How 12V Caravan Lights Work
Most caravans and motorhomes use a 12-volt DC lighting system for interior lights. This means the lights run off the caravan’s 12V battery (often a deep-cycle battery) instead of mains electricity. The advantage is that you can power your lights off-grid using your battery, which in turn can be charged by solar panels or your vehicle while driving. In practice, you’ll have bright lights inside even at remote campsites, without needing a 240V hookup or generator.
12V DC lights in caravans are typically LED nowadays, replacing older incandescent or fluorescent lamps. LEDs are ideal for mobile use they are extremely energy-efficient, converting much more of the battery’s power into light rather than heat. In fact, LED caravan lights can produce the same brightness as old incandescent bulbs while using a fraction of the power, so they draw very little current from your 12V battery. This efficiency means your lights won’t quickly drain your battery, and it’s especially valuable when camping for extended periods with only solar recharging.
7 Key Caravan Lighting Features to Look Out For
When shopping for 12V caravan interior lights, keep these key features and specifications in mind to ensure you get the best performance and value for your needs:
1. 12V Power Efficiency
Look for LED lights, as virtually all modern caravan lights are LED due to their efficiency. Low wattage 12V LED lights consume very little power for the brightness they produce, preserving your battery life. (For example, a 5W LED can be as bright as a 2540W incandescent.) Efficient lighting is especially important if you rely on solar and batteries, it lets you enjoy well-lit nights without worrying about draining power.
2. RV Light Output (Lumens)
The brightness of a light is measured in lumens. Check the lumen rating to compare how much light a fixture will give. For general interior lighting, you might want fixtures in the 300-600 lumen range or higher, whereas small reading lights might be 100-200 lumens. A higher lumen output means a brighter light, but also consider the beam spread, a wide ambient light versus a focused spot. Many LED caravan lights now offer ample brightness (some dome lights produce 600+ lumens of diffused light) while still being efficient.
3. Light Temperature (Warm vs Cool White):
Light colour is described by its temperature in Kelvins. Warm white (3000K) has a yellowish, cosy glow similar to household bulbs, ideal for living areas and creating a relaxed ambience. Cool white (5000-6000K) appears brighter or bluer, similar to daylight; it’s great for task lighting, kitchens, or bathrooms where you want a clear, crisp light.
The choice often comes down to preference: warm white can feel more inviting and “homely”, while cool white illumination can make a small space feel brighter. Many caravan owners prefer warm white for lounge and bedroom areas (it feels like the old incandescent light we grew up with), and use cool white in work areas or exterior lights. Check the product specs, some LED lights even offer dual colour options or dimmable warm-to-cool features.
4. Mounting Type & Size
Pay attention to how and where the light mounts. Common types include surface-mounted lights (which screw onto the ceiling or wall) and recessed downlights (which require a cut-out hole to sit flush). Surface mounts are easier to install and often cover the footprint of older fixtures (useful if you’re replacing an old fluorescent oyster light, for example).
Recessed lights look sleek and save ceiling height great for a modern caravan fitout but you’ll need space behind the panel for the light housing. Also note the dimensions of the light fitting to ensure it fits your available space. From large dome lights 250mm diameter to compact reading lamps or strip lights, choose a size that suits the installation spot.
5. Switch Type (Touch or Rocker)
Consider how the light is turned on/off. Some caravan lights come with a built-in switch on the light itself; this could be a traditional rocker switch or a modern touch-sensitive switch. An integrated switch is convenient for local control (for example, a reading light with its own switch or a ceiling light you can toggle by touching it). Touch switches offer a sleek look and often allow dimming or multiple brightness levels by tapping. Other lights might have no switch on the fixture, intended to be wired to a wall switch or a central panel. Think about your usage: do you want to be able to switch the light at the source, or will it be controlled with the caravan’s master lighting switch? Many people like touch lights for their simplicity and ease no fumbling in the dark for a tiny toggle.
6. Light Adjustability
For task lighting, adjustable aim or brightness is a big plus. Swivel or gooseneck reading lights let you direct the beam exactly where needed (for example, pointing a light at your book or across a table). Some interior lights have a pivoting base or a lens that rotates 180° for quick light adjustment, which is perfect for reading in bed or illuminating a specific area. Beyond physical adjustment, also look for lights with multiple output settings. A number of caravan LED lights now have dual brightness modes or a night-light setting (e.g. a soft amber glow for nighttime). Touch-sensitive lights often support this by cycling through brightness levels. Adjustable and directional lights enhance comfort you get light where you need it without glare in your eyes.
