Essential 12V Accessories for the Ultimate Off-Road & Camping Experience
Planning an off-road adventure or camping trip? Whether you’re tackling Fraser Island, heading into the Victorian High Country, or you’re ready to start a big lap of Australia, having the right 12V setup can make all the difference.
There’s nothing worse than pulling up to a remote campsite, only to find your fridge has drained your battery and your solar panels can’t keep up. A well-planned 12V system keeps your food fresh, your lights on, and your devices powered—so you can enjoy the adventure without the stress.
Let’s dive into some of the must-have 12V accessories that every Australian camper, 4WDer, and overlander needs to stay powered up and ready for anything.
Powering Your Adventures – Essential 12V Power Solutions
A solid 12V power system is the backbone of any off-grid setup. Here’s what you need to keep everything running smoothly.
Dual Battery Systems
A dual battery system is one of the best upgrades for anyone looking to run camping fridges, lighting, and other accessories without worrying about flattening their vehicle’s starting battery. By using an auxiliary battery, you can safely power all your gear while keeping your main battery reserved for starting the engine.
Modern systems include DC-DC chargers and battery management systems, which help regulate charging, prevent over-discharge, and extend battery life. If you’re serious about off-grid travel, a well-set-up dual battery system is a game-changer.
Worth a Look: Redarc BCDC1225D – A high-quality Australian-made DC-DC charger that ensures your auxiliary battery charges efficiently while you drive.
Lithium vs. AGM Batteries
Choosing the right deep-cycle battery for your setup is crucial. Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries are quickly becoming the go-to choice for campers due to their lightweight design, fast charging, and longer lifespan compared to traditional AGM or lead-acid batteries.
While lithium batteries cost more upfront, they last up to four times longer and can handle deeper discharges without damage. However, AGM batteries remain a solid choice for those on a budget or if you’re only heading out on the occassional weekend trip.
Worth a Look: Invicta Lithium Batteries – A range of reliable lithium options designed for Australian camping conditions. Available in various shapes, sizes and capacities.
Portable Power Stations
If you don’t want to go through the effort of installing a dual battery system, or you need a flexible power source that you can move around, a portable power station is a great alternative. These all-in-one units come with a built-in battery, an inverter, and multiple output options, allowing you to charge 12V appliances, USB devices, and even 240V equipment.
Perfect for weekend campers or those needing a backup power source, they charge via solar, mains power, or a vehicle’s 12V socket, making them incredibly versatile for off-grid trips.
Worth a Look: Bluetti Elite 200 V2 – With 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output, the Elite 200 V2 delivers impressive power to keep devices fully charged all day long! Powers up to 7 devices simultaneously – perfect for fueling your essentials during RVing, camping, and road trips
Solar Power – Charging Your Gear Off-Grid
Fixed vs. Portable Solar Panels
Solar panels are a must-have for extended off-grid camping, keeping your batteries topped up without needing to run your vehicle. Fixed panels are mounted on your 4WD, caravan, or camper, providing a constant charge when in sunlight, while portable solar panels allow you to move them around for better sun exposure.
Portable panels are best for those who like to camp in the shade, as they can be placed in direct sunlight while your vehicle remains cool.
Worth a Look: Redarc 160W Solar Blanket – Compact, lightweight, and works even in partial shade.
MPPT Solar Controllers
A solar controller regulates power from your solar panels to your battery, preventing overcharging and maximising efficiency. MPPT controllers extract more energy from panels compared to PWM controllers, making them the best choice for serious off-grid setups.
A high-quality MPPT controller ensures that even in cloudy conditions, your panels are still delivering the best charge possible.
Worth a Look: Victron SmartSolar MPPT – Bluetooth monitoring and top efficiency for Australian conditions.
Keeping Food & Drinks Cold – Best 12V Fridges & Freezers
A 12V fridge is one of the most essential accessories for any serious camper or 4WD traveller. Unlike iceboxes, they keep food and drinks consistently cold without melting ice, making them perfect for long trips.
Modern fridges come with battery protection, low power consumption, and Wi-Fi monitoring, allowing you to control the temperature from your phone. Investing in a high-efficiency fridge ensures food stays fresh, and drinks stay cold even in the harshest conditions.
Worth a Look: Dometic CFX3 55L – Runs efficiently, tough as nails, and handles 40°C+ outback heat with ease.
Power-Saving Tips for Your Fridge:
- Park in the shade to reduce heat absorption.
- Use a thermal cover to insulate the fridge and reduce power draw.
- Set the temperature between 2-4°C for the best balance between efficiency and cooling.
Camp Cooking & Kitchen Setup – 12V Cooking Accessories
12V Ovens & Hotplates
If you love hot meals on the road, a 12V oven or induction cooktop is a great addition to your setup. These appliances let you bake, reheat, and even roast food while driving or at camp—without needing gas.
Perfect for pies, roasts, and pre-prepped meals, a good 12V oven can make road trips much more enjoyable.
Worth a Look: Travel Buddy 12V Oven – Compact, reliable, and perfect for cooking meals on the go.
12V Coffee Machines
A morning coffee is essential for many campers, and with the right 12V coffee maker, you don’t need to rely on instant coffee. A portable coffee machine makes fresh espresso using 12V or battery power, giving you a barista-quality brew wherever you are.
Great for remote camping trips or early morning starts, these machines are a game-changer for coffee lovers.
Worth a Look: Makita 18V Coffee Machine – Ideal for those who already have Makita batteries, delivering a quality cup of coffee on the go.
12V Water Pumps & Filtration
A good water pump makes it easy to access pressurised water for drinking, washing, or showering. Whether you’re pumping from a water tank, jerry can, or creek, a 12V pump and filtration system ensures you have safe, clean water wherever you go.
Ideal for off-grid setups, caravans, and remote camping, a quality pump adds convenience and efficiency to your water system.
Worth a Look: Flojet 12V Water Pump – Compact, reliable, and great for drinking water setups.
Need advice or help installing 12v accessories on your rig? Give our friendly team a call at Sandgate Auto Electrics & Automotive Services and we can talk through how we can create a solution for you!