How Do 12V Caravan TVs Work?
A 12-volt caravan TV is specially designed to run on DC power from your RV’s battery. In a typical setup, you simply plug the TV into a 12V socket (or hardwire it to your 12V system) just as you would other caravan appliances. The key benefit is efficiency: 12V TVs draw power directly from batteries with minimal loss, unlike household TVs that require power-hungry inverters. Most caravan TVs, including those at CARAC, also come with dual power capability (12V DC and 240V AC adapters), so you can use mains power at a caravan park or your 240V generator.
Built-in voltage regulators in good 12V TVs protect against power fluctuations. Caravan batteries can run higher than 12V (often 13-14V when charging), and some RVs use 24V systems. For example, certain models include 10-30V surge protection to operate safely on both 12V and 24V setups. In short, a caravan TV connects to your battery, endures variable voltages and efficiently delivers entertainment wherever you travel.
7 Key Features to Look for in a 12V Caravan TV
When shopping for a 12V caravan TV in Australia, keep an eye on features that enhance your viewing experience and reliability on the road. Here are some key features and options to consider:
1. Size & Resolution: Caravan TVs range from compact 22-inch screens up to 40-inch displays. Smaller TVs (19-24″) often run at HD (720p) resolution, which looks sharp at close range, while larger TVs (27-40″) usually offer Full HD (1080p) for crisper detail. Choose a size that fits your space for example, a 24″ is ideal for a dinette or bedroom wall, whereas a 32-40″ suits larger motorhomes or annex setups. Always opt for Full HD if you want the best clarity on bigger screens (the price difference is minor and worth it for a clearer picture).
2. Smart TV Functionality: A 12V smart TV for motorhomes and caravans comes with built-in Wi-Fi and apps, letting you stream Netflix, Stan, YouTube and more on the go. These models run on platforms like Android TV (e.g. Android 11 OS) with app stores and built-in Chromecast for casting from your phone. Smart caravan TVs are perfect for tech-savvy travellers. Pair the TV with a mobile hotspot or caravan WiFi, and you have a full home theater experience off-grid. If you’re not often online, a non-smart TV might suffice for watching free-to-air broadcasts and DVDs. (Tip: You can always add a streaming dongle later if needed.)
3. Built-in TV DVD Player: Many caravan TVs include an integrated DVD player, which is great for grey nomads and campers with a collection of DVDs. A TV/DVD combo saves space and power; no extra devices are needed. For example, ENGLAON Frameless 24" Full HD Android Smart 12V TV With Built-in DVD player and Chromecast model has a built-in DVD drive along with a Full HD screen and Wi-Fi, ideal for caravan use. Watching movies on disc is a reliable entertainment option when you’re camped out in remote areas with no internet or TV reception.
4. Durability & Vibration Resistance: Life on the road can be bumpy, so build quality is crucial. Look for TVs specifically marketed for caravans/RVs these have robust construction and are shock tested to handle vibrations. For instance, Englaon’s caravan TVs use special vibration-proof, shock-resistant construction so they won’t break when the corrugated roads get rough. Sturdy housings, secure internal components and reliable mounts ensure your TV survives endless bumps and potholes.
5. TV Connectivity (Inputs & Outputs): Check that the TV has all the ports you need. Common on 12V TVs are HDMI inputs (for media players, game consoles or laptops), USB ports (to play video files or power streaming sticks), and a coaxial RF input for hooking up a caravan TV antenna. Many caravan TVs also feature Bluetooth output handy for connecting wireless headphones or a soundbar and Wi-Fi in smart models. Ensure the TV has a built-in HD digital tuner (all our models do), so you can tune into free-to-air channels using an antenna without an external decoder. Audio outputs (like a headphone jack or coaxial out) are useful if you want better sound through external speakers.
6. Power Consumption: One big advantage of 12V TVs is their low power draw. High-quality caravan televisions are engineered to be energy efficient for off-grid touring. Many consume between about 20W to 60W depending on screen size, which translates to roughly 1.8A-5A current draw at 12V. For context, if your TV draws 2A, you could watch ~40-50 hours on a 100Ah battery before it’s depleted. Choosing an efficient TV means you can enjoy longer viewing sessions without draining your caravan’s battery a must for extended free camping. Look for features like LED backlighting and energy-saving modes, and consider that smaller screens and 720p models typically use a bit less power than larger, Full HD ones.
7. TV Mounting & Design: Consider how you’ll install the TV in your van. Most caravan TVs come with a stand but also support VESA mounting (e.g. 75x75mm or 100x100mm patterns) to easily attach to swivel brackets or wall mounts. A swivel arm mount lets you adjust the viewing angle useful in tight caravan layouts. Also note the design: slim, light-weight TVs with minimal bezels (frameless designs) not only look modern but also save space. For example, Englaon’s “Frameless” series offers an ultra-thin bezel for a larger screen feel in the same physical size. Lightweight construction means less strain on your walls or mounts when driving.
CARAC’s Range of 12V Televisions (22″ to 40″)
We stock a curated selection of 12V caravan TVs suited to all needs from compact camper setups to luxury motorhomes. Our range focuses on trusted Australian brands like Englaon (a local 12V TV specialist with 20+ years experience). Here’s an overview of what you’ll find in our 12V TV collection:
Englaon 12V Smart TVs & DVD TVs
Englaon is a leading brand for caravan TVs in Australia, and CARAC carries their latest models. Englaon TVs are purpose-built for caravanning with features like shock-resistant panels, Full HD screens, and integrated smart tech. Englaon offers TVs in multiple sizes (22″, 24″, 25″, 27″, 32″, and 40″) to suit different RV layouts.
Compact 22-24″ Models
Perfect for smaller vans or those who value portability. For example, the Englaon 22″ Full HD Google TV includes Android OS with Chromecast & Bluetooth, plus a built-in DVD player all in a slick frameless design. The Englaon 24″ sized TV, provides both a budget-friendly HD model (1366x768 resolution) and upgraded smart Full HD models. The 24″ Englaon sets range from a straightforward HD TV (great for basic viewing with minimal power use) to a feature packed smart TV with Android 11, HDR10, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Despite the advanced tech, these remain super efficient and vibration resistant for travel.
Mid-size 25-27″ Models
In this range, Englaon offers some of its flagship features. The 25″ Full HD Smart TV (X90 series) is one of the newest in their lineup, boasting Google Certified Android TV capabilities and enhanced picture quality. Englaon touts it as the “pinnacle” of their range, combining top tier resolution with a manageable size for caravans. The 27″ model similarly delivers 1080p Full HD visuals and includes a built-in DVD player (model M80 series), giving you the best of both worlds: streaming and disc playback. These mid-size TVs are popular for those who spend a lot of time on the road (think full-time travellers and grey nomads) because they hit a sweet spot between screen size and power consumption.
Large 32-40″ Models
For the ultimate “home away from home” experience, our larger Englaon TVs provide a cinematic touch to your motorhome or big caravan. The 32″ smart TVs come in both HD and Full HD variants, both with Android smart features the Full HD model even includes an integrated DVD. At the top of the range is the Englaon 40″ Full HD Smart 12V TV, currently one of the largest 12V TVs available. It runs Android 11 with built-in Chromecast and Bluetooth, so you can stream content or mirror your devices easily. A 40″ screen in your caravan means you can kick back in the annex or under the awning and watch footy finals on a big screen! Yet, these models are still efficient on power (roughly 5-6 amps draw at most) and are built with the same travel-ready robustness as the smaller sets.