Extension cable – How do I provide electricity in my caravan, motorhome and when camping with a roof tent?
Do I need a power socket for camping?
These are probably the first questions many camping beginners ask.
The car battery is far too weak to keep several devices running.
That’s why an extension cable is the ideal solution for getting power from the power columns on the campsite.
Here you can find out all about the advantages, regulations and necessary plugs.
Camping Ratgeber:
Power supply at the campsite
To avoid sitting there with an engine that won’t start, you should never use the car battery for electricity at the campsite.
Instead, there are two options.
The first, slightly more expensive version, would be solar panels on the roof with a built-in generator that stores the electricity generated.
The other option is to use a power cable to supply your caravan or motorhome with electricity.
Options for supplying your motorhome with electricity:
- Solar cells on the roof with built-in generator
- Power cables on camping site power columns
The version with the power cable is definitely suitable for campers.
So here is everything you need to know:
CEE sockets and adapters for camping
Most campsites and many motorhomes and caravans have standardized CEE sockets.
It therefore makes a lot of sense to look for a CEE connection when buying an extension cable.
They are typically identified by the three-pin blue sockets.
If you have already bought a cable without a CEE connection, or you are traveling with a roof tent and it does not have a socket, don’t panic!
There are also CEE adapters.
Read all about electricity on the campsite, especially with CEE sockets, here:
Purchase and use: what you should look out for
Not all extension cables are the same!
There are a few aspects you should consider when making your purchase.
At the end of the day, the extension lead provides more than just power.
Your entire camping trip indirectly depends on it.
Avoid a bad mood from the disappointed family when the power goes out and the milk in the fridge has gone lumpy.
You can easily do this by first checking the rated power of your cable.
The more power your electrical appliances consume, the more watts or rated power the cable must be able to support. 
Tips: Performance, quality and insulation
The DIN EN requirement should be met so that the cable is safe and functional despite heavy use.
It is normal that if you park several meters away from the power source, other vehicles could drive over your power cable.
Nevertheless, you should stow it away or attach it in such a way that there is as little surface area on the ground as possible.
This makes it less likely that it will be driven over.
With good insulation, this shouldn’t even be a problem.
Also, don’t cut corners!
As already mentioned, the extension cable is the source of your power.
A cheap cable with a loose connection will make itself felt on a camping trip when all the food becomes inedible.
All tips summarized:
- Rated power depending on the requirements of the electrical appliances
- DIN EN requirement fulfilled
- Good insulation and sturdy cable
- Do not leave cables on the floor
- Don’t cut the wrong corners
- Get good advice from the seller
Purchase a cable reel in advance
Cable reel – A cable reel is also practical, as it allows you to roll up the entire power cable carefully and neatly so that it doesn’t lie around in knots in the car when you’re on the move.
If you are still looking for a suitable cable reel, you can take a look at the cable reel from CAMPWERK.
This can be purchased in 25 m or 40 m lengths and is equipped with an ergonomic handle to guarantee perfect cable management when winding and unwinding.
There are three protective contact sockets available, which are equipped with self-closing covers and are therefore splash-proof.
Not forgetting, of course, overheating protection and a corresponding warning light.
Do you still need a cable reel?
Just take a look at the CAMPWERK store:
More articles: Electricity for outdoor camping
Alternatively, you can find more interesting articles on the topic of power supply when camping here, which you can read for useful tips and information.
CEE plug: power connection on the campsite
CEE plug – The plugs and power connections on campsites have been standardized throughout Europe and are usually immediately noticeable due to their blue color.
You should therefore make sure that you have such a connection or have an appropriate adapter with you.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the CEE plug:
Cable reel: advantages & regulations
Cable reel – If you have a cable reel, you don’t need to worry about the nearest power socket, as you can simply plug in your devices from your car if necessary.
Especially if you are traveling with children, a cable reel will make your time much easier when you need to inflate the mattresses or charge the cell phones as quickly as possible after a long day at the campsite. Read more here:
Battery: service life, capacity & strength
Battery – There is not always a charging point nearby, especially on longer journeys.
The starter battery is only sufficient for the most essential functions in the driver’s cab.
The TV in the caravan would overload it too much.
This is precisely why it is important to find out about the different models in advance.
Here you can find out everything about the service life, capacity and strength of the starter battery and on-board battery:
