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Caravan appliances frequently asked questions

Can I use ordinary household appliances in my caravan?

Some household appliances may be suitable for caravan use, depending on the product and your setup. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and power requirements, and consider how the appliance will be secured while travelling. Not every household appliance is designed for permanent use in a moving vehicle.

For mains-powered appliances, it’s worth comparing the combined electrical load with your site’s power supply or inverter system. Purpose-built 12V appliances can be a useful option for battery-powered setups, although their power requirements will still vary.

What size fridge do I need for my caravan?

The right size will depend on how many people you’re feeding, how often you can stop for supplies and whether you’d like a separate freezer compartment. For a portable fridge, it’s worth checking that there’s enough space to store it with the lid open. If you’re replacing a built-in fridge, compare the installation dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements.

Energy consumption is also worth comparing alongside capacity, particularly if you’ll be running the fridge from your battery system. Our camping fridge freezers page brings together the available options to help you compare them.

Can I run my caravan appliances off 12V and solar?

Yes, compatible 12V appliances can run from a suitable battery system, with solar helping to recharge the battery. How long they can run will depend on the appliance’s energy use, the battery’s usable capacity and the available charging conditions.

If you’d like to run a 240V appliance from a battery, you’ll need a suitable inverter to convert the power. When choosing one, consider the appliances you’ll be using at the same time, their start-up requirements, how long you expect to run them and the power lost through the inverter. It’s also worth checking the appliance’s actual power consumption, as a 12V label doesn’t necessarily mean it uses very little energy.

Do Campsmart appliances come with a warranty?

Yes. Campsmart products are covered by Australian warranties, with the terms depending on the product you choose. These warranties are in addition to your consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law and don’t replace them.

If you need help with a fault, our warranty support guide explains the claims process and what information you’ll need to provide.

Get the right caravan appliances for your setup

Once you’ve checked the available space and power supply, you can compare the product specifications to find an appliance that suits your setup.

If you have a product question, contact the Campsmart team or call 1300 553 189.

For technical installation advice, a qualified installer or RV repairer can help.

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