Off-grid camping has surged in popularity across Australia, with more travellers than ever venturing beyond powered caravan parks into remote bush and coastal locations. The freedom is undeniable—no booking systems, no crowds, no generators humming through the night.
The challenge? Keeping your fridge cold, your phone charged, and your camp lights running when there's no power outlet in sight.
A well-planned 12V power system solves this problem entirely. This 12V power checklist for off-grid camping trips covers everything from calculating your actual power needs to selecting the right equipment for your adventures. Whether you're planning a weekend escape to a secluded beach or an extended outback journey, Outbax's range of camping power equipment ensures your setup is ready for whatever you have planned.
Understanding Your Basic 12V Power Needs
Before spending money on batteries and solar panels, you need to understand exactly how much power you'll actually use. This simple audit prevents two common problems: buying undersized equipment that leaves you powerless mid-trip, or overspending on capacity you'll never need.
Conducting a Power Audit
Start by listing every device you'll run from your 12V system. Common camping equipment includes portable fridges (typically drawing 2-4 amps), LED camp lights (0.5-2 amps), phone charging (1-2 amps), laptop charging (3-5 amps), water pumps (4-8 amps when running), and camping fans (1-3 amps).
Calculating Your Daily Requirements
The formula is straightforward: Device Amps × Hours of Use = Daily Amp-hours (Ah).
For example, a portable fridge drawing 3 amps and running for 12 hours daily uses 36Ah. Add phone charging (2 amps × 2 hours = 4Ah), LED lights (1.5 amps × 4 hours = 6Ah), and you're looking at roughly 46Ah per day.
This number directly determines what battery capacity you need and saves you from guessing.
Choosing Your Core Power Source: The 12V Battery
The battery is the heart of any 12V setup. Your choice here affects everything from weight in your vehicle to how many days you can camp without recharging.
LiFePO4 vs AGM: Why Lithium Dominates
Modern LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries like the VoltX 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery have largely replaced older AGM technology for serious camping setups. The advantages are substantial:
Lifespan sits around 2,000+ charge cycles for lithium versus a few hundred for AGM. Weight reduction reaches up to 70%—a significant factor when every kilogram affects fuel economy and payload capacity. Usable capacity differs dramatically, too; lithium batteries safely discharge to 80-90% of their rated capacity, while AGM batteries suffer damage if discharged below 50%. Charging speed is noticeably faster from both solar and alternator sources.
Here’s what one of our customers said:
“I recently purchased a VoltX 100ah Lithium battery with the updated BMS from Outbax. After reviewing the test results and the build quality on Youtube and reviewing the Product Review site it was obvious that VoltX represented good value for money and that Outbax were a responsible and responsive retailer. I only require the battery for only overnight to three day periods when off grid in our caravan. The lithium battery in a battery box along with the caravan AGM should give us enough power to run our lighting, water pump, coffee machine, TV and other small electrical items without issue.”
Matching Capacity to Your Needs
Amp-hour ratings indicate how much energy a battery stores. If your daily consumption is 40Ah, a 100Ah lithium battery provides over two full days without recharging—accounting for the safe discharge depth.
For larger setups or extended trips, 200Ah slim LiFePO4 batteries fit into tighter spaces while providing substantial capacity. Outbax stocks both configurations to suit different vehicles and usage requirements.
Battery Management Systems
Quality lithium batteries include an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and temperature extremes. This isn't optional—it's essential for safety and longevity.
Essential Gear for Your Complete 12V Setup
A battery alone doesn't make a functional system. These additional components transform stored power into usable electricity for all your camping needs.
Power Inverters for 240V Appliances
An inverter converts 12V DC battery power to 240V AC mains-style power, allowing you to run standard household devices.
Pure sine wave inverters are essential for sensitive electronics like laptops, camera chargers, and drone batteries. Modified sine wave inverters cost less but can damage or malfunction with these devices.
Sizing matters, too. A 1000W inverter handles device charging and small electronics comfortably, while a 2000W inverter can run small appliances like coffee machines or blenders. Match the inverter size to your highest-draw appliance, plus a 20% margin.
Solar Panels for Off-Grid Recharging
Solar transforms a finite battery into a renewable power source, extending trips from days to weeks.
Portable solar blankets fold compactly for storage and can be positioned to follow the sun throughout the day. Fixed rigid panels mount permanently to roof racks—less versatile but more convenient for set-and-forget charging.
A practical rule: 120W-200W of solar panel capacity suits a 100-120Ah battery system, providing enough daily input to offset typical camping consumption in good conditions.
Here’s what one of our customers said about our solar panels:
“I bought the 200 watt solar blanket, I have only been able to test it out on a sunny day. I was very happy to see 135 watts at 10am on a winter day. I expect it will be capable of a bit more wattage.”
Battery Boxes and Charge Controllers
A battery box does more than protect your battery. Quality units add functionality including USB ports, cigarette sockets, and voltage displays that show your battery's state of charge at a glance.
Meanwhile, a solar charge controller sits between your solar panels and battery, optimising the power transfer for maximum efficiency. Think of it as the brain that ensures your solar investment delivers its full potential. Outbax's camping power range includes controllers matched to common panel and battery combinations.
Easy All-in-One Portable Power Station Options
Component-based systems offer maximum flexibility, but not everyone wants to understand wiring diagrams and connection types. Portable power stations provide a genuinely plug-and-play alternative.
What's Inside?
A portable power station combines a lithium battery, inverter, charge controller, and multiple output ports (USB, 12V, and 240V) into a single unit. No installation, no wiring, no compatibility concerns.
Comparing Your Options
DIY 12V setups offer more customisation, typically higher capacity for the price, and easier component upgrades over time. They require some technical understanding to assemble correctly.
Portable power stations like the VoltX Topband V1200 Portable Power Station provide immediate usability, excellent portability, and zero learning curve. They're ideal for beginners, weekend trips, or as a secondary power source backing up a larger system.
Smaller units suit personal device charging and LED lighting. Larger capacity stations can run fridges and more demanding equipment. Outbax stocks options across this range to match different camping styles and budgets.
Your Pre-Trip 12V Power Checklist
This is where preparation meets peace of mind. Complete these checks before every trip:
- Test everything at home. Set up your entire system in the backyard—battery, solar, inverter, and all connections. Confirm everything works together before you're 200 kilometres from the nearest help.
- Fully charge your batteries. Start every trip at 100% charge from mains power. This maximises your available power from day one.
- Inspect all wires and connections. Check for frayed cables, corroded terminals, or loose connections. Vibration during travel can loosen fittings that seemed secure.
- Pack the right adapters. USB-C, lightning cables, laptop chargers, camera-specific cables—make a list and check it twice.
- Clean your solar panels. Dust, bird droppings, and grime reduce efficiency significantly. A quick wipe before departure ensures maximum output.
- Know your battery monitor. Understand how to read your battery's state of charge so low power doesn't catch you by surprise.
Final Thoughts on Your Off-Grid Power Setup
A reliable 12V system isn't just about keeping devices charged—it's about the freedom to camp where you want, for as long as you want, without compromise.
The investment in proper equipment pays dividends across every trip: cold drinks on hot days, lights when darkness falls, and the confidence that comes from self-sufficiency.
Audit your needs, choose quality components, complete your pre-trip checks, and the rest takes care of itself. Now get out there and enjoy the incredible freedom of the great outdoors—properly powered. Visit Outbax today for a range of premium portable power gear for your future adventures.
