure battery for this season to make sure I can comfortably go off grid.
Hi thank you for your comment. We agree it is going to become more and more common with the cost of electricity the way it is.
We have done a few sites that had meters. There is one we are going to soon that charge an additional £3 per night for hook up and we have decided to use that as £3 seems reasonable.
Thank you again for your comment
Rachel & David 💕💕
Sure I already commented on this but can’t find it. Sone good stuff for people who might underestimate electric usage. Very useful and timely video David 🙏👍
Thank you - I thought it would be helpful as it’s just another consideration if it’s not included but helps explain why it’s costing more - fingers crossed there will be more choice longer term as I’m sure electric prices will come down - thank you very much, all the very best, David 👍
Thank you David for this most informative video, I bit the bullet and installed a 230AH lithium with a 270W solar set up and Eberspacher diesel heater so fortunately we never need to hook up (It wasn’t cheap though)
Happy Motorhoming
GB
Thanks Gary, that’s a great setup and a decent amount of solar too, know what you mean on the cost, suppose it pays its self back over time with the current costs.
Thanks again for the comment, all the best. David 👍
Excellent video David it prompted me to buy a 2kw power station I intend running the van on it as well as using my battery and solar setup
Thanks very much I’ve, most appreciated. Hope all works well with your new power station, thanks again, all the best, David 👍
I recently stayed at a site with metered electric and a smart card top up system. Any unused credit was refunded on departure as by law, sites cannot profit from the resale of electricity. After 2 very cold and wet days I had consumed about £18 worth of electricity (52p/KwH) so switched to gas heating and ran my just my fridge and LED lighting on electric. The consumption dropped to just under £3 per day. I have 2 x 6kg refillable LPG cylinders which I estimate will run heating, fridge and cooker for 10 -14 days and costs about £17 to refill @85p per litre from my local ASDA. Exchangeable cylinder gas is very expensive (about £24 for a 6kg refill), but still cheaper than metered electricity. If energy prices stay relatively high which I think they will for couple of years and more sites switch to individual metering, my initial £350 investment in the refillable system will recoup at a much faster rate (based on the above figures about 10 fill ups). I used to shower in my MH but now I always use the site facilities as they're usually included in the pitch fee. Same with washing up.
Electric heating is definitely one of the big consumers isn’t it - LPG refillable is great - sounds like you have a good system in place and making it cheaper to run with the current cost - thanks for sharing, all the best, David 👍
Thanks so much for all the work & effort you put into this video David, very interesting. 👍
Thank you very much for the lovely comment, really appreciated and thank you so much for watching.
All the very best, David
Always wondered what we were spending. £4 a day on our seasonal pitch doesn't sound so bad now. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment, appreciated. Let’s hope the cost comes down in the not too distant future and things stabilise again. £4 per day at the moment is really good I think.
Hope you’re both doing good. Have a great week,
All the best, David 👍
Hi Dan and Mazza, under the terms of your seasonal pitch contract can the owners alter the electricity rate they charge?
@@Flossy_tops not this season.
@@TravelTrollsTV definitely a plus then and I’m assuming the rate is a the lower end… 👍🍻
There is a case for meters, especially as I saw when travellers conned their way onto an electric included site, which was very reasonable priced. These people had two washing machines and it was like a Chinese laundry.
Thanks for the comment, meters are definitely the fairest way (so long as the pitch fees are offset from where it was previously electricity included) then it's pay for what you use. I've seen on a number of sites folks with heaters in the awnings and even outdoor patio style heaters plugged into the van or hookup. Thanks again, All the best, David 👍
Thanks to the travel trolls for recommending your site. Found this very interesting
Thanks very much for the comment - pleased you found it interesting - all the very best, David 👍
Thank you David for a very interesting and informative video. I saw this coming with the campsites so now I'm all Victron and Lithuim Batteries. To give you an idea I've not hooked up in over 100 days now and just spent the week in Hawick using only my solar panels and gas for boiling a kettle. The DCtoDC charger will get the Lithuim Batteries to Float (full) whilst driving. Expensive to install everything but it'll pay for itself by not paying campsites for electric ⚡and pitch fees over the coming months. Regards Mac 😊
Thank you - that’s great that you are setup to be self sufficient - sounds like all is working well and saves you a good few £’s on pitches usually into the bargain.
All the best, David 👍
David, a very well presented vlog and certainly an "eye opener". We're due to take delivery of our Constellation 3XL next month. At the NEC this February we joined a number of groups but will look carefully when making any bookings. Keep up the good work. Krs Sid and Nicola, Rugby.
Thanks very much A appreciated and thanks for watching. Exciting times - bet you can’t wait - it’s just another consideration when booking isn’t it to avoid any surprised costs.
