Hook-up Cable

[mpill990]

Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere on the forum but can anyone recommend a decent hook-up cable please?

Ours is fine in the summer but in the winter it gets super stiff and is a real chore to roll up.

I've struggled with it for 4 years and I've finally had enough of it.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. I'm fine with either loose or on a caddy, needs to be about 25m I'd say

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[dennfo]

I got fed up with my cable recently - in my case it was because the old cable was getting really difficult to undo from the Van - I was worried that I was going to pull the Van plug off, it was so stiff. Found this one that’s VW specific to fit (slightly smaller than Moho fitting apparently) VW fitting. Really pleased with it - it’s more expensive than some, but the cable and build is quality. https://toughleads.co.uk/products/1...ble-hook-up-cable?_pos=1&_sid=acd5c78a5&_ss=r

 

[mpill990]

I got fed up with my cable recently - in my case it was because the old cable was getting really difficult to undo from the Van - I was worried that I was going to pull the Van plug off, it was so stiff. Found this one that’s VW specific to fit (slightly smaller than Moho fitting apparently) VW fitting. Really pleased with it - it’s more expensive than some, but the cable and build is quality. https://toughleads.co.uk/products/1...ble-hook-up-cable?_pos=1&_sid=acd5c78a5&_ss=r

Great thanks! That looks perfect

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[CaliforniaCylus]

I made mine up using two lengths of Arctic 1.5mm cable. Yes at 25m and 16a it's only just got the capacity but I don't see myself using 16a in the Cali.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CA1dot5ART3Yslash50.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knightsbri...&qid=1741635150&sprefix=jb0011,aps,278&sr=8-1

I then use these connectors to join my two cable lengths together (11m and 14m) and to attach the 16a connectors. I also have a short length for reversing the polarity.

Much easier to handle than 25m of hook up cable.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Great thanks! That looks perfect

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Wow ! At near £100 for a 25m cable it must be pretty special. I’ve found rubber cables are heavier than pvc - how does this one fair?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Store it in the engine bay then it will keep warm and then it won’t stiffen up.

 

[dennfo]

Wow ! At near £100 for a 25m cable it must be pretty special. I’ve found rubber cables are heavier than pvc - how does this one fair?

Yes it is heavier, but I like that. I got the 20 metres, which is more than enough for me. Happy it works for what I need, yes, it’s not cheap, but I’m also happy the quality is much better than the one that I’ve just binned.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Agreed the standard 2.5mm pvc sheathed cables can be a little bit of a pain when it’s cold, but I guess it’s a trade off in terms of weight, overall ‘coil’ size and flexibility. We got our standard 25m cable from the club shop 3 years ago and it’s okay - so long as you observe the “right way” to coil it back up. It’s the way the cores are twisted that gives issues when coiling it. I’ve a cable on a leaf blower however that’s got a hard pvc outer sheath - now that it a real pain!

My take is - buy a decent (branded) pvc cable and you should be okay, accepting that you might need to replace it when it gets old. And, there’s been a few sites where we’ve needed every one of the 25 metres we have!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

We have an orange one that came with our van, it’s ok but needs a bit of encouragement when cold. Also have a blue artic DIY one on the driveway - this always coils easily - rubber is softer:

TLC sell good quality cable by the meter, get the 2 ended plugs on eBay / Amazon.

2.5mm² 3 Core Arctic Flex Blue - Cut to length - (Max 100Mtrs)

GENUINE 16A 230V 3PIN IN-LINE... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P2M8336?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

I have been using my Bailey caravan ehu. The only reason I say this, is because it's got a 90º connector, van end. Its very neat, can't think of any disadvantages.

 

[VanFan]

I have been using my Bailey caravan ehu. The only reason I say this, is because it's got a 90º connector, van end. Its very neat, can't think of any disadvantages.

View attachment 133427

What is this like to connect and disconnect from the van? Mine can be very stiff to disconnect, as @dennfo mentioned. Almost feels like you’re going to do some damage.

 

[Ikbarltrop]

What is this like to connect and disconnect from the van? Mine can be very stiff to disconnect, as @dennfo mentioned. Almost feels like you’re going to do some damage.

If it is stiff and difficult to remove use a little bit of silicone grease on the connector prongs. I do this as routine maintenance and it helps a lot.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Or wipe over AutoGlym Rubber and Plastic Protector. It’s very sloppy without being greasy.

