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The right camping hook-up cable reaches the connection by a sensible route, with enough room to position your accommodation properly. The distance in a straight line is only a starting point: the cable may need to pass around the tent, vehicle or pitch boundary.
Table of Contents
Start with the campsite layout
Ask where the bollard sits relative to the pitch and whether several pitches share it. Include the distance from the tent’s cable entry to the distribution unit. A lead that reaches the outside wall may still be too short for a dry, suitable socket position inside.
Draw the route on a rough pitch plan. Allow for corners and positioning, but do not plan a stretched connection or a cable suspended across a walking route. Ask the site for a different arrangement if the available route is unsuitable.
Compare 15m and 25m
| Lead length | When it may suit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 15m | A known pitch with a nearby bollard | Measure the complete route, including the tent interior |
| 25m | More flexibility across unfamiliar pitch layouts | Storage, handling and space to lay out the full cable safely |
The Camping and Caravanning Club recommends 25m because bollards can be some distance away. This is useful planning guidance, not a guarantee that every possible pitch arrangement will fit.
Know what you are buying
The Maypole MP3767 camping roller unit has a 15m lead. It is a shorter option to consider only where that reach is sufficient. A reel’s physical size does not tell you its cable length.
Compare complete specifications: connection type, cable length, protection, total load rating and intended use. A cable alone and a tent distribution unit with protected outlets are different products, even when search results describe both as hook-up leads.
Lay out the whole lead
Follow the MP3767 instructions and fully unwind its cable before use. Do not leave spare length tightly wound on the drum simply because the bollard is close.
Arrange surplus length without making a trip hazard, blocking access or placing it where vehicles will crush it. Follow campsite directions and the equipment’s handling instructions. Keep the route clear enough to inspect during your stay.
If the lead does not reach
Speak to the campsite before using the supply. Moving within the permitted pitch area or using a suitable complete longer setup may solve the problem. Do not turn a short lead into an improvised chain of household extensions. Choose the route and equipment together, then pack the lead dry and inspect it again before the next trip.
If this is your first electric pitch, our camping electric hook-up guide explains the complete setup. Then check the lowest current limit across the pitch and your equipment; extra cable length does not increase it.
Continue with our camping power station guide.
Reviewed 10 September 2026. This guide is based on published specifications and guidance.