All the very best, David 👍
Good and enlightning vlog. I have just ordered a 200amp hr lithium battery and a 50amp charger, 3000 watt inverter. Just need to watch your video to learn how to wire them up.
Wish me luck.
Good luck - hope all goes well with your install - all the best, David 👍
A very informative video and certainly some food for thought! Thank you.
Thanks David, pleased it was useful. All the very best, David
Great information thanks David I have a Jackery power pack which is great if the sun is out 😂
Thanks Michael, pleased it was great information- fingers crossed we get plenty of sun ☀️ this year eh!
All the best, David 👍
Hi David, as usual you have “got into the weeds” great! As you say many sites will be metering electricity in the future, we were in Braemar in September, no meters, during their month off meters fitted, and that’s just one site we know. During the bad days of Covid I fitted an ammeter to monitor the AC consumption whilst connected to mains supply. We are spoilt in UK with 16A being the norm, sometimes 10A shock horror. In Spain 6A is the norm with some site upgrading to 10A, at a cost. However the long stay sites for Brits “wintering” have had meters for some years. The “canny” Brits buy Spanish propane and run their services on LPG, I must confess we bit the bullet in 2020 and paid for 10A then paid €55 on departure for a 6 week stay. Since then we have also fitted a 2.2kW Eberspacher so we might just go for the 6A package if we ever get to Spain again for the winter! Having escaped from Portugal during Covid times with NO sites open I have upgraded with solar, LiFePo4, inverter and I fitted a DC ammeter as well to see what I am drawing at anyone time. As we have discussed I haven’t a mega battery like you but I have doubled my DC endurance which seems to work for us. The diesel heater being the cream on the cake. With your setup why bother to put out a 230V lead ech,👍👍 I did say to you before I’m waiting for the video of you on the roof fitting another solar panel, HoHo! Finally we toured Greece in 2018 and whilst visiting Delphi we had a 3A hookup!! Couldn’t even boil the kettle, went to the bar instead!🍷🍷🍺🍺 Great video, I love all the stats, incidentally I have a stand alone 400W electric heater in my van now on a thermostat set at 10°C. Cheers Mike🍷🍷
Hi Mike - thanks for the comment as always - you’ve got a great setup and useful things like the low wattage heater to keep the chill off.
Definitely need to be creative to get best value don’t you and the ammeters certainly come in handy.
Hope you’re good -
All the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit thank you David🍷
Campsites have never been shy of hiking prices! Example of a caravan pitch at say £30 per night. Now bear in mind you are renting the pitch, not just part of it. Therefore you should be allowed to put on the pitch whatever is needed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Not so! Put an awning up they want more money despite you still being within the perimeter of the pitch you have paid for. Then more money for a side tent on the awning, then the dog, then the kids! Some are pay for showers. It goes on and on.
The next rip off is the service. The appliances provided by companies are out of warranty but the caravan manufacturer insists its serviced to keep the warranty on damp/water ingress. Whats servicing a cooker got to do with damp? Not that anything is actually serviced, they merely confirmed its working!
For paper thin walls and everything brad nailed and stapled together the industry is a rip off from top to bottom!
Thank you - It is naughty when they charge add-ons which don’t actually cost anything more in real terms - leisure vehicle warranty is a minefield!
All the best, David 👍
Hi David very interesting, never thought it would cost that much to keep the van ticking over on electric at home
It depends on your unit rate and how high the heating is on and of course how well insulated the van is, I have found if you put it on frost guard it uses less but it’s cold when you got in then and you need to take the chill off still. I had it set cool but not cold so it would warm up fully quicker. So definitely can run it lower at less cost by keeping it just on frost guard. Also if your unit rate is cheaper that massively helps too 😀
Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Informative, thank-you.
With wider events out of UK control, costs will likely remain high for some time, if not indefinitely! This is where a solar/lithium battery set-up, might mitigate the need to 'plug-in', though would it work-out any cheaper!?
Like all things in life, nothing is free, though some van life types, may wish otherwise!
Be interesting to work-out the comparison, between initial costings of solar/lithium upgrades/instals, with an annual usage factor along with years owning the camper van factor with recharging costs (If solar and alternator has not recharged as wished for!), to that of just using camp site/home hook-ups.
Would it get anywhere close to getting your moneys worths back? This of course the million dollar question!
Does solar/batteries save money, even after entail outlay considerations, or don't they?
I certainly don't know the true answer! Of course, the real reason for solar/lithium choice, is the freedom to 'off-grid' as a life-style choice and not at designated sites.
