Suggestions for mains hook-up location

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MagicWagon
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Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by MagicWagon »

Hi
I am about to fit mains hook up to my 1983 Aircooled Devon camper.
When I did the same to my 1981 Autosleeper, I fitted a surface-mount 16A socket to the inside of the number plate flap.
However, there is a thick black pipe which goes across the number plate orifice, and on the Devon, it is either slightly different, or closer to the back than on the Autosleeper, and therefore there is not enough clearance.
Has anyone got any suggestions or examples of an alternative arrangement for a hookup. I don't want to cut a hole in the side of the van for a "built-in" hook up point.
Thanks
1983 2.0L Air Cooled Devon Moonraker

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itchyfeet
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by itchyfeet »

I had the idea below but never did it ( would need to be the type with a flap)
on my tin top I have a much smaller IP rated mains plug loose just inside the number plate flap and I then connect a small lead with the mating mains socket on one end and the standard Blue plug on the other, in reality the adapter lead can stay on your hook up lead and so you then connect to the van with whatever smaller mains IP rated connector system you like, just make sure it's 16A rated.

ImageP1040439 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
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937carrera
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by 937carrera »

Not my van, but this is what Autosleeper do - right hand rear wing, with a protective flap. Works well for me on my Trooper

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1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

MagicWagon
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by MagicWagon »

Thanks for that. My Autosleeper doesn't have that, but it's older than yours. I don't really want to cut a hole in the bodywork.
If I don't find any more inspiration, I'll just have a loose lead/plug inside the number plate flap like itchyfeet then.
Still would like to hear what others do though.
1983 2.0L Air Cooled Devon Moonraker

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Swebby
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by Swebby »

Mine comes out underneath the van just in front of the passenger side rear wheel. I will try and take a picture of it tomorrow in the daylight.

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1987 1.9 DG pop-top

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937carrera
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by 937carrera »

Swebby wrote:Mine comes out underneath the van just in front of the passenger side rear wheel. I will try and take a picture of it tomorrow in the daylight.

That's the arrangement on my Leisuredrive, "dangling socket", except it's on the drivers side / right hand side

I prefer the Autosleeper arrangement, electrics not near the waste water outlet / collection point and I don't have to bend down / lay on possible wet grass & gravel to connect the cable.
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine

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itchyfeet
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by itchyfeet »

I also had this for years but need to get on your hand and knees to plug it in. I park also down a narrow alley which is why I moved it to the rear flap.


ImageP1040437 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
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Oldiebut goodie
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

Were you getting problems with air in your fuel line then? That fuel filter has only got a dribble of fuel in it.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by itchyfeet »

Oldiebut goodie wrote:Were you getting problems with air in your fuel line then? That fuel filter has only got a dribble of fuel in it.

run the tin top on LPG most of the time probably drained down
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
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bigbadbob76
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by bigbadbob76 »

Mine is in the panel behind the drivers seat, the panel that forms the side of the sink unit.
It was there when I bought the van and I've not come up with a better place for it without cutting holes so it's still there.
Not ideal as you have to shut the door on the cable but it's an idea for you.
One day I'll get round to cutting and welding a cutout in the sill for it.
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Swebby
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by Swebby »

Finallymanaged to take a photo, reminds me it probably needs to be resealed!ImageImage

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MagicWagon
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by MagicWagon »

Hmm. Some good ideas. Shall investigate that last one on the outrigger.
Cheers.

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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by clift_d »

I wondered whether you might have a towbar? If so, then it might be worth trying to fashion a mounting point that tucks the plug in underneath / near the towbar where it won't be so apparent.
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Titus A Duxass
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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by Titus A Duxass »

I saw this at a VW meet somewhere -

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Re: Suggestions for mains hook-up location

Post by jiffies »

Any more good suggestions for 240V hook up location? I too have brand new shiny panels that I dont intend cutting holes in?

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