Over the top prices

We only run off a solar panel plus standard non refillable gas which we don't seem to overuse (except last year when we took a nearly empty cylinder away by mistake!) The advent of solar chargers has been useful but we're happy to go without a microwave, TV etc and if we're on a rally there are a lots of others who do the same. I've never wanted our van to be the same as home, it's our escape. If we hook up I'm happy with that too but I've never bought an electric kettle for the van, I love the singing gas kettle! 

I think that post says it all TTDA. Even non EHUERS do things differently as a group. Brue also  puts his finger on the point I wish to make But, to return to the OP, the only way one can reduce ones ppn is to go non EHU. That’s a fact. How you do that is very individual, from the ’back to basics’ approach ( and I have absolutely no problem with that) to the more ‘sophisticated ‘ way of doing non EHU. 30 or even 20 years ago, the technology we have today wasn’t really on the scene. LEDs I remember were good enough to glow but not give out the astounding amount of light they are capable of now. The SP , as far as caravanning was concerned, was at a stage where it was little more  than a novelty  And so people went into the great outdoors and managed without EHU in the manner they were happy with. Generators!! Ahhhh! Remember those?  Foot pumps and gas mantles I remember well. Although a solution to a problem, it was hardly comfortable living? The gas mantles got so hot that I spent most of the evening as a youth outside for fear of melting!  and the foot pump was a good workout for the right leg. The technology has come on so much, it’s exciting to think what might be next to add positively to the caravanners life. Whatever way you decide to do it, I have always viewed non EHU rather like sailing- you feel you are getting something for nothing when being pushed along by the wind- I get that feeling with the SP and as I’ve said, it brings other benefits. Some of the quietest sites and most beautiful I’ve been to, no frustration because you can’t get on because it’s full- never had a problem. I think it’s good to talk about these things- we as enthusiastic users of mobile homes whether Caravan or MotorHomes will always do things differently  to the guy up the field in my case and on the next pitch in most cases. Whatever I have decided to do I have always found a helping hand and a friend if I ever needed help. 

38 years ago I plugged into car for electric, never wanted TV, portable radio, Fluorescent in warm weather, gas lights in cold - loved gas lights

Merve, have sent you a pm on the other forum.

Hi BT, hope little Alfie and you are all doing fine! Sorry to digress OP.

Email sent Brian 

'tis all horses for courses....

a few days in a city aire getting in and out every day on a bike might mean finding a way to help the batteries out with a bit of solar.

three weeks on a THS exploring on foot or ebike each day will again require more than just a single battery charge..and if it's chilly at night, you'll need a decent gas supply and for heating and your showers each morning...

...or (say) on a long term site here in Spain......first advice given to new comers, don't pay for metered leccy, get a local gas bottle for heating, fridge and cooking..as cheap as refillable LPG

...turn your charger off, let the solar panel charge your batteries and run your phones and tablets..rather than the mains...

in different circumstances, different tools can be used to get the most out of each stay, and when not moving the van regularly (conti long stay or THS...) other kit certainly helps...

A pragmatic rather than a dogmatic approach BB, my approach to life as well.  

So, back to CL’s, we have stayed on a variety of them with a price range from £5 to £28/night.  I would think there must be something for most folks between those prices

Thanks TDA, we are all fine now after a couple of setbacks in the last month, hope you and yours are doing well. Sorry from me as well OP