Like all things Eco and Planet Saving, is it purely a perception with truthful reality evidencing it is far from being Eco? What it is most certainly is, is a privilege, as many don't have the basics in their lives, compared to what our camper vans provide!
Simple - If you are going to do a lifestyle, then make sure you can afford it, that is the truth!
Thank you - Very true! I think when you purchase batteries etc it’s for options rather than to save money, certainly true from my perspective.
Thanks again for your comment, appreciated and great perspective,
All the best, David 👍
Interesting! We have a truma diesel heater in our van but have only used it briefly. Next time I’m worried about the van freezing up I will consider using it instead of connecting the hook up😱which we noticed bumped up the daily kWh useage. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, appreciate the comment, it's been really surprising how much it actually costs now - very noticeable isn't it, in the past you wouldn't have really noticed too much. All the very best, David
Hi David I like the video but I would encourage people to test out their own vans to see what they consume. I have a self built all electric no gas van. We mainly stay off grid but we did stay on a metered site for one night in Scotland at the end of October 2022 mainly to recharge our lithium batteries. The cost per unit (1kwh) was 38 pence and our electric cost came to £1.63 for a one day stay. We used a low wattage electric fan for the whole duration of the stay with thermostat set to 21 degrees so kept nice and toasty, all cooking done on induction hob, air fryer and microwave and used electric kettle for lots of tea. By my calculations boiling my 900w kettle for 5 mins uses (900/60) x 5 = 75 watt hours which equals (0.075 x 0.38) = 2.8 pence and my microwave uses 1200w so would cost 3.8 pence to run for 5 mins. For my personal use metered is better but I hear a lot of sites are using a prepaid card system with minimum £5 top up
Hi Mick, thanks very much for the comment, you're absolutely right, it varies massively depending on the type of heating, how cold it is outside, how cold the van was when you put the heating on, how well insulated your van is and how high the heating is - I noticed the outside temperature had a significant impact (as you would expect) - when it warms up becomes significantly less. Great point again and thank you for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Just found your channel David very very interesting and informative you’ve got another sub 👍
Thank you very much, really appreciated. Welcome onboard.
All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit thank you David ,very much appreciated if by any chance we bump into each other it’s my round 🍻
Sites cannot charge more per kWh than they are being charged by their supplier-its illegal to charge more as you have to be a licensed supplier
Absolutely right - the worry is some haven’t got a good deal with their supplier and are paying a lot more and have no choice but to pass it on. Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Thank you for the vlog, not experienced a metered site yet but it should focus people’s minds on energy saving
Some awesome research there! I’m all for metered pitches IF the option to take it with no hook up is given, it really is starting to annoy me that people think £30 a night (and above) is acceptable for a non hook up pitch! It’s also been a thing I’ve had issues with for years that a VW transporter (for example) pays the same as a 8m plus motorhome! Sites are getting greedy we need to stop accepting it. I can live without 240v most of the time and the next van will address this slightly better.
Morning Rick, thank you.
I would assume that where they do metered pitches then it becomes totally optional (if you don't use you don't pay) but hopefully they don't just keep the site fees as is with electric included the same as those should reduce a little to off-set.
Some sites seem to charge a different price for campervan vs motorhome but that seems to be less and less and some seem to charge based on pitch size but again not the norm but it's actually fairer when they do that.
If you happen to stumble on a clever heating system which doesn't use diesel or LPG and is practical when you're looking about please let me know as it's heating (space heating in particular) which seems to be the energy guzzler.
You going lithium in the next van? a lot seem to be doing as standard now on higher end models which makes total sense and more and more factory built now coming with inverter solutions too.
Hope you're both good, hopefully catch you soon (you at Harrogate show in March or Peterborough show in April?)
All the best to you both, David 👍
@@LeisureBit pitch sizes are contentious too… if I buy a pitch I should be allowed to put up an awning if it fits not be charged…. We’ll be doing a lot more off grid and C.S or C.L. in future.
The new van won’t be lithium no (certainly not initially but we’re having 2 batteries and 2 panels plus b2b and the like, also diesel heating over gas… we don’t believe the hype on gas disappearing but it certainly will be harder to find and heating uses lots of it. We’re low use 230v people so we’ll probably get a power bank for that.
@@LeisureBit just realised I was on my car account… but you get another comment for the algorithm 🤣
Backpacker + tiny tent £20 at Ullswater (1 night )
Thank you for a very insightful VLOG
Thank you very much for the lovely comment, really appreciated. Pleased it was insightful.
All the very best, David 👍
Very informative David, I got it wrong at about £3.60 before any answers came up 🤣. I'm happy to pay a fair price for fair consumption but heard of people charging electric cars on site - no wonder rates are going up !!!!
