Caravan Power Calculator
Combine 12V and AC caravan appliances — fridge, lighting, water pump, TV and more — to size your battery bank, solar array and inverter for extended touring. Preloaded with common caravan gear; edit freely.
| Appliance | Watts | Hours/day | Qty | Wh/day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large caravan/RV 12V compressor fridge (~80–150L)DC (12V) | 1,560 Wh | ||||
| Caravan/RV interior lighting (all lights)DC (12V) | 100 Wh | ||||
| 12V water pumpDC (12V) | 12 Wh | ||||
| TV (12V or small AC)AC (via inverter) | 135 Wh | ||||
| LaptopAC (via inverter) | 260 Wh | ||||
| Smartphone chargingDC (12V) | 20 Wh | ||||
| Wi-Fi routerDC (12V) | 120 Wh |
Appliance library
Wattages shown are estimates. Check the rating label or manual of your actual appliance for the most accurate value — every field is editable once added.
A reserve helps account for conversion losses, temperature, battery aging and differences between estimated and actual appliance consumption. Default is 20%.
Applied to AC appliances only, to approximate inverter conversion losses — theoretical battery capacity is not the same as real usable AC energy. Default is 85%. DC (12V) appliances are not adjusted.
Sizing a caravan power system
Caravans typically mix always-on 12V loads (fridge, lighting, water pump) with occasional AC appliances (TV, laptop, kettle) run through an inverter. Longer trips usually call for a 12V lithium (LiFePO4) battery bank rather than a portable power station alone — see your recommended power class in the results below, and the dedicated Caravan Battery Size Calculator for Ah figures at different system voltages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery do I need for my caravan?+
It depends on your daily 12V and AC load, how many days you want to run without recharging, and how much solar or vehicle charging you have. Add your appliances above, or use the dedicated Caravan Battery Size Calculator for Ah figures at 12V, 24V or 48V.
Can I charge my caravan battery while driving?+
Many setups use a DC-DC charger from the vehicle's alternator while driving, in addition to solar and mains/AC charging when available. This calculator lets you flag that you recharge from the vehicle regularly, which is worth factoring into how much reserve capacity you actually need.
Do I need an electrician to install a caravan battery system?+
Permanent installations, especially anything involving mains 230/240V wiring, often require a qualified professional depending on your jurisdiction and local regulations. This tool is for planning purposes only — always confirm installation requirements with a licensed professional.
Related Calculators
RV Power Calculator
Size your RV's 12V and AC appliance load, battery bank, solar array and inverter for boondocking and off-grid RV travel.
Caravan Battery Size Calculator
Work out what size lithium (LiFePO4) battery your caravan needs in Wh and Ah at 12V, 24V or 48V, based on daily use, autonomy and solar.
Power Station Size Calculator
Work out what size portable power station you need in Wh, based on the devices you want to run, how many hours per day, and how many days off-grid.
Camping Power Calculator
Calculate your camping power needs — fridge, lights, phones, Starlink and more — and get a recommended power station and solar size for your next trip.