12 Volt Caravan Accessories. Do they work?
Gone are the days when travelling off-grid meant sacrificing the comforts of home. Thanks to advances in 12V technology, today’s caravanners can enjoy everything from cooling fans and efficient lighting to portable fridges and even air fryers. All powered by their battery system.
Whether you're free camping in the outback or spending a night at a remote beach, 12V appliances offer a practical and energyefficient way to stay comfortable without relying on 240V mains power.
In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between low and high draw devices, what to consider when using 12V appliances, and some of our favourite 12V products.
Low draw vs high draw appliances
When it comes to 12V appliances, one of the most important things to understand is the difference between low-draw and high-draw devices.
Many 12V products are perfectly suited to run from your caravan’s battery supply as they are low-draw. Low draw appliances use very little power, making them ideal for running directly from your caravan’s battery for extended periods. Essentials like LED lighting, fans, water pumps, and built-in 12V fridges from brands such as Engel or Thetford are considered low draw products and they perform reliably on battery power.
The same goes for portable fridges from myCOOLMAN, Engel, Dometic and others: all designed to operate efficiently from a 12V source, keeping your food fresh and drinks cold wherever your travels take you.
High-draw appliances, on the other hand, require a lot more power to operate. These include hairdryers, kettles, air fryers, ovens, and heaters. They work on 12V, but because the available power is lower than 240V mains, they tend to run slower, heat less intensely, or handle smaller capacities. This makes them less suited to continuous use unless you have a large battery bank and an efficient solar setup to keep everything charged.
Increasing battery capacity
That is why a solar system suited to your appliances requirements must be considered for free camping or longer term camping, using only 12 volt appliances. That way, your batteries can offer ongoing performance while free camping over virtually any length of time. 12 Volt systems can be made larger and more capable by adding an extra battery or two to increase capacity and therefore your available run time. This applies whether you are using AGM Lead batteries or Lithium batteries in your caravan.
What to consider when purchasing 12V appliances
At Carac we like to make sure our customers fully understand the differences around using high drain 12 volt appliances, and lower drain items such as the previously mentioned lights and fans. Many household items you’re used to using at home are now available in 12V versions, including hairdryers, kettles, air fryers, ovens, and heaters. While these products can be handy when you’re away from mains power, they won’t perform exactly like their 240V counterparts. While they work well enough to fill the gap when you’re on the road, they cannot replace the domestic product like for like in terms of their operation and performance.
1. 12V Hairdryer
Take the humble hairdryer as an example. Even a small, budget-friendly household model typically draws around 1,200 watts when plugged into mains power, an easy load for a 240V outlet. On a 12V system, however, the available power is much lower. A 12V hairdryer usually produces around 120 watts of heat, which means it will still dry your hair, but at a gentler pace compared to a standard domestic model.
The same goes for 12V kettles. While they work perfectly well, they do take a little longer (often around 20 to 30 minutes) to boil enough water for two cups of coffee. While slower, it still gets the job done. And when you’re travelling, it can be a welcome reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Other appliances that fall into this category include air fryers, ovens, and heaters. You’ll notice a common theme: heating and cooling products tend to draw the most power, making them the hardest to match to the performance of their household 240V counterparts when running on a 12V system. While these 12V versions can still be useful for certain tasks, they work within the limits of the available battery power. This means longer cooking or heating times and, in some cases, smaller capacities. With the right expectations and good power management, however, they can still be valuable additions to your off-grid setup.
12V appliances have come a long way in recent years, offering many of the same comforts and conveniences as the 240V products we use at home. When you understand their differences and work within their capabilities, they can be a fantastic addition to any caravan setup. From efficient lighting and cooling to cooking and beauty products, 12V appliances make life on the road more comfortable and self-sufficient, especially for those travelling full time or spending extended periods off-grid. With the right selection and setup, they help bring the best of home along for the journey.
We are here to help!
When you come to Carac we will discuss your purchase with you and inform you of any potential shortcomings of these appliances because we would much rather you make your purchase fully informed than take a new product home and be disappointed with its apparent lack of performance.
Come in and have a chat with our knowledgeable team or give us a call. Our well-trained staff can walk you through the different 12V options, explain how they perform in real-world use, and help you work out whether a 12V appliance is the right choice for your needs.