Hi Tim, thank you, yes it seems people are going a bit mad with things like that so it’s no wonder and as you say on a meter it’s pay for what you use.
Wonder what will happen when vans eventually go electric as that would change the game a little wouldn’t it - all be it pay as you use is definitely the right model to have.
Hope you’re all good. Hopefully catch you soon, all the best, David 👍
Indeed they do. Twice now I’ve seen EV’s being charged. Selfish people taking the Micky and driving up prices for everyone.
Amazing job! Just wow! I loved the video, many information, many tests and you saved me many time to have the knowledge. Very well explained also for dummies like me. I wonder if you have a plan to set a excel table with all that information, it will be great to know the consumption also to know how long can you run in a battery in off grid what I'm planning. I think the most economical solution now is to don't pay for electricity in the campings, use lpg for heating and using battery for a couple of days, it should be enough and then you can recharge the battery driving home or with solar
Thank you and thanks for watching - appreciated.
I was going to pop an Excel when I do the DC and inverter side with all of the info from the 3 (hookup, DC and Inverter) along with a calculator in it too - watch this space 😉
Exactly ref for a few days.
Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Hi, interesting video and the first time I've seen your channel.
We took our caravan to Ullswater in November. Found out when electricity kept tripping when we turned the kettle on the site was only 6A. Included in the pitch fee was an electricity card which was supposed to have enough on it to last the week in with the pitch fees.
The pitch next to ours left their meter card in their electric hook up point which was handy as our meter card ran out before the end of our stay.
That was the only time we have stayed at a site with 6A and was a quick learning curve and have changed the high power electric kettle for a whistling one to use on gas.
Last week we went to Hawick on a fully serviced16A site and at the end of the week couldnt disconnect the electric cable from the caravan as the sockets had fused together. Got it off after 20 mins and had to change the electric lead 3 pin socket as the positive and neutral cables had burned. Any tips on why this happens and what can be done to prevent it (WD40 electric spray perhaps?)
Thanks for the comment and for watching.
6A you have to keep turning things off before you use something else don’t you. Ullswater is a nice area.
Regarding the lead and campsite outlet overheating and fusing together - I would
Imagine there was a loose connection in the socket, it may be just warn with years of use,
Alternatively it could be a loose wire in either the lead or the site outlet which has then got hot and caused it - generally it’s a poor connection - WD40 might help it stop sticking if it was a mechanical thing but sounds like a loose fitting socket to me - might be worth reporting it to the campsite also as they should get it looked at.
All the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit
Thanks for the reply. The site socket was fine it was the caravan to electrical lead that fused together. The cable hasnt had much use as its only 6 months old and came new with the caravan.
It was fine in its first 2 trips. The first trip was during the 40"C heatwave last August and the aircon/fridge etc were on every day for 10 days and no problem disconnecting , fine for a week in Ullswater too.
It did happen to us once before a few years ago with our previous caravan but not as bad to get off as this one to get off.
Ah, gotcha sorry I thought it was the hookup end rather than the van end.
Do you know if your hookup lead is 2.5mm cables or 1.5mm? Just wondered if 1.5mm and used at full power (16A) would more likely to warm up than 2.5mm to a point of problem.
If it’s just the Live which is fusing together worth looking more closely at that and try and see if it’s the socket or plug causing it.
I’ve had mind stick a bit but not through warming up just friction as socket is very tight on the plug.
@@LeisureBit
The Coachman electrical cable supplied with the new caravan has wires that look thicker than 1.5mm so perhaps 2.5mm when I put a new plug on it.
Both the neutral and live wires were burnt , earth was fine.
Its back at the dealer now as the E+P self levelling legs wouldnt lower so will get them to change the socket too
I live in my van when working away from home, I use an ecoflow solar generator + 220w solar panels for my tv iPad / phone and lighting. I use gas for the heating and the only thing I use on the mains is my fridge this works well for me
Brilliant - thank you - it’s the heat which is the biggest consumer if you use it on electric isn’t it.
All the very best, David 👍
That was eye opening. Thankyou
Thank you for watching, pleased it was an eye opener - all the very best, David 👍
Brilliant informative video, how interesting, however as for me personally, I'd never be sitting in our motorhome while either the site owners or club sites management are attempting to charge us the commercial prices for electricity as in the 50p example given when paying 34p at all other times, just would never happen. Still as long as the meter prices are made clear along with the pitch fees, then I guess we have choices unless we couldn't get the location we want or need as in not agreeing to the prices quoted; let's all see what the future holds?
