Last year, on a return trip through the Simpson we weren’t surprised to see at Birdsville on the back of a flatbed tray truck a caravan that was being transported back to the Brisbane area to repair the power system which had failed such that there were no lights or any power whatsoever.  Knowing the system which had been installed, this wasn’t surprising. The power management system was designed more for a space shuttle than for the Australian outback. I bet the wife and kids weren’t too happy.

Our research shows while a small recoverable drama on a holiday is a great story to embellish over a few beers, a trip written off is a waste of annual leave and an upset family.

My tips for ensuring you have the right system for your travels:

Firstly, buy or build something practical. Think through what you really need and the practicalities of how you expect to use the caravan. If you are heading to the same caravan park-powered site that you have for the past 20 years, then buying a caravan with 4 solar panels and lithium batteries is money better spent on the kids. You want a system that is reliable and not overly complex. Conversely, if you are planning to tackle “the big lap” and plan to free camp regularly then you will need to be “hands-on” and practical. 

Secondly, understand how the basics work. There is an assumption that electrical systems in RVs will work as reliably as those in our cars. Unlike cars which have electrical systems and used almost daily, (due to the millions of units and experience in same) unfortunately caravan power management systems are an afterthought by many and not designed accordingly. They sit in storage for months every year and then are expected to perform without fault instantly. You will need to understand the basics if you expect to troubleshoot. Understand how the flow of energy moves through the system and to avoid the frustration, be pragmatic about your approach when diagnosing.

Thirdly, appreciate the need for regular checking of your system and carry spare parts and tools. A loose wire or cracked solder joint at a terminal connection will derail any holiday.  Manage your battery during long storage periods and “test run” your power system before starting your next trip.  A simple tool kit of multi-meter, screwdrivers, socket set, electrical tape, fuses and spare wire will be the minimum you should start with. If you are unsure in this regard, check with your local RV store and they can help set you up. Hopefully, you will never need it.

Safe travels,

12V Guru