Are you planning your next adventure in your campervan? Whether it's a weekend getaway or a months-long road trip, having the right gear can make all the difference. And when it comes to powering your electronic devices and appliances, you need a reliable energy source. That's where campervan inverters come in.

The best campervan inverters can convert DC power from your vehicle's battery into AC power, allowing you to use your devices and appliances without relying on external power sources. With the right inverter, you can power everything from your laptop to your refrigerator, giving you the freedom and flexibility to explore without worrying about running out of juice.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this complete buying guide, we'll look at the different types of campervan inverters, their features, and their specifications. We'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So let's get started!

What Is a Power Inverter?

Before diving into the details of campervan inverters, let's define a power inverter. Simply put, a power inverter is an electronic device that converts DC power from a battery into AC power that can be used to power appliances and devices. In the case of campervans, this allows you to use household appliances and electronic devices while on the road.

When choosing a campervan power inverter, you must consider two main factors: how much power is required and what type is required. The amount of power needed depends on the appliances and devices you plan to use, while the type of power required depends on the specific electrical requirements of those devices. Before we go any further, if you're considering your options and feeling overwhelmed, you can reach out to the experts at Nomadic Cooling for help. You can call us at 480-576-2489 or send us an email at support@nomadiccooling.com and our team can help you select the best inverter for your specific campervan. 

Is an Inverter Really Necessary for Your Campervan?

When it comes to outfitting your campervan with an electrical system, you may wonder whether or not you need an inverter. An inverter is a device that converts the 12V DC power from your van's batteries to 120V AC power, which allows you to power appliances and devices that require AC power.

Before you decide, consider the types of devices and appliances you plan on using in your van. You may not need an inverter if you're mainly using 12V devices like a fridge, vent fan, and lights. However, an inverter is a must-have if you plan on using appliances like blenders, induction cooktops, televisions, or power tools that require AC power.

Another reason to consider getting an inverter is for the flexibility it provides. With an inverter, you can power a wider range of devices and appliances, giving you more options for your campervan lifestyle. Additionally, if you plan on adding the ability to charge your van via shore power, an inverter will come in handy.

When choosing an inverter, consider your electrical needs and budget. If you have limited electrical needs or are on a tight budget, you may be able to skip the inverter or opt for a small portable inverter that can charge your laptop or phone. However, investing in a high-quality inverter that can handle the load is best if you plan on using multiple appliances or devices requiring AC power.

Review of the Best Campervan Inverter Chargers

Here are our reviews of the best campervan inverters. 

Victron Energy Multi Plus 12/3000/120-50 120V Inverter/Charger

 

 

The Victron Energy Multi Plus 12/3000/120-50 120V Inverter/Charger is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient inverter/charger. With a continuous output power of 3000W, this inverter/charger can easily power various AC electronics. It also has a peak/surge power rating of 6000W for brief periods, making it ideal for appliances with a startup surge. 

This inverter/charger is also highly efficient, with a conversion efficiency of up to 95%, which means less energy loss during operation. The built-in charger allows for easy charging of batteries while supplying AC power to your electronics. 

Overall, the Victron Energy Multi Plus 12/3000/120-50 is a high-quality and versatile inverter/charger that provides a reliable and efficient power source for your van's air conditioning needs.

Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x120V Inverter/Charger

The Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x120V Inverter/Charger is powerful and versatile. With a continuous output power of 3000W, this inverter/charger is capable of powering multiple devices at once. It also has a peak/surge power rating of 6000W for appliances with a startup surge. 

The dual AC output allows for even more flexibility when powering your electronics. The MultiPlus-II is also highly efficient, with a conversion efficiency of up to 95%, which reduces energy loss during operation. The built-in charger is also a convenient feature for easily charging batteries while providing AC power. 

Overall, the Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x120V Inverter/Charger is a reliable and inverter that provides efficient and versatile power for your van.

Victron Energy MultiPlus 12/2000/80-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger | New Model

The Victron Energy MultiPlus 12/2000/80-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger is a great choice. With a continuous output power of 2000W, it can power a variety of AC electronics with ease. The peak/surge power rating of 4000W makes it suitable for appliances with a startup surge. 

It has a high conversion efficiency of up to 95%, which reduces energy loss during operation. The built-in charger is also convenient for easy battery charging while supplying AC power.

One of the key features of this inverter charger is its ability to automatically switch between different power sources, such as shore power, generator power, and battery power. This ensures that your appliances and electronics always have a stable source of power, even when you're off-grid or experiencing power outages.