You’re absolutely right it’s about being upfront and transparent on pricing - thanks very much for the comment - all the very best, David 👍
We are finding that out of school holidays, we can hire a static (including gas/electric/heating/linen) for FAR less then taking our own van! (Prestatyn 4 night £56~£79!!)/ Van pitch inc electricity ~£35~£45 pn!! Add to that the trouble of moving over to an electric car that can't tow a van... Touring Caravan makers may be in for a lean time!
Wow, that's shocking that it's hardly any difference / cheaper to hire a static than it is for a tourer - hopefully prices will come down if demand falls for touring pitches.
Thanks very much for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
Very comprehensive and interesting vlog. I guessed correctly 😁💜x
Thank you - Brilliant - well done for guessing correctly ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
All the very best, David 👍
Thanks for the video it would have helped if you included a fridge reading.
Hi Les, my fridge is a compressor 12v type so will include that in an upcoming video on the 12v side and work out the effective mains consumption - I should have mentioned that, sorry.
Thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
Hi David. Thanks for this. Just to note that your title of point three starts with the word “Home” instead of “How”.
Thanks for letting me know Colin, appreciated.
Sorry I missed that one (thanks to autocorrect and they call it AI!)
All the best,
David
I still have my hook up as paid enough for it. Use it with family and friends when they come camping with me. However I have purchased power stations to reduce the cost down now on campsites. Purchased a small Jackery 2 years ago, and now have a larger 600watt power station. It's better for a long-term as a investment if camping is a part of your lifestyle in my opinion, it is for me, but for those that do the odd camp not worth the investment. I love having my own power when I camp as it is 🔋 game changer for me. You just pay for the pitch, pitches have increased even with no electric due to the cost of living. So a saving for the consumer must be somewhere. As a solo female camper I must be able to charge my phone whenever I need to with no worry of loss of power for safety reasons, also for entertainment. I also prefer to carry now a electric blanket as and when needed. My power stations help me at home too. So win, win but the price of power stations is costly, very hard on your pocket for initial purchases unless money isn't a issue for you. Not everyone is rich or comfortable. I don't have a Van neither want one. Down the road may be a nice compact motorhome.
Thanks very much for the comment, having your own power when you need it is ideal isn’t it - looks like you’ve got a good approach to make sure you keep charged up etc. happy camping in 2023.
All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Thank you David. Part-time camping around work has really helped me with my mental health since my mum recently died. So I love it. Hiking and the outdoors, even a one nighter in the countryside does me the world of good. You simple feel refreshed. Stay safe and blessed. Subbed to your channel. I part-time car camp and camp in a tent. Love it.
@@happydays9613 my sincere condolences, it’s exceptionally tough isn’t it. It’s amazing what the great outdoors does to help with mental health, I love going for a walk and camping for that exact reason, it does wonders for you. All the very best wishes, David
My daughter has a shop and is charged 85p per kWh, as there is no cap on Business supply, her standing charge is also £4 per day.
Crikey - that’s a massive rate, imagine that is giving eye watering bills - let’s hope it comes down very soon.
Thanks for sharing - all the very best, David 👍
Wonder how many will be able to afford electric camper vans? Seems to me its not going to be many?
Thanks for the comment, appreciated- I was thinking the same, with a bit of luck the cost will come back down to make it viable again - all the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit How much is an electric camper van I wonder?
Blowing up the Nord pipeline, isnt going to help with bringing electric prices down?
Very informative ..thank you
Thanks very much for the comment - most appreciated - all the best, David 👍
Great video new subscriber Just a thought 💭 , ( to alleviate the depression of energy costs ). if you’re away for a week are you using less electricity than if you stayed at home , if so it’s a win win maybe? If you take your dog rather than putting him in a kennel ( £25/ night )it’s a win win ? . Yes I know it was a cheap holiday and you can go as you please, and now things are changing, you can blame me for that , because iv just started converting a van . Just trying to justify it to myself really. Good luck 👍🏴
Hi Micky, you’re absolutely right you should save some energy to offset the cost especially if you turn the heating down while you’re away.
Thanks very much for the comment and for subscribing - all the very best, David 👍
I think if the way it's going, people will be getting their own small generator if the campsites allow them..
The worry is it’s probably cheaper with a generator which is nuts!
All the best, David 👍
We did off grid over Christmas and New Yr and cost less than £5 a day to cook. Fridge and run alde heating at 20° constant on lpg.
Thanks for the comment Mathew, that's not bat at all is it for £5 of LPG. Thanks for sharing, all the very best, David 👍
About 20 years ago there was a Law passed to stop campsites making money on selling Electricity, they could only charge what they bought it for! the Law still stands, but i don't think Campsites remember this? At the time, they decided to put everything into a site fee, they charged you the max they could and put it in the site fee and claimed it was free electricity! Like hell it was! Now they are crying and claiming its so expensive so they must start metering electric again! bet they don't drop their prices for site fees only add the cost of metered electric! I think they will price themselves out of the business as people only have so much money they can spend on leisure activities.
