I want to fit a mains connector to my van and have seen this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/205151081494 which looks really easy to install and neat as I wouldn't need to cut a hole in the body work. I think anyway as I've never seen these before so not sure if I'm missing something....
Is this actually a mains inlet connector, so I can plug the cable into the campsite electric and then have this adaptor on the van to connect to with a socket on the inside?
Looks like it. Can either have a 3 pin plug or commando socket on the other end of your wire for the hookup.
Nice one, it's a bit pricey but would be much easier to fit. Didn't want to spend £50 for it to be the wrong thing....
I just fitted one of these under the bonnet on my van
https://www.screwfix.com/p/amphenol-32a-2p-e-surface-socket-250v/9990f
and bought an extension cable (again I made it up myself but you can buy them cheapish)
https://www.screwfix.com/p/carroll-meynell-blue-230v-16a-extension-lead-14m-x-2-5mm-/7332p
If you don; plan on running a fan heater and hairdrier at the same time you could easily get away with the cheaper extension lead for the hookup.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/carroll-meynell-blue-230v-16a-extension-lead-14m-x-1-5mm-/2458p
Yeah, I was orginally going to use one of those or fit the plug with flappy cover on the side of the van, but the little ebay number means I can probably fit it behind a small bit of trim under the rear lights and feed the cable in through the existing holes in the metal work.
I've already got leads and commando plugs that I've made up for camping electrics.
That looks like the same connector that is used for those living in Northern Europe to power an engine block heater and an electric cabin heater for a few hours before they need to start the engine at -30c.
Probably worth checking out the specs for those in case the eBay listing is being optimistic with the 16 amp continuous rating.
I just fitted one of those to my van after the original blue one under the rear bumper gave up.
There’s a chance it doesn’t “meet the regulation“ for camper van power but I decided that I am OK with that as it’s rated to 16A. It’s a nice neat solution although was a bit fiddly to fit through my bumper and needed a PVC waterproof boot on the back - you might not need this if you get one of the other mounting options.
The connector is on the end of a 1m long cable with a normal blue connector on the other end so I’ve got options which cable I can connect to.
16A continuous rating is more than a domestic socket is it not? And at 13A they are not really suitable for a sustained load. You need a special rated socket for a 3-pin granny charger to run at 13 A continuous. I am sceptical...
If it's making holes that worries you, on my T5 I had a proper hookup connection under the bonnet, mounted at the top edge, at the base of the windscreen. It then routed through to the cabin, where the consumer into was, through pre-existing holes/grommets. I didn't have to make any holes in the van.