Power SOURCES

Caravans require a variety of power sources to keep everything running smoothly, and all of them will need to be topped up.

Power supply has the potential to make or break your holiday. There are several individual and related power sources you may need to consider when setting up your rig, making it one of the most complicated parts of caravanning.

Most of your caravan’s appliances (like lights, TV, etc.) will run on either (or both) 240V mains power and 12V battery power. Others, such as your cooktop, barbecue and, perhaps, a heater, will probably require gas, while a generator or space heater may use diesel.

All these power sources need to be understood and considered to ensure a successful camping trip - from when and where you’ll access 240V power if needed and how you’ll power your 12V batteries, to where and how you’ll source and carry your additional fuels of gas, diesel and/or fuel.

POWER SOURCES

240 VOLT

Whether you have a stock-standard, entry-level black-top tourer or a top-ofthe-range, fully-customised off-roader, your caravan will be built to operate on 240V mains power. This is the same power your house runs on, and the power available from caravan parks. When you’re hooked up to mains power, you won’t be depleting your on board power source (12V battery power) and can run any appliances within your van – even high-draw items such as coffee machines or hair dryers – without issue.

12 VOLT

Once you leave the caravan park and head for national park campsites or even more remote sites, you’ll need to rely on your caravan’s 12V battery set-up. This will differ between caravans, depending on the system optioned during the build. Different caravanners have different needs and these can vary wildly from a single 90Ah deep-cycle battery to a 1000Ah lithium rig. But, in principle, the set-ups work the same way.

The 12V batteries are a power storage device which, when correctly charged (see below), can power a range of modern appliances for a limited period of time. This includes items such as lights, TVs and radios, but excludes high-draw items. Once the power from the 12V batteries has been depleted through use, they will need to be topped up.

GAS

While it is possible for a caravan to run a gas-less system where LPG is not required, the vast majority of modern caravans use at least one, if not more, gas appliances. These include internal gas cooktops, external gas barbecues and even gas space heaters. If your caravan has gas appliances, you’ll need to carry one or more gas cylinders with you, depending on your needs. These are exactly the same as the gas cylinders you’d use for your barbecue at home, and can be easily swapped or refilled when required.

DIESEL

Diesel appliances are less common than gas, however you may choose to run a diesel generator to supplement your power sources, or even a diesel space heater to keep your RV warm. If so, you’ll need to source and carry diesel with you on your trips. Diesel is usually carried in jerry cans on the outside of the caravan or vehicle.

PETROL

If you run some diesel appliances and also tow with a diesel vehicle, then you’ve got one less power source to think about. However, if your tow tug runs on unleaded petrol, you’ll need to consider your fuel requirements during every trip. If you don’t have a long-range fuel tank, or you’re doing long stretches in remote areas, you’ll need to carry fuel with you to ensure you don’t run out and become stranded.

QUICK TIP

Always make sure the valves at the top of your gas bottles are closed before you drive away from camp.