Know what you mean, that’s the issue isn’t it where the base cost has got silly and it’s not very often dropping as it should.
Thanks for the comment, all the very best, David 👍
Thanks David for such an informative video! I'm keen to get these power meter monitors and check energy consumption of heating, hot water and appliances in our van. Can you let me know which plug-in power monitor you use and which mains one you use? For the mains one, did I hear/read that you had to modify it in some way, if so how did you go about this? Many thanks
The plug in one I bought was a KETOTEK Power Meter Energy Monitor UK Plug (from Amazon) but they all pretty much work the same way.
The one I made in the box is a Seamuing Smart Meter Energy Monitor which has WiFi for monitoring - I will be soon doing a video installing permanently into the van which may be of interest.
Both on Amazon for ref.
The simplest way is with a plug in one.
Hope that helps,
All the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Many thanks David. Look forward to watching your forthcoming one on this issue.
Thanks for a very informative explanation. We have upgraded to Lithium batteries, and a Powerbank, works well. Can I ask , where can I buy the fresh water fill cutoff gadget….is it home made ? Many thanks .
Thanks very much for the comment Les, Lithium works well doesn't it.
The Water Fill gadget I made as a bit of an experiment as I couldn't find anything readily available which would do the job and am looking to do one more integrated into the van so there's less stuff to carry but with the same functionality. Once I've made that I might be able to make it available if it works well enough and offsets any effort of installing it.
Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Diesel heater costs around £100 on the lowest setting you would be sweating in a short while, uses about 1 litre per 12 hours if on continuously which I doubt you would have it on that long. You can also run it on red diesel legally .They also make a water heater version. Once in bed I wouldn't have the heating on.
Thanks Peter, appreciate your comment - that’s pretty economical, I’m considering fitting one as an additional heat source - thanks again, all the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit Have one in my garage it gets warm very quickly ,made a big difference to heating the house, normally open door to garage its like walking into a freezer now wife hangs washing in there its dry in about 90 mins so not only warming the garage its drying the washing saves using the tumble dryer..Its a big Garage so warming a smaller camper will be easy.
I suspect we'll end up paying for both!
Hi Stephen, you could be right - let's hope though some good campsites keep the price right and electric costs come down eh :)
Thanks for the comment, All the best, David 👍
Good video - we recently stayed for 3 nights at a site In Lincolnshire that had metered electricity and we had to pay £25 deposit when we arrived and we would get back what we didn’t use. Surprisingly we didn’t get any money back as we had actually gone slightly over ! I think in future I’d buy a bit more careful to read the meter myself - not sure about using gas as being cheaper because we have Alde heating on our Elddis and that consumes a lot of gas - it’s definitely a subject that needs consideration and may mean some people won’t be able to afford to use their vans - I’m currently thinking of going down the lifepo4 / inverter route and using more off grid sites - I wonder how many nights away before the system pays for itself?? Many thanks
Thank you - appreciated and thanks for watching.
It’s a great question on how long it takes to repay - the main issue is heating as there doesn’t seem to be many practical affordable solutions other than gas or diesel. For other electrics where the demand is either short or lower power Lithium works very well I have found - just the heating bit to crack!
Not surprised at the £25 being not quite sufficient to cover it from what I found 🤔
You’re right in affordability as if you had budgeted a certain amount it could put you massively off budget in worst case.
Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Hi David, thanks for putting in the effort to make this video. Interestingly the Wi-Fi power metre on Amazon has a 20% discount at the moment so may get one and convert it along your lines… The other thing that interests me is the Water-fill meter but I can’t seem to find that either on Amazon or eBay. Do you have a link ? 👍🍻
Hi Miranda, thank you - really appreciated. Great they have a discount, for what it does it's great value for money I think. The Water Fill is something I made as I couldn't find a gadget which did both flow monitoring and water shut off, it does come in handy though. Sorry about that otherwise I would have gladly shared it.
All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit you’re obviously a clever man who enjoys putting these things together… the rest of us are just lazy and wait for things to drop into our laps 🤣 … but looking forward to more of the same👍 … Final question. I have a TaylorMade Screen cover. Out of interest what make are you using?
Thank you 😊
The screen cover I’m using is a Polar one from Minster Products.
Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
Gotton ? What is this word please sir. Thank you.
There will be a cost to the campground to install meters (which they will add to their charges), but that's the fairest way to charge for the pitch. Heating is the biggest cost, so campers would be wise to have a fossil fuel heater for their camper. The issue of EVs is mentioned below, and charging their batteries takes a major draw!
