If you’re planning on going off-grid—whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a months-long road trip—you need a reliable 12 Volt setup. It’s the backbone of powering everything from your fridge and lighting to water pumps and chargers. The good news? Building a dependable 12V system is easier than it sounds—especially when you have the right components and know-how.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of creating a practical and efficient 12 Volt setup for your caravan or 4WD using rugged, affordable gear from All 12 Volt.
Start by making a list of what you want to power:
Fridge/freezer
LED lights
Phone/laptop chargers
Water pump
Fan
Inverter for 240V appliances
Estimate the daily power draw in amp-hours (Ah). This step helps you decide what size battery, solar, and charging system you’ll need. Overbuilding a little is better than coming up short on power.
Your battery is the heart of the system. Choose a deep-cycle AGM or lithium battery designed for regular discharge and recharge cycles.
Popular options include:
100Ah AGM for weekend trips
200Ah+ Lithium for extended off-grid living
Our ZENOT range includes high-performance batteries that offer excellent value without compromise on quality.
Don’t risk flattening your vehicle’s starter battery. A dual battery system lets you run all your gear from a secondary battery while preserving the one that starts your engine.
Use a:
Battery isolator or DC-DC charger to manage power flow
Smart charger to ensure efficient recharging on the move
To stay off-grid longer, solar is a must. Pair your system with:
Portable or roof-mounted solar panels
A quality solar charge controller
This setup lets you recharge batteries during the day using clean, free energy from the sun. All 12 Volt offers tested solar gear for harsh Aussie conditions.
You wouldn’t drive without a fuel gauge, right? The same applies to power. A battery monitor (wired or Bluetooth) helps you track voltage, usage, and charging in real time so you can avoid draining your system.
From lighting to fans, pumps, and sockets—make sure every accessory is designed for 12V use. Our ZENOT range includes:
High-efficiency LED lighting
Durable 12V water pumps
Compact 12V fans for warm nights
All gear is field-tested to survive rugged travel and Aussie weather extremes.
Never underestimate the importance of quality wiring:
Use the correct cable gauge to prevent voltage drop
Install fuse blocks or circuit breakers
Protect wiring from heat, vibration, and moisture
A reliable setup isn’t just about performance—it’s also about safety and longevity.
Once you get the 12V bug, you’ll probably want to add more gear down the line. Plan ahead by:
Installing extra DC sockets
Leaving room on fuse blocks
Choosing modular components
This saves time and hassle when upgrading later.
At All 12 Volt, we’ve helped thousands of Aussie travellers build reliable, budget-friendly 12V systems. Our team is passionate about real-world performance, and we only stock gear that we’ve tested ourselves in the outdoors.
Explore 12V components now at All12Volt.com.au
Power your journey with confidence. Go further. Stay longer. Camp smarter.
Who does not love the outdoors and camping? It's a great adventure and opens up new destinations and often unexplored places. But you need to be well equipped with the safe and durable caravan and camping accessories for these outdoor activities. It is undoubtedly thrilling and exciting, but unless you take good care of what you need to do and what you should avoid, there's always a chance of an unpleasant experience. It pays to take sound advice from a 4WD specialist when going on a camping trip.