Hook up in France

KBR · Aug 2, 2022

Hi all,

Off to France soon and heading to a site with 12v hook up. Wife has a hair dryer which has a travel mode which is rated at 125v and 1200w. Can we use this when on hook up?

I imagine it’s a big no if we aren’t on hookup?

Thanks.

The Tall Luthier · Aug 2, 2022

Yes. No problems. Just use the three pin plug next to the sink of your van has one.

You can use it in the three pin plug in the drivers seat too when not on hook up. I do believe that the battery monitor will dance the Macarena if you do.

Wildcamper · Aug 2, 2022

As far as I know the mains voltage in France is 220-240v so an appliance rated at 125v will struggle.

KBR · Aug 2, 2022

Wildcamper said:
As far as I know the mains voltage in France is 220-240v so an appliance rated at 125v will struggle.

It can also be used at 230v/1850w or 240v/2000w. Should I leave it on that setting? I didn’t want to trip anything!

KBR · Aug 2, 2022

The Tall Luthier said:
Yes. No problems. Just use the three pin plug next to the sink of your van has one.

You can use it in the three pin plug in the drivers seat too when not on hook up. I do believe that the battery monitor will dance the Macarena if you do.

3 pin next to drivers seat? Didn’t know there was one! Don’t think there is on my T5. I’ll avoid using it when not on hookup. I don’t think the 3 pin by the sink works when not hooked up anyhow.

Sad · Aug 2, 2022

KBR said:
3 pin next to drivers seat? Didn’t know there was one! Don’t think there is on my T5. I’ll avoid using it when not on hookup. I don’t think the 3 pin by the sink works when not hooked up anyhow.

The inverter socket is now on the UK drivers side seat, on the T5 it's on the UK passenger side B pillar.

Wildcamper · Aug 2, 2022

KBR said:
It can also be used at 230v/1850w or 240v/2000w. Should I leave it on that setting? I didn’t want to trip anything!

A 240v 2000w device will draw a little over 4 amps. In most cases I have come across hook-ups deliver between 6 and 15 amps, very often around 10. So you should be ok, but if in doubt check with the site.

andyinluton · Aug 2, 2022

KBR said:
3 pin next to drivers seat? Didn’t know there was one! Don’t think there is on my T5. I’ll avoid using it when not on hookup. I don’t think the 3 pin by the sink works when not hooked up anyhow.

The 3 pin by the drivers seat thats being referred to on later vans is a 300w inverter, T5 had the 150w inverter on the B pillar behind the passenger seat.
Neither would be any good to you if the dryer is 1850w

But the sink end 3 pin socket will be fine when on hookup.

Ampthill · Aug 2, 2022

Wildcamper said:
A 240v 2000w device will draw a little over 4 amps. In most cases I have come across hook-ups deliver between 6 and 15 amps, very often around 10. So you should be ok, but if in doubt check with the site.

From my O level physics... Amps = Watts/Volts which in this case there will be a draw of just over 8 amps so tread carefully!

Wildcamper · Aug 2, 2022

Ampthill said:
From my O level physics... Amps = Watts/Volts which in this case there will be a draw of just over 8 amps so tread carefully!

You are correct, my mistake.

Wesel · Aug 2, 2022

Real campers don't use hair dryers :Iamsorry

larrylamb · Aug 2, 2022

Wesel said:
Real campers don't use hair dryers

or 70k campervans for that matter

GrumpyGranddad · Aug 3, 2022

Wesel said:
Real campers don't use hair dryers

And some don’t have hair!

Rex911 · Aug 3, 2022

GrumpyGranddad said:
And some don’t have hair!

I'm not going bald...I have flesh coloured highlights.....that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Peter84 · Aug 3, 2022

KBR said:
Hi all,

Off to France soon and heading to a site with 12v hook up. Wife has a hair dryer which has a travel mode which is rated at 125v and 1200w. Can we use this when on hook up?

I imagine it’s a big no if we aren’t on hookup?

Thanks.

12v hookup seems unlikely, probably 220v like in whole of Europe. Isn't the travel mode meant to be used in countries like the USA? Probably not a good idea to put it on 125v and plug it in a 220v outlet