Thanks Bob, It's definitely the fairest way to charge on usage (and for them to be clear on the unit rate before consumption).
I didn't realise it was such an issue with people charging up EVs on sites, I have seen a number of signs / info in leaflets in the last though.
All the best, David
It would be interesting to see what the fridge uses
Hi Peter, thank you - indeed it is interesting as it’s running on the battery side will cover that off but then can work out how much if on mains too - all the best, David 👍
A very skewed dialogue meant to scare people as the author is using domestic rates when most sites will be paying commercial rates which will be £0.75 or more at the very least! Also one must remember that if you are cooking while out and about you are not using those kwh at home so the microwave test is a bit pointless except to show one the amount of power you are using. At the end of the day if you were at home you would be paying that extra £66 anyway for using the maximum for the 48 hours. What ones needs to look at is the extra between the domestic rate and the commercial rate as the "extra" cost.
Thanks for your feedback - appreciated. It often depends on the rate secured by the campsite owner and their supplier - some are still getting it for 10p/kWh that I am aware of but you’re right some will be paying well over the amount commercially than domestic cap - it’s purely for comparison.
Another good point is while you’re away you may be using less power at home (especially if you turn the heating down or off) so there is an offset there of course.
The intent is not to scare people it’s for awareness as people are getting shocked by the bill they are getting on top of their stay - it’s a case of checking and being mindful - there are many variables involved including unit rate, weather, what you use and how high you have heating on - this is just based on my experience with my van.
Thanks again, David 👍
I understand where you are going with this, however if you applied your initial workings and introduced 12P per kw hour then the campsite costs would not have been economically viable to site owners 2 years ago? Plus if you charge your 12v system ar 30amp for a prolonged time you will boil it dry.
Thanks for the comment Stevie - interesting point, I chatted to a couple of campsite owners and a lot of them close over the winter months (typical end of October to early March) so they miss when there’s the biggest demand - for those that are open all year they say it averages out, for example in the summer you will likely use less than 5kWh rather than 20 odd.
Ref the battery, I’ve got lithium so it just stops when it’s full and can charge upto 250A if I’m not mistaken (not that I have that charge capability of course)
All the best, David 👍
in this day and age theres no excusel for needing an EHU atall.....Heating needs to be Diesel or Gas and the rest 12v. No mains 240v is required these days.
Certainly more choices these days isn’t there
All the best, David 👍
If they start doing this, campsites should put the cost of the pitch down. If they dont, people will stop going. Or is there a bigger agender here. Is this another way of stopping people travelling or wanting to travel. I know some sites that have installed a wind turbine that supplies the electric for the site.
Thanks for the comment Peter, they should definitely reduce the cost of the pitch where electricity was included and where it isn't now, that gives a choice. Great approach for solar and wind turbines and other renewables to off-set grid usage isn't it. Thanks again, All the very best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit I'll be honest with you, I didn't watch the whole video before I commented. I thought you were saying it was going to cost another £60. My apologise.
Very informative video, thanks p, I would be interested know how much a day (24hs) it costs to have a mains connection to my motorhome with just the charger on, everything else is switched off, my motorhome also has a 80 watt solar panel connected
Hi Terry, I found my charger was pulling just over 400W while charging the battery but as soon as it had charged it dropped off significantly to between 20W-50W powering the van, if there's solar input too that reduced the overall power, so depending on the size of your battery and how much it's depleted, I would estimate a unit of electricity per 2-4 hours (charger size dependant) so assuming it fully charges in 8 hours, at 34ppu then about 68p and then perhaps 1unit per day max standby (that's all just approximate) - hope that helps, all the best, David 👍
Human nature to use it if it's free.... we had some council bungalows near us and the
heating was free... in winter all the windows were open and the heating on full.
Guess you’re right - then folks get metered afterwards as it’s not sustainable to keep it included eh. Thanks for the comment - most appreciated- David 👍
Is LPG going to be fazed out on garage forecourt by the end of 2024. So then you will have to use propane or butane so that will be more expensive
Hi Dale, I don't think LPG is going to be totally phased out, it's just one of the forecourt companies who look after a number of filling stations have decided to replace with EV Chargers rather than to keep the LPG. It just means less places to get it - I would imagine the specialist places will keep supplying it. Great question on the cost too - as will less forecourts having it mean the cost will go up more widely, let's hope not.
Thanks for the comment, all the best, David
Have you had any warranty/build quality issues that needed a return to the dealer. A friend of mine bought an ( new ) elddis that he renamed HELL dis as the first time it rained he discovered it had an extra shower!!. It took much stress and phone calls to get sorted. He lost it for almost3 months. still regretting buying it.
