Whats it cost to get EHU free?

replied on 16/08/2017 16:44

Posted on 16/08/2017 16:44

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replied on 19/08/2017 09:28

Posted on 19/08/2017 08:32 by brue

Most of us like the extra choice of sites available to us if we can manage without EHU. It has cost us less than £200 to do this. No expensive kit involved but our motorhome  was already equipped to take a solar panel. It saves money at home too as we can use the solar to charge the battery.

Posted on 19/08/2017 09:28

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Oneputt replied on 19/08/2017 09:47

Posted on 19/08/2017 09:47

When the current gas bottle is empty we will get a safe-fill, this will allow us to camp in the more remote areas in the winter.  Noticed a lot of sites in Scotland and Wales don't have EHU, so we will be ready when the occasion arises.  Although I don't have a Ferrari surprisedcost doesn't really come into it, preparedness is what counts for us.

On a site this year where the drinking water was peaty (not scotch)  so got the life straw out, problem solved. 

Merve replied on 19/08/2017 10:50

Posted on 19/08/2017 10:50

Yes, reading the above posts, I can't help but agree it's not all about cost and I have said this on many occasions and I'm so pleased to see that others have come to the same conclusion. It's about freedom of choice. The fact that it DOES save me a small fortune each year is a plus and to be completely honest, that was a large consideration when I started off down the road of non EHU as I could quite clearly see that the speculation would allow accumulation - and that is exactly what has happened. Having said that, Its the less obvious advantages that have come more into focus since the journey started. The fact that Safefill can be topped up- no more worrying about have I got enough gas to last. Lightweight- non marking - no more trying to clean the rust marks off. The SP is always there. Power cuts on site(however rare) is not an issue. No reduction of comfort levels. New sites, unexplored before because of no EHU and I can say from experience that some of the non EHU sites we have found in the last 4 yrs have been stunning- one of which is unbeatable in beauty and for The kayaker and fisherman- unparalleled- I would never have found them had I been a 'peg lover'😂. This theme seems to runs through the experiences of non EHUers- they have all reported the 'freedom' thing and they have all discovered new and beautiful sites which, of course, will help to keep these 'minimalist ' sites open. I've said it before but it bears repeating- l can't ever see me going back to the EHU, as lovely as many are and I'm talking about CLs here,  I get everything I need and everything I have ever wanted from my caravan-  from a simple mantra- be independent! - oh and oneputt- you'll be so glad you have a Safefill! Good decision! 

Merve replied on 19/08/2017 11:44

Posted on 17/08/2017 10:35 by Boff

Back on topic.  Whilst we can all debate how much you can save or not by going off grid. I would love to know how much it costs per night for an average CL to have ehu.  I mean the infrastructure as well as the electricity consumed. 

Posted on 19/08/2017 11:44

HI Boff, I'm not exactly sure about what you are asking but here goes. The infrastructure of an EHU is I assume, probably the most expensive part of setting up a new CL. However, as more and more people use it, the cost goes down to a point where I would have thought a 'residual'  cost is involved. This would include the safety inspections required  What that is I can only guess at. It's a bit like a piece of string I think. For the popular, fully booked CL throughout the summer and well booked in the spring and autumn as well as visitors in the winter, that residual cost will be less than a less popular one.  As far as electricity is concerned and here, I talk about the 'normal' caravaner- not the one who wants to heat their awning even when off site!! I have always used a 20p a day figure although I am quite prepared to be corrected on it -- this of course will go up in winter for the heating of the van and extra lighting  - that will be the main difference due to the fact that even in summer, water, fridge etc is heated by electricity, why use gas when you are paying for the 'convenience ' of electric? One can get nearer the electricity used per day but the inclusive cost for the installation of the EHU facility is rather harder to put a finger on. Has anyone else got a theory on this?? 

peedee replied on 19/08/2017 16:07

Posted on 17/08/2017 10:35 by Boff

Back on topic.  Whilst we can all debate how much you can save or not by going off grid. I would love to know how much it costs per night for an average CL to have ehu.  I mean the infrastructure as well as the electricity consumed. 

Posted on 19/08/2017 16:07

Boff, the BHPA quoted £1000 per pitch back in 2008, add inflation to that for a guess of today's installation costs. A CL owner did post consumption figures for his site but the info was lost in the upgrade. I may have them somewhere and if I find them I will repost them. Perhaps if you ask the question in the CL forum you may get a better response.

peedee

brue replied on 19/08/2017 16:22

Posted on 19/08/2017 09:28 by

I started this off out genuine curiosity but certainlynot with any desire to use sites lacking in minimal facilites, irrespective of the cost it wouldnt expand my choice of sites but then I am a caravanner , if I went over to the "other side" it probqbly would be worth serious consideration.

Posted on 19/08/2017 16:22

As we stay in the UK at the moment, whether we have a caravan or motorhome we would go down the same route because we have had well equipped vans and we very rarely choose to use site facilities. If we were travelling abroad we'd re- equip with electric hot plates, griddles etc for more outdoor style living if choosing to go to warmer places. Unlikely as we seem to like turning north! I can see you love your holidays abroad as much as we love holidays nearer to home. smile

BrianJosie replied on 19/08/2017 17:45

Posted on 16/08/2017 16:44 by

Purely out of curiosity can one of the experts  (most likely Merve) give a "ballpark" figure to realistically dispense with EHU and still be able to do what we do now i.e  all the usual devices plus cooking . Also an indication of the weights .

I think it very unlikely we could justify it but am curious all the same

Posted on 19/08/2017 17:45

When we bought our Arto 2yrs ago we factory spec,d it to give us the both options of either being on hook up or without for our own benefit.We have 2 solar panels ,1 is 100w and 1 80w , we have 3 110AH batteries and a 2300w inverter and LED lighting throughout.These options allow us to stay off hook up for as long as we like . 

Brian & Jo

cyberyacht replied on 19/08/2017 20:22

Posted on 19/08/2017 20:22

Eurortraveller's comment about desalination kit was, I know, tongue in cheek but if someone can come up with a portable composter for the black waste then "true" independence beckons. We'll just have to visit the Siberian steppes or the Gobi desert to really get that away from it all feel though.

eurortraveller replied on 19/08/2017 21:40

Posted on 19/08/2017 21:40

 Good idea CY, but  I'm busy with the idea of fitting a wind turbine generator on the roof rack of an electric car - the faster I go the more power I generate.

And when I rent a  seasonal pitch on a Club site I shall dig up my grass strip and grow potatoes, or keep sheep in the dog walk field and spin the wool and weave my own clothes. Self sufficiency you see. 

And I still think paying hundreds of pounds for elaborate equipment to avoid using EHUs is bonkers and will continue to mock it. 

Merve replied on 19/08/2017 23:18

Posted on 19/08/2017 08:23 by eurortraveller

I'm waiting for posts to appear recommending portable, modular, water purification and desalination kit. .

Oh the freedom of not being reliant on a water tap. Go anywhere and make your own drinking water wherever you are. Take water from the sea, or ponds or ditches.

It's about as bonkers as freedom from 240 v. EHUs.

Posted on 19/08/2017 23:18

Apart from the fact that it is perfectly possible now, to filter water from a stream, with again, modern technology, and drink it, what is it that is 'bonkers' about making your own electricity? Perhaps you should try it eurotraveller before you knock it. I think you would be pleasantly surprised. Sarcasm does not become you. If you are not interested why post on this thread? Stay plugged in and enjoy it! 

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