The VE.Bus technology in this inverter charger allows seamless integration with other Victron Energy products, such as solar panels and battery monitors. This makes it easy to build a comprehensive and efficient off-grid power system.

This inverter charger's compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for use in small spaces like vans or boats. It is also very easy to install and operate, with a user-friendly interface that allows you to monitor and adjust settings as needed.

Victron Energy Quattro 12V/5000/220 Inverter Charger 120 Volt AC, 12

The Victron Energy Quattro 12V/5000/220 Inverter Charger is powerful and has a high-capacity, ideal for those with high power demands. With a continuous output power of 5000W, it can easily handle a wide range of AC electronics. 

The peak/surge power rating of 10,000W also makes it suitable for appliances with a startup surge. It has a high conversion efficiency of up to 95%, which reduces energy loss during operation. The built-in charger is also convenient for easy battery charging while supplying AC power.

One of the key features of the Victron Energy Quattro is its advanced charging capabilities. The unit is equipped with a four-stage adaptive charger that can charge multiple battery banks simultaneously, providing efficient and fast charging. Additionally, the Quattro is capable of automatic AC input detection, allowing it to switch seamlessly between various power sources, including shore power and a generator.

The Quattro also features a built-in transfer switch that allows for automatic transfer between inverter power and incoming AC power, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply even in the event of a power outage. Moreover, the unit is equipped with a user-friendly control panel and can be easily integrated with Victron's VRM online monitoring system for remote monitoring and control.

The Victron Energy Quattro 12V/5000/220 Inverter Charger is top-of-the-line. It’s a reliable, efficient, and versatile power solution for van owners.

Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70-50 120V Inverter/Charger

The Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70-50 120V Inverter/Charger is a reliable and efficient solution for powering your van. With a continuous output power of 2400W and a peak power output of 6000W, this inverter/charger is capable of powering most AC units. 

The MultiPlus-II is equipped with VE.Bus communication ports that allow it to be easily integrated with other Victron Energy products, giving you full control over your power system. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to install and suitable for various applications.

One of the standout features of the MultiPlus-II is its built-in Bluetooth capability, which allows you to monitor and control the device from your smartphone or tablet. This makes it easy to keep tabs on your power usage and adjust settings as needed.

In addition to its impressive power output and smart features, the MultiPlus-II also boasts a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to install in various settings—the device's VE.Bus communication port allows seamless integration with other Victron Energy products, further expanding its capabilities.

This is a top-of-the-line choice for anyone needing a reliable and high-performance power solution.

Victron Energy MultiPlus Compact 12/2000/80-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger

The Victron Energy MultiPlus Compact 12/2000/80-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger is a great option for those with limited space in their van. This inverter/charger is compact and lightweight, making it easy to install in a small space. With a continuous output power of 1600W and a peak power output of 4000W, it can power most rooftop air conditioners. 

The MultiPlus Compact is equipped with VE.Bus communication ports that allow it to be easily integrated with other Victron Energy products. This inverter/charger is designed for high efficiency, providing reliable power while minimizing energy loss.

The MultiPlus Compact also features a high-quality battery charger capable of charging a wide range of battery types, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and more. Its advanced charging algorithms ensure your batteries are charged quickly and efficiently while extending their lifespan.

Its advanced features and seamless integration with other Victron Energy products make it a top choice for those who demand the best.

Victron Energy Multi Plus 24/2000/50-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger | New Model

The Victron Energy Multi Plus 24/2000/50-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger is a new and improved model that offers high performance and reliability. With a continuous output power of 1600W and a peak power output of 4000W, it can easily power most rooftop air conditioners. 

The Multi Plus 24 is equipped with VE.Bus communication ports that allow it to be easily integrated with other Victron Energy products. 

The new model is designed for high efficiency, providing reliable power while minimizing energy loss. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to install in a small space. 

With its advanced features, and reliable performance, the Victron Energy Multi Plus 24/2000/50-50 is an excellent choice for powering your rooftop air conditioner or other demanding appliances.

Victron Energy Multi Plus 24/3000/70-50 120V VE.Bus Inverter/Charger

The Victron Energy MultiPlus 24/3000/70-50 Inverter/Charger is an excellent choice for those looking for an efficient, reliable, and versatile power solution for their van or RV. It is designed to convert DC power from the battery bank into AC power for various appliances while also providing fast and efficient charging for the batteries.

