You’re here for the 5 best power inverters for campervans. We’ve selected our top picks based on brand reputation, performance, durability, and energy efficiency.
To help you compare the inverters better and choose the best one for your van conversion, we’ve highlighted key details like the wave type, safety features, watts, price, and user ratings of each unit on our list.
Spoiler: Our top pick for the category is the Renogy 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter. Read on to learn why we picked it and what are the other best options.
I’m Shane, a van conversion professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. I've authored Roaming Home, and teach The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. I also write The Van Conversion Newsletter, where I share practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, I’m excited to share my expertise with you.
Now let's jump in and look at the best power inverters for campervans!
Note: Before we hop in, you will can to grab yourself a free wiring diagram by signing up to The Van Conversion Newsletter
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click a product link and buy anything from the merchant (Amazon, eBay, etc.) we will receive a commission fee. The price you pay remains the same, affiliate link or not. By using these links, you are helping me to continue writing free educational content! To understand our policies on content, affiliate commissions, and liability, please review our Terms of Use.
First, What is a Campervan Power Inverter?
Most modern appliances use AC power—110V (North America) or 240V (Europe). Yet, your campervan’s leisure batteries provide 12V DC power. Now, an inverter is a device that converts 12V DC electricity from your leisure/house batteries into 110V AC (North America) or 240V AC (Europe).
Put simply, an inverter allows you to run appliances and personal gadgets from your camper’s leisure battery when you aren’t plugged into shore power. Think charging a laptop, blending a smoothie, grinding coffee beans, operating a microwave, or running a hair dryer. This makes an inverter super handy when camping in wild places.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of campervan inverters, we have an A to Z 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
Of course, you’ll want to consider the following factors when picking a campervan inverter:
Continuous Power Rating - You'll want to figure out how many continuous watts of power the inverter can produce. The typical range for campervan inverters is 1000W to 2000W. It's enough to power most small appliances.
Surge Rating - This is the maximum amount of power the inverter can supply, usually 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 4000.
Your Power Demands - You’ll want to 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.
Waveform - You'll want to select a pure sine wave inverter for your campervan as it delivers much cleaner electricity. Modified sine wave inverters are often cheaper but aren't safe for sensitive electronic devices.
Advanced Features - Some campervan power inverters have the ability to charge your leisure batteries if supplied with power from an electric hookup or generator (like this one). A few options also include an in-built solar charge controller, plus remote monitoring capabilities.
Sizing Your Inverter
It is important that you buy the correct size inverter for your needs, size it too small and you could have a dangerous electrical hazard on your hands. To help out we have built an inverter sizing calculator which I recommend checking out.
Top Power Inverter for Campervans: 12v To 240v
Now, let's jump into our roundup of the best power inverter for your campervan conversion...
Best Power Inverter Overall: Renogy Inverter 2000W
Continuous Power Rating: 2000 watts
Surge Rating: 4000 watts
Wave Type: Pure sine wave inverter
Efficiency: Over 90%
Price: £284
Weight: 11.7 lbs
Amazon User Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 from 2,296 user reviews
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.
The best all-round campervan inverter is the 2000W Renogy. The manufacturer has an outstanding reputation for building high-quality and durable solar products. This inverter delivers 2,000 watts of high-quality continuous power and a staggering 4,000 watts of peak power.
It will provide enough power for you to bring on board all the gadgets and appliances you need to make life on the road more comfortable. Include high-demand items. That includes a fridge, microwave, induction cooktops, blender, laptops, and power tools.
In addition, this inverter has impressive safety features, a user-friendly remote control, multiple outlets, and a top-quality copper wire cable. Set up is also a breeze.
Best Warranty: Victron Inverter 1200W
Continuous Power Rating: 1000 watts
Surge Rating: 2200 watts
Wave Type: Pure sine wave inverter
Efficiency: 90%
Price: £324
Weight: 17.6 lbs
Amazon User Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 from 127 user reviews
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.