7. Ease of Installation
If you’re installing the lights yourself, simplicity is key. Most 12V caravan lights are two-wire installations (positive and negative), which is straightforward if replacing an existing light, just remember to disconnect power before wiring. Check if the light comes with mounting screws, brackets, or other hardware. Some ultra-thin LED panels might use adhesive or velcro for mounting, but generally caravan lights will screw into place. Also consider the wiring length and whether the fixture will cover old screw holes or marks. If you’re retrofitting, using LED replacement globes (bulbs) might be the easiest route (more on that below). In any case, choosing a light that matches your skill level and existing setup will make the job much easier. Many products emphasise quick, simple installation,for instance, flush LED downlights that clip in easily or strip lights that surface mount with minimal fuss.
CARAC’s Range of Caravan Lights
CARAC takes pride in offering a comprehensive range of 12V interior lighting for caravans, with a focus on quality and reliability. Finding a good 12V replacement can be difficult, which is why CARAC only stocks caravan lights that are tried and tested from brands we use in our workshop.
LED Dome & Ceiling Lights
These are the classic interior lights that mount on your ceiling or wall to illuminate a broad area. Often dubbed “oyster” lights or dome lights, they usually have a round or oval shape with a diffused lens. Modern LED dome lights provide excellent ambient lighting for your caravan’s living space or bedroom. For example, CARAC offers surface-mount LED dome lights that replace older fluorescent fittings with energy-saving LEDs one Camec model is a 250mm round oyster light with 24 LEDs, available in warm white to give a cozy feel. Many dome lights in the range feature built-in switches for convenience, and high lumen output (some up to 630 lumens) to brightly light up larger areas. The QLED chrome dome light with touch switch is another popular option, combining a sleek finish with a touch-sensitive on/off control for ease of use.
LED RV Strip Lights
If you’re looking for a slim, modern lighting solution, consider the LED strip and bar lights. These are long, narrow fixtures that provide an even spread of light across an area, perfect for mounting under overhead cabinets, along the ceiling, or inside cupboards. CARAC’s range includes strip lights in various lengths (common sizes around 260mm, 410mm, 600mm, up to 770mm) to suit different installations. Many of these strips have an ultra low-profile design (only a few millimetres thick) with an aluminium housing for good heat dissipation and durability. They typically come with integrated touch sensor switches, so you can just tap the bar to turn them on/off very handy for kitchens or above the caravan dinette. Despite their slim size, these strip lights pack high-brightness SMD LEDs, giving you plenty of light for cooking, dining or getting ready.
Swivel & Reading Lights
For targeted lighting, CARAC stocks a variety of adjustable reading lamps and swivel lights. These compact LED fixtures are perfect for bedsides, seating areas or the caravan lounge anywhere you might want to read, work, or have a focused light. They usually feature a pivoting or goose-neck design that lets you angle the light exactly where you want it. For example, Narva’s LED swivel lamps (available in lengths like 187mm or 255mm) can rotate 180° to direct light and use multiple LEDs to give a smooth, even beam. They come in stylish designs (white or silver bases) to blend with your interior. These lights are fantastic as reading lights above a bed or couch you can aim the light at your book or keyboard without disturbing others. Despite their small size, they are efficient and bright, often with a focused beam that’s easy on the eyes. Many have a built-in switch (some even touch-activated) on the base, so they’re easy to turn on when you’re tucked into bed.
Touch Lights & Downlights
A popular trend in caravan lighting is the use of touch-sensitive lights and sleek downlights for a modern, clutter-free appearance. CARAC’s range includes LED downlights that recess into the ceiling for a flush finish for instance, Camec’s 12V LED down lights in chrome or white bezel, which offer bright illumination with very low heat output and an impressive lifespan (up to 50,000 hours). These downlights create a clean, high-end look in your caravan interior and are great for general lighting or highlighting specific areas. Many interior lights now incorporate touch technology as well. Aside from the strip lights and dome lights mentioned earlier, there are innovative products like the QLED “Flapjack” dome lamp which features a 2-stage touch switch for High/Low brightness, and even models that include a night-light mode (dim warm glow) activated by touch. Touch lights are extremely user-friendly just a light tap on the lens toggles the light, which is convenient for midnight trips to the fridge or bathroom.