Complete Guide to Off-Grid Caravan Power in Australia
Complete Guide to Off-Grid Caravan Power
Australia is made for off-grid travel. Wide beaches, bush camps, and red-dirt tracks are waiting, but powered caravan sites are often nowhere to be seen. To enjoy these places with confidence, you need a reliable off-grid power setup. With the right mix of a 12V battery, a high-capacity 48V battery, a smart inverter, and charging gear, you can run your caravan almost as comfortably as if you were plugged into mains. This guide answers the big questions, explains the technology, and helps you choose the right setup for Australian conditions.
What Do You Actually Need to Power?
Start by thinking about what you actually use in a day. Most caravanners run a 12V fridge continuously, lights at night, and charge phones or tablets in the background. Add in a water pump, stereo, or TV, and your daily draw grows quickly. Appliances like coffee machines, kettles, microwaves, and caravan air conditioning units add serious power demand, especially if they are run through an inverter. By listing your essentials, you can build a system that keeps up without forcing you to rely on a noisy generator.
12V Battery vs Lithium Battery vs 48V Systems
A 12V battery system is the traditional caravan setup. AGM batteries are still common and are cheaper upfront, but they are heavier, slower to charge, and provide only about half of their rated capacity as usable energy. A lithium battery is lighter, charges faster, and offers up to 90 percent usable capacity, which means more real-world run time from the same size bank.
For high-demand setups, a 48V battery system is becoming the new standard. By raising the voltage, the system reduces current, which lowers stress on cabling and improves efficiency. The DCX System integrates 48V lithium batteries with chassis mounting, onboard safety, and seamless inverter support. This makes it ideal for running heavy loads such as caravan air conditioning or 12V induction cooktops.
How Much Capacity Do You Really Need?
Capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah) for 12V systems or kilowatt-hours (kWh) for 48V systems. A single 100Ah AGM battery gives you about 50Ah of usable capacity, which might run a fridge and lights for a day but not much more. A 200Ah lithium battery provides closer to 180Ah of usable capacity, enough for fridges, lights, and devices for a few days if you recharge daily with solar.
For serious off-grid use including caravan air conditioning, you will need larger banks. The DCX Power System 12V comes in 628Ah or 942Ah options, while the DCX 48V system provides 7.1kWh or 14.3kWh. These setups give you enough power for extended trips, heavy appliances, and the flexibility to stay longer at remote sites.
Understanding Inverters
An inverter converts DC battery power into 240V AC to run household appliances. Choosing the right size inverter is critical. A 2000W unit is fine for smaller items like laptops or kettles, but a caravan air conditioner or induction cooktop may need 3000W or more. The DCX Inverter provides up to 5kW of continuous power, enough to run multiple appliances at once without tripping out.
Consider efficiency too. A quality inverter wastes less power as heat and provides a smoother sine wave, which protects sensitive electronics. Positioning matters as well: inverters need airflow to stay cool and should be mounted in a safe, ventilated space inside your van.
Solar, DC-DC Charging, and Vehicle Input
Solar panels are the backbone of most off-grid setups in Australia. Roof-mounted panels keep batteries topped up throughout the day, while portable panels let you chase the sun. The amount of solar you need depends on your battery bank and usage. A weekend camper may get by with 200W of solar, while a full-time traveller running a caravan air conditioning unit may want 800 to 1000W.
Solar alone is not always enough, especially in cloudy conditions. A DC-DC charger like the 850W OzX unit lets you recharge your battery bank from the vehicle alternator while you drive. This ensures you arrive at your next site with full batteries. Together, solar and DC-DC create a balanced, reliable system.
Comparison Table of Common Setups
| System | Battery Type | Capacity | Voltage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic AGM Setup | Lead Acid | 100–200Ah | 12V | Weekend trips, basic lights and fridge only |
| DCX Power System | Lithium Battery | 628–942Ah | 12V | Off-grid caravanning with moderate appliances |
| DCX System 48V | 48V Lithium Battery | 7.1–14.3kWh | 48V | Running caravan air conditioners, induction cooktops, long-term touring |
How Long Do Batteries and Inverters Last?
AGM batteries typically last three to five years if treated well. A lithium battery can last ten years or more, even with frequent cycling, making it a smarter long-term investment. Inverters from quality brands should also last many years, provided they are installed correctly and kept cool. Choosing a system like the DCX range means you get both performance and longevity, as they are engineered for Australian conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many new caravanners underestimate their power use and end up with a system that is too small. Others buy large batteries but pair them with insufficient solar, leading to frustration. Another common mistake is skimping on cabling or installation, which can cause dangerous overheating. Always size cables correctly, fuse both input and output, and consider professional installation for peace of mind.
Real-World Example: Running Air Conditioning Off-Grid
Imagine running a 3.5kW caravan air conditioner for two hours in the evening. At about 1400W of draw, this is roughly 2.8kWh of energy. On a 12V system this could mean around 230Ah of lithium battery use just for the aircon. Add a fridge, lights, pumps, and charging devices, and most travellers find a 300 to 400Ah lithium bank is the minimum sweet spot. With a 48V battery system, current is reduced, efficiency improves, and longer run times are possible without pushing the limits of your wiring.