Once your 4WD has a second battery, a whole world of 12V gear opens up: a fridge instead of an esky, lights for the whole camp, a compressor to air up after the sand, even a hot jaffle for lunch. The trick is keeping the battery charged, which is where solar comes in, and choosing gear that doesn’t draw more than your setup can give.
We’ve tested ten pieces of 12V camping gear on our Prado. Here’s how they compare and which ones are worth it.
Quick picks: the best 12V camping accessories comparedQuick picks
| Product | Score | Price | Type | Power | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best solar panelKings 160W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel | 9.7 | Mid | Solar panel | 160 W out | Check price at Amazon |
Best 12V fridgeKings 40L Fridge (Escape 40) | 9.2 | High | Fridge-freezer | 60 W draw | Check price at Amazon |
Best compressorXTM Air Compressor 160L 150PSI | 9.1 | Mid | Compressor | 540 W draw | Check price at BCF |
Best portable powerKings 24Ah Power Pack | 9.0 | High | Power pack | 120 W out | Check price at Amazon |
Best power outletsXTM 12V/24V Distribution Panel | 8.8 | Mid | Power box | 240 W max | Check price at BCF |
Best camp lightingAdventure Kings 4 Bar Light Kit | 8.8 | Low | LED light bars | 18 W draw | Check price at Amazon |
Budget compressorAstroAI 12V Car Tyre Inflator | 8.7 | Low | Mini inflator | 100 W draw | Check price at Amazon |
Best 12V cookingKickAss 12V Jaffle Maker | 8.7 | Mid | Jaffle maker | 340 W draw | Check price at BCF |
Best solar blanketSan Hima Solar Blanket (160W) | 8.7 | High | Solar blanket | 160 W out | Check price at VicOffroad |
Best for cold nightsSan Hima 12V/24V Heated Electric Blanket | 8.2 | Mid | Heated blanket | 50 W draw | Check price at VicOffroad |
Price bands are based on what we paid.
Best solar panel: Kings 160W Semi-Flexible Solar PanelBest solar panel: Kings 160W
The Kings 160W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel has been on top of our rooftop tent for over a year with zero issues. It keeps the battery fully charged, however many lights and phones we run overnight, and our Kings 40L fridge runs on it continuously. It weighs 3.9 kg and plugs in with an Anderson plug.
160 W can be on the low side if you run a DC-DC charger or a bigger family’s power use. At $120 it’s a great deal. Our camping solar panels guide compares it with solar blankets and a fixed panel.
Kings 160W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel
Scored 9.7 out of 10Our take: 9 kg semi-flexible panel that has sat on our rooftop tent for over a year with zero issues, keeping the battery full and the fridge running. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Keeps our 120 Ah battery charged
- Runs our Kings 40L fridge nonstop
- Over a year on the roof, no issues
- Only 3.9 kg and 3 mm thin
- Anderson plug: plug in and go
- A great deal at $120
What we don’t
- 160 W is low for heavy power use
- Not enough alone for families
Best 12V fridge: Kings 40L Fridge (Escape 40)Best 12V fridge: Kings 40L
The Kings 40L Fridge (Escape 40) has run in the back of our Prado for over a year, including three weeks through the NSW outback in over 40 °C heat, packed to the brim, with zero issues. It runs from +20 to −20 °C, averages 1 to 1.3 amps and has 3-stage battery protection.
The lid needs clearance above it, and it’s one zone, so fridge or freezer. About $300 with a cover and an Anderson cable. Our camping fridges guide compares it with the other fridges we’ve tested.
Kings 40L Fridge (Escape 40)
Scored 9.2 out of 10Our take: A 40 L class 12V fridge that kept going in over 40 °C outback heat with zero issues, after a year of trips. About $300 with a cover and cable; the lid needs clearance and it's a single zone. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- No issues in 40 °C outback heat
- Down to 3 °C in a few hours
- +20 to −20 °C, fridge or freezer
- Cover and cable in the bundle
- 3-stage battery protection
- USB port for charging
What we don’t
- Lid needs clearance above it
- One zone: fridge or freezer
- 2-year warranty
Best compressor: XTM Air Compressor 160L 150PSIBest compressor: XTM 160L
The XTM Air Compressor pushes 160 litres a minute, so airing up after the sand is quick, and the 8 m hose reaches every wheel. It has a cleanable air filter, a 60 A fuse and a thermal cut-out for hot days, and it packs into a case.
