Advice re power costs at property

GarrynLyn · Senior Member

Advice re power costs at property

KFT · Guru

G'day GarrynLyn

I recently read an article on goseeaustralia web site about some testing they did of the power consumption of different Rv's.

I would reckon based on what you have stated you run, you would use not more than approx $2 worth per day $3 at the most.

Frank

GarrynLyn · Senior Member

KFT wrote:
G'day GarrynLyn

I recently read an article on goseeaustralia web site about some testing they did of the power consumption of different Rv's.

I would reckon based on what you have stated you run, you would use not more than approx $2 worth per day $3 at the most.

Frank

Thanks for that, Frank.

Much appreciated.

Garry

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I gotta agree wif KFT pretty much.

The only things that are on 240v in my van when I am in a van park are the fridge, a hotplate on stove, HWS, TV, computer, Electric kettle (1200W), toaster occasionally (1600W) and clock/radio.

I cook predominantly with gas. I do not run the aircon but if a chilly night I will run my 240v fan heater - maybe 3 hours or less. (1800W)

When I have stayed in van parks that have 240v power metered separately for payment over and above the site fee, I have usually used between $2.80 and $4.40 per night. The higher fee is usually if in the cooler months - that heater uses a bit of power cry so aircon would suck up a bit I reckon.

Helps that helps.

cheers - John

banjo · Senior Member

We regularly stay at a friends 5 acre property in Mandurah WA, usually over the Easter and September dreaded school holidays, it's solves our problem and he goes away during the Easter break so I do a little mowing etc.

We pay voluntarily $50 a week for power and water usage, to us it's worth every cent. We too have a compressor fridge and an inverter split AC so probably never use that much in value, but as said worth it for us.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

I think $5 a day is good - a lot of the stays on "overnightcaravanfarmstay" charge $5 - seems a fair amount to us. We stayed in a caravan park in Old Adaminiby (in the Snowy's) couple of years ago, they had changed to metered power, their power bill had more than halved in the six months or so after installation.

We used aircon, TV, lights, cooking, kettle, charged everything that could be charged - cost for our power - 75 cents!!!!! We didn't have to pay it, they don't charge under $1

Bevandy2 · Senior Member

I think any contribution would be welcome if they accept, whenever we stay with our kids we usually donate roughly what it would cost us at home, they of course refuse to accept it, but in your case I would work out roughly what your power bill would be at home for the period, and offer them that.
We also offer a contribution for housekeeping, which is usually refused, I think the gesture is appreciated, and let them guide you.

It's reciprocal, the kids come to stay with us and we refuse any contribution to their costs.

In your case, with friends, just ask them and go along with what they suggest. Many people enjoy the satisfaction of giving, and sharing what they have, so if they don't want anything in return, graciously accept their hospitality and find ways in which to return the favour.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

we stayed with Nomads in Perth (mainly kept our vaan in storage there). But they had provided water, constructed a very professional sit down toilet and handbasin with clean hand towels, as well as lovely 5 o'clockers.

We spent only 2 nights there, and house sat elsewhere for the rest of the month. Rather than embarrass them offering money, we put in a $50 Coles gift card with a thank you card

Krusty · Senior Member

I have mates staying at my place regularly. One of them had a portable electricity meter thingy (plugs into 240v plug then you plug the appliance into that) that we were playing with. Turns out his esky type 3 way fridge was using more power than everything at my place combined. Don't get me wrong, I think they're great for free camping etc because they can run on gas but just be aware they are energy hogs on 240v. If offered I say $2 a day should cover their electricity.

dorian · Guru

Aldi were selling a Bauhn Power Meter for $15 last year.

winplus.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/200739145/Bauhn_Power_Meter_Manual_PA39085.pdf

Jaycar has a similar device ($22):

www.jaycar.com.au/p/MS6115

GarrynLyn · Senior Member

Thanks all for the great info.

And Dorian, I wasn't aware of the power meter.

Garry

DarylC · Veteran Member

I camped in a town for 6 months & plugged into the next door neighbour's power. I used a meter to measure power & it was about $12.50 per week. I paid her 1 carton of 30 XXXX gold cans per fortnight :)
My set up is the same as yours Garry with main power usage being A/C but I used it a lot more than a couple of hours per day (more like 6 hours) because most days were over 45°

jose · Member

being a friend i would rather accept a gift voucher or a gift of something i like eg scotch etc as a thank you,