Victron is another reliable brand in the world of camper inverters. Its 5-year standard warranty sets it apart from other brands and is an indicator that the company trusts and stands by their products' quality and performance.
This inverter is a true sine wave and is great for van lifers with modest power requirements—or anyone who won’t be running a large number of heavy appliances simultaneously. Expect it to power a TV, laptop, game console, coffeemaker, microwave, toaster, and hairdryer.
It’s efficient, so you don’t have to worry about battery drain. The ECO mode is another delightful feature. It allows the inverter to switch to standby when the load decreases below a preset value.
Best Value: BESTEK 3-Outlet 2000W 12V Power Inverter
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 6 50A fuses for safety, high-speed cooling fan, and audible overload alarm with LED light.
The BESTEK Inverter is a great option for anyone in need of serious power on the go. With its 2000W of continuous power, you can charge up to 3 appliances or large electrical devices simultaneously. In addition, the high surge rating allows it to start and run larger loads with ease.
The brand is a best-seller known for its affordable yet quality products. Owners can anticipate excellent protection against high and low voltage, overload, overheating, overcharging, over-temperature, and short circuits.
It arrives with two alligator clips if you want to connect it directly to your battery. If you want a permanent installation, you can always cut the alligator clips off and attach some battery lugs to the end.
Note: It’s a modified sine wave inverter, so it isn’t ideal for sensitive electronics.
Best Heavy Duty Campervan Inverter: Samlex PST-1500W
Voltage output: True 120V
Continuous Power Rating: 1500 watts
Surge Rating: 3000 watts
Wave Type: Pure sine wave inverter
Efficiency: 90%
Price: £938.88
Weight: 17 lbs
Amazon User Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 from 268 user reviews
Standout Features: 3-year warranty, universal protection circuit, alarm for low battery or shut down, low idle power draw, and can be hard-wired.
Samlex is another trusted brand, and one of its best creations is the 1500-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter. It’s undoubtedly the best power inverter for heavy-duty loads and long periods of continuous operation. This makes it a perfect fit for van lifers who spend most of their time off-grid.
You’ll love the safety features, ease of installation, low standby power consumption, and silent operation. It also has an optional remote control feature, allowing you to turn it on or off, as well as monitor frequency, power factor, current, volts, and real-time watts.
Unfortunately, this inverter is priced on the higher end, which locks out anyone on a tight budget.
Note: This is an American brand and as such, delivers 120V rather than the 240V that is used in Europe. Only purchase this inverter if you plan on running 120V appliances.
Best Budget Campervan Inverter: K KRIËGER 1100 Watts Power Inverter
Continuous Power Rating: 1100 watts
Surge Rating: 2200 watts
Wave Type: Modified sine wave inverter
Efficiency: 90%
Price: £94
Weight: 6.70 lbs
Amazon User Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5 from 4,279 user reviews
Standout Features: 3-year parts and labor warranty, lightweight, LCD display, wired remote control, 2 outlets, and multiple protections.
If you’re on a shoe-string budget, the K KRIËGER 1100W is the most affordable inverter you can buy today. Despite the low price tag, its quality is incredibly good. It's little wonder it has amassed a rating of 4.3 stars from nearly 5,000 buyers.
The inverter is advertised as the world's smallest 1100W power inverter, and indeed, it lives up to the hype. It’s compact and weighs a mere 6.70 lbs/3kg. It has an LCD display that enables you to keep tabs on input/output voltage, battery level, and emergency warnings.
You’ll appreciate the dual 2.1 amp USB ports when you want to charge your phones, tablets, or any other USB device. Certainly, it’s a great investment whether you prefer to camp off-grid or stay at campsites with shore power.
Power Up Your Van Life With a Quality Inverter
There you have it: the best 12V power inverters for campervans in 2023. Whichever option you select, rest assured it will serve you well as all the above products excel in quality, performance, efficiency, and safety.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (I'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).
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 me how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed!
Until next time,
Shane ✌️