It’s bulkier than a mini inflator, it connects with battery clamps and the inline gauge is only a guide. $120.
XTM Air Compressor 160L 150PSI
Scored 9.1 out of 10Our take: A 160 L/min, 150 PSI compressor that clamps to the battery, with an 8 m hose that reaches every tyre, a cleanable filter and thermal protection. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- 160 L/min airs up fast
- 8 m hose reaches every tyre
- Cleanable air filter
- 60 A fuse and thermal cut-out
- Alloy cylinder head
- Packs into a zip bag
What we don’t
- Bulkier than a mini inflator
- Gauge is only a rough guide
- No auto stop
Best portable power: Kings 24Ah Power PackPortable power: Kings 24Ah
The Kings 24Ah Power Pack is a solid 3 kg box with two 12V sockets and three USB ports, including 60 W USB-C. It kept our phones and camp lights charged on weekend trips across NSW, and it has a built-in LED light. It charges over USB-C or DC.
There’s no inverter, and it’s too small for full-time travel. For weekends, it’s handy. $229.
Kings 24Ah Power Pack
Scored 9.0 out of 10Our take: A solid 3 kg, 307 Wh LiFePO4 power pack with two 12V sockets, 60 W USB-C and a built-in light that kept our phones and camp lights charged all weekend. There’s no inverter. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Really solid, still in good nick
- Two 12V sockets
- 60W USB-C output
- Built-in LED light
- LiFePO4, ~1,000 full cycles
- Charges by USB-C or 12–24V DC
What we don’t
- No inverter or 240V outlet
- No screen, just 4 charge lights
- 3 kg: a box for the car
Best power outlets: XTM 12V/24V Distribution PanelPower outlets: XTM panel
The XTM 12V/24V Distribution Panel turns one Anderson cable into two 12V sockets, a USB-C port, a USB-A port and a voltmeter, protected by a circuit breaker, with no wiring to do.
It’s limited to 20 A in total and the sockets can’t be switched one by one. $75.
XTM 12V/24V Distribution Panel
Scored 8.8 out of 10Our take: A pre-wired power box with two 12V sockets, USB-C, USB-A and a voltmeter, fed by one Anderson cable with no wiring to do. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Plug and play: no wiring needed
- One Anderson cable powers the box
- USB-C and USB-A fast-charging ports
- Two 12V sockets
- LED voltmeter for battery voltage
- Brackets included for mounting
What we don’t
- 20 A in total across all outlets
- No switches for single sockets
- No Anderson outlets
Best camp lighting: Adventure Kings 4 Bar Light KitCamp lighting: Kings 4 Bar
The Adventure Kings 4 Bar Light Kit is four bright 500 mm LED bars that plug together in any combination, with 7.5 m of extension leads, a dimmer and magnets or velcro straps to mount them, so you can light the whole camp.
It has no stated waterproof rating and the dimmer feels a bit light. $40.
Adventure Kings 4 Bar Light Kit
Scored 8.8 out of 10Our take: A kit of four bright LED light bars with quick-connect plugs, a dimmer and magnetic or velcro mounting for lighting a whole camp. It needs a 12V supply and has no stated waterproof rating. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Four bright 500 mm LED light bars
- Total of 7.5m extension leads
- Magnetic and velcro mounting options
- Quick-connect waterproof plugs
- Includes dimmer switch for control
What we don’t
- Not explicitly waterproof rated
- Dimmer switch feels a bit light
- Requires 12V power source
Budget compressor: AstroAI 12V Car Tyre InflatorBudget compressor: AstroAI
The AstroAI 12V Car Tyre Inflator plugs into the 12V socket, stops by itself at the pressure you set and has an LED light. On the Prado’s tyres it reached 36 PSI in about two minutes.
It only runs for 10 minutes at a time and the hose is short, so it’s for topping up, not airing up after the beach. $40.