The unit features a high-quality inverter that delivers clean and stable power to sensitive electronics like laptops, TVs, and other appliances. It also has a built-in charger that uses advanced technology to charge the battery bank quickly and safely, prolonging its life and ensuring it's always ready.

Moreover, the VE.Bus communication port allows the unit to connect to other Victron Energy devices, such as battery monitors and solar controllers, for a complete power system. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to install, and the user-friendly interface and advanced features make it easy to use.

Overall, the Victron Energy MultiPlus 24/3000/70-50 is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient power solution for their van or RV.

Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-50 120V Inverter/Charger for High-Performance Power Solutions

The Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-50 is a top-of-the-line inverter/charger that is designed for high-performance power solutions. This unit is capable of converting DC power from the battery bank into clean and stable AC power for various appliances while also providing fast and efficient charging for the batteries.

One of the standout features of this unit is the high power output, which makes it ideal for powering larger appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators. It also has advanced features like power assist, which allows it to boost the power supply from an external source when the demand exceeds what the batteries can supply.

The unit is also compatible with a range of other Victron Energy devices, such as solar controllers and battery monitors, and can be integrated into a complete power system for optimal performance. The user-friendly interface and advanced features make it easy to use, and the compact size and lightweight design make it easy to install.

In conclusion, the Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 48/3000/35-50 is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a high-performance power solution for their van or RV. It is versatile, reliable, and efficient and will provide years of trouble-free service.

What to Look for When Choosing an Inverter for Your Van 

Choosing the right power inverter for your campervan can be a daunting task. With so many options available, getting lost in a sea of confusing technical specifications and conflicting reviews is easy. That's why it's important to do your research and look for reliable sources of information.

One great place to start is the product manual. By Googling the inverter model and manual, you can find technical specifications and safety certifications that you might not be able to find elsewhere. These certifications, such as the UL listing and ETL certification, indicate that the inverter has been independently tested and meets safety standards.

When looking for a power inverter, there are several key factors to consider. The continuous watt rating is what the inverter can output continuously, while the peak/surge watt rating is what it can output for short periods. The efficiency rating indicates how efficient the inverter is, and the no-load/idle consumption measures how much amperage it consumes when not powering a load.

In addition to these technical specifications, it's important to look for automatic shut-off safety features. The inverter should automatically shut down if it detects too high or low a voltage from your battery, if there is an overload on the AC input, or if it begins to overheat.

To ensure that your inverter is safe, look for one that conforms to UL Standard 458 for mobile power inverters/converters. This standard ensures that the inverter has been independently tested and meets electrical safety best practices for vehicle installations.

While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper, uncertified inverter, it's not worth risking your safety. Always prioritize safety when dealing with electronics, especially at higher voltages like 120V. By doing your research and choosing a certified and reliable inverter, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey in your campervan.

How to Find the Right Inverter Size for Your Needs

When it comes to choosing the right size of inverter for your campervan, it's important to consider the amount of power you'll need. As mentioned earlier, power inverters are rated based on the amount of AC power they can generate, with ratings for both continuous and peak/surge watts.

To figure out what size inverter you need, start by looking at the AC electronics you plan to power in your campervan. Look for the wattage rating of each device, which can usually be found in the product manual or technical specifications.

Add up the wattage ratings of all the AC electronics you think you'll be using at the same time. This will give you the total amount of watts you need. But keep in mind that power inverters are not 100% efficient, so running a 200W blender will ultimately consume more than 200W of power.

Most power inverters are 80%-90% efficient, so choosing an inverter rated for at least 20% more watts than your appliances will draw is recommended. This will ensure you have enough power to run all your devices without overloading the inverter or draining your battery too quickly.

It's also important to consider any appliances with startup surges, such as a blender or air conditioner. Make sure to choose an inverter with a high enough surge rating to handle these brief spikes in power demand.

Remember that the size of your battery bank will also play a role in determining the size of the inverter you need. If you have a larger battery bank, you may be able to use a larger inverter to power more appliances.

The Best Campervan Inverters: Conclusion

After careful consideration and research, the best campervan inverter on the market is the Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70-50 120V Inverter/Charger. This inverter is a high-performance, reliable, and versatile option for campervan owners. It has a pure sine wave output, allowing it to power sensitive electronic devices without risking damage or interference.

The MultiPlus-II is also designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to install in a campervan without taking up too much space. It can handle a maximum output of 3000 watts, which is more than enough for most campervan owners. Additionally, it comes with a built-in charger, allowing you to charge your batteries quickly and efficiently.