An inverter is a core component of any campervan electrical system. It's what allows you to power mains appliances like your laptop or a television from your 12V leisure batteries. The 5 best power inverters for campervans combine brand reputation, performance, durability, and energy efficiency. To help you compare the inverters better and choose the best one for your system, we’ve highlighted key details like the wave type, safety features, watts, price, and user ratings of each unit on our list.
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Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He has authored Roaming Home, and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
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What is a Campervan Power Inverter?
Mains appliances, like your laptop, television, and power tools, run off AC power. Yet, your campervan’s leisure batteries provide 12V DC power. An inverter converts the DC power from your leisure batteries to AC power, allowing you to run mains devices in your campervan when you aren’t plugged into shore power.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of campervan inverters, check out our comprehensive guide on the subject. It covers everything from inverter terminology, choosing the right size, installation, wiring, and usage tips to essential supplies.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Power Inverter for Your Campervan
Continuous Power Rating: calculate the total wattage you expect to use at any given time. Add the watt ratings of the devices you plan to use simultaneously, then pick an inverter with about 15% more power than you need. If the combined power draw of your appliances is 800 watts, then a 1000W inverter is a good option. Our inverter size calculator simplifies these calculations.
Surge Rating: This is the maximum amount of power the inverter can supply for a short time. Some appliances demand a greater surge of power on startup before quickly dropping back to their running level. For this reason, a 1000W campervan inverter will typically have a surge rating of 2000W, while a 2000W inverter has a surge rating of 4000W.
Waveform: A pure sine wave inverter is the best option for most people due to its compatibility with complex electronics. Modified sine wave inverters are often cheaper but should only be used with simple appliances.
Advanced Features: Some campervan power inverters incorporate Bluetooth smart monitoring or a combined function as a shore hook-up connection.
Sizing Your Inverter
It is important that you buy the correct size inverter for your needs. An inverter that's too small will simply shut down if you try to power more than it can handle. Our inverter sizing calculator will help you decide on a total power rating for your inverter based on your usage.
Top Power Inverter for Campervans: Best Overall
We believe that Renogy's inverters offer the best overall balance between performance, features, and price. All their inverters are pure sine wave, meaning they can be used with any appliance without issue. Their high efficiency ratings of 90% mean you're getting great bang for your buck, all in a quiet and streamlined package. They're optimised to work with all common leisure battery chemistries, and incorporate comprehensive safety features.
Wave Type: Pure sine wave inverter
Efficiency: Over 90%
Bluetooth: With optional smart dongle
Standout Features: Comprehensive electronic protections, 5V/2.1A USB Port, 3 outlets, stable output voltage at full load, powerful heat dissipation, LED indicators, remote controller, durable metal casing, and 1-year warranty.
You miss out on integrated Bluetooth functionality and longer warrantees with Renogy inverters. Overall, though, they're the strongest mid-budget option.
Top Power Inverter for Campervans: Best Premium Option
Victron inverters deliver a premium experience with an exceptionally long warranty. Their inverters come with integrated Bluetooth functionality and a great app, allowing you to monitor and control your inverter from your phone. The automatic ECO mode activates when load drops below a preset value, saving your batteries. The 5 year warranty reflects Victron's reputation as a producer of high-end, durable electronics.
Wave Type: Pure sine wave inverter
Efficiency: over 90%
Bluetooth: yes
Standout Features: 5 years standard warranty, eco mode, high-start up power, LED diagnosis, short circuit proof, overheating protection, and can be operated and monitored from a device.
Top Power Inverter for Campervans: Best Modified Sine Wave Inverter
BESTEK produce modified sine wave inverters for budget-conscious vanlifers whose use of sophisticated electronics is limited. Their inverters supply very high peak power, making them ideal for high-wattage power tools or resistive loads like hair dryers.
Continuous Power Rating: 2000 watts
Surge Rating: 4600 watts
Wave Type: Modified sine wave inverter
Efficiency: above 85%
Price: £228.30
Weight: 7.9 lbs
Amazon User Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 from 1,226 user reviews
Standout Features: 3 power outlets, massive peak power, portable handle, solid aluminum construction, 18-months warranty, built-in fuses for safety, high-speed cooling fan, and audible overload alarm with LED light.
Top Power Inverter for Campervans: Best Inverter-Charger
An inverter-charger is an excellent device that combines the functionality of an inverter with a mains battery charger. This gives you off-grid mains electricity as well as a shore hook-up connection for plugging in at campsites in one compact box. You thus save on space and wiring complexity. Renogy make excellent inverter-chargers with the same quality features as their inverters.
Wave Type: Pure sine wave inverter
Efficiency: Over 90%
Bluetooth: With optional smart dongle
Leisure battery charging: yes
Standout features: Compatible with diverse battery types, 4-stage battery charging for optimal performance, multiple electrical protections for enhanced safety.
Top Power Inverter for Campervans: Best Portable Inverter
A portable power station combines a large battery with an inverter and multiple power outlets for an all-in-one portable power supply. These are excellent if you haven't yet committed to a full campervan electrical system, or if you want to power mains appliances away from your van. Bluetti's power stations feature long-lasting lithium leisure batteries and powerful pure sine wave inverters. They pair very well with portable solar panels, and feature enough outlets to power any device you can think of.
Battery capacity: 448Wh
Inverter power: 700W
Surge rating: 1000W
Wave type: pure sine wave
Bluetooth: yes
Standout features: Charges in 70mins from AC mains power, battery lasts 3,000 cycles before reaching 80% of original capacity, expandable to 1,254Wh capacity.
Power Up Your Van Life With a Quality Inverter
There you have it: the best 12V power inverters for campervans in 2024. Whichever option you select, rest assured that it will serve you well as all the above products excel in quality, performance, efficiency, and safety.
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If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book Roaming Home, or in our online course The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Until next time.