I’ve not had anything which has required fixing by the dealer - I’ve sorted a couple of bits out myself like the door panelling screwing on rather than it just being stuck - but nothing major so far - just with the Fiat side I’ve had issues - is it a campervan or coachbuilt your friend has out of interest? All the best, David 👍
It's a caravan. Apparently elddis are aware of front panel leaks around the windows. Elddis are ( or were ) the most complained about caravan manufacturer. A panel van is much less likely to have structural issues than a coach built motorhome or a caravan as they don't flex nearly as much especially on bumpy roads and potholes etc. the fiat van base vehicle should be ok as the commercial drivers give them plenty of use and miles. With regular servicing they should hit 250000 miles no problem. No campervan is ever getting no where that. Also campervan/motorhome users tend to pamper their vehicles both with servicing and driving. I agree with buying a camper that is still needing personal touches as even more expensive ones tend to have work and things retro fitted. You've added some sensible mods to yours. Well done
I've seen the water meter you use, a few times, in your videos, and thought it was a good idea. Could you give us a link for it, as I have looked on line but haven't been able to find it.
Hi Rob, it’s something I made myself as I couldn’t find anything practical which did the same, plenty of flow meters but not ones which control the flow as well and stop when the required amount is delivered. It’s very handy. All the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit maybe an idea for a how to video.😀
Looking at your video I am interested in the water gage you have which is recording the amount of water that’s filling the van what’s it called and where can I get one please?
Hi Rod, it's something I have built myself as I could only find things which either stopped/started the water or flow meters so wanted to combine to achieve it. It's something I am thinking of building into the van to make it easier and not have to carry around separate gadget.
Thanks for your interest, all the best, David 👍
Blimey I thought this was meant to be a fun pastime? I have yet to come across a site charging for electric on pitches (apart from seasonal). I do know that people take the mick, I have seen people with large televisions, microwaves, awning heaters and every item under the sun in their awning, no wonder site owners get annoyed. Why not do a comparison with average use, it’s unlikely anyone will use 16 amps for 24 hours, as you say. Let me know which sites charge and I will avoid them.
Hi David, it is a fun pastime, so long as you don't get a surprise nasty bill at the end of your stay :)
In 2022, I have only stayed at one with a meter where I've chosen to hookup (Pier Cottage, Coniston), I do hook up on my drive to do things and sometimes to warm through if it's been cold in the winter before going away and that's metered too.
However, this year, a number of sites have either increased charges vs. what it was booked at or contacted to say they are installing meters and pay as you use electric.
Average is difficult as I find it's so dependent on weather, my test of hooking up with the heating on LOW (inside temp 15-18C), over a few days, the amount (at 35ppu) varied from £7-£11(frosty day) and the temperature difference was around 7C between the days. In the warmer months that would be £0-£3 I would expect.
All the best, David 👍
Whats to stop someone plugging into your electric point?
You mean when you're out and unplugging your lead and plugging in theirs? Nothing I suppose...
Time for solar panels
100% it’s strange the cost rose but has never come back down
Thank you for your comment
Rachel & David
Why would anyone go to a freaking campground to vacation 10 feet from people on each side….under a bridge would be more enjoyable….
Each to their own eh... thanks for the comment. All the best, David 👍
Did I miss something no mention of the fridge
Hi Dave, in mine the fridge is a compressor 12V - I'm going to cover that in an upcoming video covering things which run off 12V rather than mains but will also work out the efficiency of the charger (in my particular case) to work out the equivalent hookup usage - hope that helps, thanks for the comment, all the best, David 👍
@@LeisureBit ok thank you
In the ,70sI lived in a mobile home £11 a week so cheap that included electric
Wow, that’s amazing - wish it cost that today!- what a difference now a days eh. Thanks very much for the comment and for watching, all the very best, David 👍
It's just typical british camp site "greed" I just came back from France a motorhome park in a municipal area Villiers-ser-mer €13 per night including unlimited free electric hook up and water/drop,So why's is this in France but just greed in the UK.....
Thanks for the comment, that's really reasonable! There's some bargains to be had in the UK still but generally creeping up, especially with electric of course. Thanks again, all the best, David 👍
8
some interesting stuff but this video should have been maximum 10 minutes long . far too much waffle for you tube . and the £8 is absurd for keeping a van on tick over for 24 hours . of course it doesn't cost that much !!!!
Thanks for the feedback - I’m sure if it was turned to frost guard it would use less as it was 15/17C in the van so not cold but not hot either.
And pretty chilly out - I checked over a few days and it was average £8 if it was 34p kWh All the best, David 👍