External 12v and 230v outlet socket?

[michaelmorris]

I'm a keen (for keen read obsessive) amateur astronomer and I plan to start taking my imaging rig with me on our motorhome travels. There are two rig configurations. Te small rig will run of a 12v supply, but the larger rig relies on having a 230v supply.

because my better half will be tucked up in bed inside during many of my imaging sessions, I don't want to have to run the requesit cable from inside the motorhome. It would be much better if I could run the whole thing from socket(s) mounted on the outside of the van.

I've found what appears to be suitable 230 v and 12v exterior sockets (http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/Caravan_Utility_Points.html).

However, I'd prefer it if I can get a single unit that has both 230v and 12v outlets - do such things exist?

 

Thanks

 

[Billggski]

The external 240v socket will presumably still have to come from a hook up unless you have an inverter or generator (loud at night but do have both 12v and 240v outputs.)

So you could just plug the lead into this hook up with a dual socket.

[michaelmorris]

Billggski - 2015-05-25 9:02 PM

 

The external 240v socket will presumably still have to come from a hook up unless you have an inverter or generator (loud at night but do have both 12v and 240v outputs.)

So you could just plug the lead into this hook up with a dual socket.

 

The 230V supply would only be used when we are connected to a hook up. I could fit a splitter to the hook up and attach a proper main lead to it (http://www.leisureoutlet.com/caravans-and-motorhomes/Site-Mains-Units/Deluxe-Mobile-Mains-Supply-Unit.html?gclid=CMKsybfu3cUCFQrKtAod0WIAnQ).

 

However, this necessitates having to carry a bulky (and heavy) extra main 25 metre cable around and it strikes me that an external mains socket on the side of the van would be a neater solution.

 

Also, what is the attitude of campsites to the use of splitters?

[Derek Uzzell]

It is possible to obtain a single external outlet that has a 230V and a 12V socket (example here)

 

http://www.wilmond.co.uk/mains-connection/twin-power-caravan-outlet-socket.html

 

I can’t advise on UK campsires’ attitude to ‘unusual’ hook-up cabling, but Continental European campsites don’t seem to much care what one does in this respect.

 

Incidentally, if you don’t surround your internet address references with punctuation marks (brackets, full-stops, etc.) you’ll obtain an immediately usable link.

 

So this works

 

http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/Caravan_Utility_Points.html

 

but this does not

 

(http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/Caravan_Utility_Points.html)

[michaelmorris]

Derek Uzzell - 2015-05-26 7:34 AM

 

It is possible to obtain a single external outlet that has a 230V and a 12V socket (example here)

 

http://www.wilmond.co.uk/mains-connection/twin-power-caravan-outlet-socket.html

 

 

Thanks that is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for, and pretty cheap to. Now to work out where and how to fit one ...

[lennyhb]

Another option would be to fit the sockets inside one of your lockers, easy access from outside and no need to cut holes in the van.