Power station for a campervan: what size and which specs?

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked 18 October 2026

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The short answer: add up what you'll run each day. Our example van weekend (compressor cool box, 12 V diesel heater, laptop, Starlink Standard, lights and phones over two days) comes to about 2,092 Wh rated capacity with a 200 W roof panel in October (about 2,786 Wh with no solar), and needs at least 181 W of continuous AC output, ideally 227 W (calculator). Then check the specs that matter in a van: 12 V socket rating, charging while driving, solar input and weight.

Compared on manufacturers' published specs. Ferncharge has not tested these products. Estimates only.

Open the sizing calculator with our van weekend example, then change the items to match yours.

What uses the power in a van

Item	Figure used	Source
12 V compressor cool box	0.76 Ah/h at 12 V (about 9.12 W average at 32 °C), Dometic CFX5 45	Dometic UK. See 12V fridge
12 V diesel heater	14–29 W running (Webasto Air Top 2000 STC, stated on Webasto's US page). Start-up draw isn't stated there, so check your heater's manual	Webasto
Starlink (Standard kit)	75–100 W average	Starlink spec sheet
Laptop, phones, lights	From the device labels	Your devices

Webasto and Starlink figures checked on the makers' official pages, 18 October 2026.

Specs that matter in a van

12 V socket rating: cool boxes and diesel heaters run from 12 V. A socket rated 10 A covers many, but check each item's rated current. EcoFlow states 12.6 V, 10 A, 126 W max for the RIVER 3's car output, and BLUETTI states 12 V/10 A for the AC180.
Charging while driving: the car input rating sets how fast it charges from the vehicle's 12 V socket. EcoFlow states the RIVER 3's car input as 11–30 V, 8 A, 100 W (0–100% in 2.8 hours) (EcoFlow UK). BLUETTI states 12 V/24 V car input for the AC180, with a full charge in about 12–12.5 hours at 12 V (BLUETTI UK). Some vans use a DC-DC charger for faster charging from the alternator. That's a fixed installation: see below.
Solar input: the maximum solar watts it accepts. BLUETTI states 500 W max for the AC180, and EcoFlow 110 W for the RIVER 3.
Weight and size: as stated (alphabetical): Anker 12.9 kg for the SOLIX C1000, BLUETTI about 16 kg for the AC180, EcoFlow 3.55 kg for the RIVER 3, and Jackery about 10.8 kg for the Explorer 1000 v2. All four state a 10 A car outlet; see the spec table.
Pure sine wave AC output if any of your mains devices' manuals ask for it.

Example models (alphabetical; stated specs in the spec table): Anker SOLIX C1000 · BLUETTI AC180 · EcoFlow RIVER 3 · Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. Each name links to the maker's UK product page, where you can check the current price.

Fixed wiring: use a qualified installer

We don't give installation instructions for 12 V or 230 V systems in vehicles. The Camping and Caravanning Club advises consulting your dealer before altering 12 V wiring circuits unless you're competent to do so, and warns that the main 12 V hazard is overloaded cables causing heat and fire (Club). For DC-DC chargers, split-charge systems or hook-up inlets, use a qualified installer and the maker's guidance.

Diesel heaters and carbon monoxide

UKHSA notes that CO exposure can come from portable generators or barbecues used inside homes, caravans and tents (UKHSA). If you have a diesel heater, follow the heater maker's installation and servicing instructions. See our safety guide.

Power station or leisure battery?

Many vans have a fixed leisure battery. A portable power station is self-contained and can be taken out of the van. We'll cover the comparison in a separate guide.

FAQs

What size power station do I need for a campervan?

It depends on heating, fridge and devices like Starlink. Our van weekend example needs about 2,092 Wh with a 200 W roof panel in October, or about 2,786 Wh with no solar. Enter your own items in the calculator.

Can I charge a power station while driving?

Many list a car input. Check its stated rating: EcoFlow states 100 W for the RIVER 3, and BLUETTI states about 12–12.5 hours for a full AC180 charge at 12 V.

Can a power station run a diesel heater?

Running power is low: Webasto lists 14–29 W for the Air Top 2000 STC. Check the heater's start-up draw and the power station's 12 V socket rating. Installation is a job for a qualified installer.

Does this apply to caravans?

The sizing is the same. Caravans on hook-up have mains power. See electric hook-up vs power station.

Related: 12V fridge · Camping · Spec table · Safety

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