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

What is this like to connect and disconnect from the van? Mine can be very stiff to disconnect, as @dennfo mentioned. Almost feels like you’re going to do some damage.

Both the straight connector and the 90º one are stiff to remove. It's almost like you haven't depressed the release bit properly. Definitely going to have a go at lubricating it with some silicon grease. Will update if it makes it better.

 

[dspuk]

Sorry if this is already covered elsewhere on the forum but can anyone recommend a decent hook-up cable please?

Ours is fine in the summer but in the winter it gets super stiff and is a real chore to roll up.

I've struggled with it for 4 years and I've finally had enough of it.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. I'm fine with either loose or on a caddy, needs to be about 25m I'd say

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

As per others links, I got the tough leads one.

Yup it’s silly expensive. Yup it’s the only cable you will ever need.

70K van. 0.1K cable. Worth it for me.

 

[dspuk]

Agree and same findings. Also got the 20m as I’ve never even needed that length and it’s cheaper.

I didnt particularly find it heavier but it likely is. Ditched the orange cable drum too. They do my head in to use and I often wonder how something so badly designed became so ubiquitous. Used a blue Duck cover from Amazon instead. Also top quality.

Yes it is heavier, but I like that. I got the 20 metres, which is more than enough for me. Happy it works for what I need, yes, it’s not cheap, but I’m also happy the quality is much better than the one that I’ve just binned.

 

[dennfo]

Agree and same findings. Also got the 20m as I’ve never even needed that length and it’s cheaper.

I didnt particularly find it heavier but it likely is. Ditched the orange cable drum too. They do my head in to use and I often wonder how something so badly designed became so ubiquitous. Used a blue Duck cover from Amazon instead. Also top quality.

Exactly the same setup - ditched the orange cable drum and use Duck cover. I read that it's better for the cable not to be on a drum.

 

[TripleBee]

I use this one.
3x1.5mm², which is good for 16A. 25m can be very usefull on some sites, but mostly, you have more than enough.
You really don't need more than 1.5mm² because this rates up to 3680W, and, come on, who needs that when on holidays?
Microwave = 1000W. Water boiler = 2000W. Mini oven = 2000W.
And don't forget that your circuit breaker is only 10A.
And if you are very lucky, you will have a campsite with 16A available. Most just stick with 6 - 10A.

 

[Grand Cali Pete]

I know this should go without saying. Please unreel your lead! (Electrician of 40 years).

 

[johna]

Used a blue Duck cover from Amazon instead.

What is this please?

 

[dspuk]

What is this please?

Amazon.co.uk

 

[AlanC]

What is this like to connect and disconnect from the van? Mine can be very stiff to disconnect, as @dennfo mentioned. Almost feels like you’re going to do some damage.

I suspect you are not releasing the safety latch when removing the plug from the socket. You need to lift the plug cap to release the plug from the safety catch. Lift the socket cover, insert your left index finger beside the plug, and lift the cap which will allow the plug to be pulled out easily.

 

[AlanC]

I know this should go without saying. Please unreel your lead! (Electrician of 40 years).
View attachment 133545

Another issue you see a lot on sites is when the plug is not inserted into the socket correctly. The cap on the plug is outside the socket, pushed up against the socket cover. This means the plug is not fully home and risks heating the pins due to poor contact, or worse sparking at the pins. The cap on the plug has to be horizontal to be inserted into the socket correctly.

Alan

 

[VanFan]

I suspect you are not releasing the safety latch when removing the plug from the socket. You need to lift the plug cap to release the plug from the safety catch. Lift the socket cover, insert your left index finger beside the plug, and lift the cap which will allow the plug to be pulled out easily.

Isn’t that what the blue lever on the left side does?

 

[Hawthorn37]

Or wipe over AutoGlym Rubber and Plastic Protector. It’s very sloppy without being greasy.

Should have said “very slippy” !! It’s not sloppy at all !

So I did this today, sprayed a bit on a cloth, then wiped around the male connector on the van. Instantly better. Experience says that this will last for a long while. I used the same product (foolishly) on the pedals and they remained slippy even after trying to clean the stuff off! Anyway, give it a go. You can also use Rubber and Plastic Protector on the door seals to keep from freezing stuck in the winter.