AstroAI 12V Car Tyre Inflator
Scored 8.7 out of 10Our take: A $40 inflator that plugs into the 12V socket, stops at your preset pressure and has an LED light, at 640 g. It topped up a 4WD tyre to 36 PSI in about two minutes. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Stops by itself at the set pressure
- 4WD tyre to 36 PSI in about 2 min
- Plugs into the 12V socket
- Hose stores in the back
- LED light for use in the dark
- Good value at $40
What we don’t
- 10 minutes of continuous use at most
- Short 40 cm hose
- Tied to the socket by a 3 m cord
Best 12V cooking: KickAss 12V Jaffle Maker12V cooking: KickAss jaffle
The KickAss 12V Jaffle Maker makes two good toasties in about 8 minutes, straight off an Anderson plug with no inverter.
It draws around 30 A, so it needs a solid auxiliary or lithium battery, it has no on/off switch and thick bread needs trimming. $60.
KickAss 12V Jaffle Maker
Scored 8.7 out of 10Our take: A compact 12V jaffle maker that made good tuna-and-cheese and baked-bean-and-cheese toasties over a long week near Thredbo. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Good toasties, two at a time
- Runs straight off an Anderson plug
- No 240V inverter needed
- 1.2 kg, lighter than cast-iron irons
- Non-stick plates wipe down quickly
- Latch, rubber feet, 150°C cut-out
What we don’t
- Draws ~30 A, needs a solid battery
- Heats as soon as it's plugged in
- Thick bread needs trimming to fit
Best solar blanket: San Hima Solar Blanket (160W)Solar blanket: San Hima
The San Hima Solar Blanket is a light, foldable 160 W blanket that keeps a fridge and 12V gear running, even in patchy light and heat. It folds into a carry case, so you can put it in the sun while the car stays in the shade.
You can’t connect several together, and it needs full sun for its full output. $200.
San Hima Solar Blanket (160W)
Scored 8.7 out of 10Our take: 9 kg in a carry case. It kept our fridge running at Yengo and Coorongooba; it needs full sun for full output. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Own MPPT controller included
- USB outlet on the controller
- Light at 3.9 kg
- Folds into its own case
- Anderson plugs
What we don’t
- Needs full sun for full output
- No stand: lies flat or leans
- Can't link several together
Best for cold nights: San Hima 12V/24V Heated Electric BlanketCold nights: San Hima
The San Hima Heated Electric Blanket runs on 12V or 24V and heats up in under 10 minutes, with three heat levels, a timer and auto shut-off, and it’s machine washable.
It comes in one size and needs a power outlet, with no battery of its own. $65.
San Hima 12V/24V Heated Electric Blanket
Scored 8.2 out of 10Our take: A 12V/24V electric blanket that warms the bed in under 10 minutes, with three heat levels and a timer that switches it off.2 A on high. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Warm in under 10 minutes
- 3 heat levels, 45-120 min timer
- Works on 12V and 24V
- Switches itself off
- Machine washable
What we don’t
- Single size, 140 × 100 cm
- Needs a 12V outlet
- Draws 4.2 A on high
How to choose 12V camping gearHow to choose
Start with your battery. Everything here runs off 12V, but a fridge running all day, a jaffle maker drawing 30 A and lights at night add up, so work out what you’ll run and make sure your second battery and solar can keep up. Then pick the gear for how you camp.
- Power in
Solar
A panel on the roof or a blanket in the sun keeps the battery charged while you camp.
Look forAn Anderson plug, enough watts - Power store
Battery
A second battery or a power pack runs the gear without flattening the starter battery.
Look forBattery protection, outlets you needLike - Power out
12V gear
The fridge, lights, compressor and cooking. Check how many amps each one draws.
Look forDraw in amps, plug typeLike
Also check
- Current drawA fridge averages about 1 A; a jaffle maker draws around 30 A. Big draws need a big battery and heavy cables.
- PlugsAnderson plugs suit high-draw gear; cigarette sockets suit small loads like a mini inflator or a phone.
- Battery protectionA low-voltage cut-off on the fridge or battery box stops you running the battery flat.
- USB gearRechargeable lights, fans and showers charge from USB instead: see our power banks and camping lights guides.
How we test
We buy the gear ourselves and take it on camping trips around Australia to put it to the test in real outdoor conditions, in the 4WD and at camp, and to see how it holds up over a few trips. We weigh everything on our own scale and photograph it ourselves. If we haven’t used something, we say so, and if anything fails later on, we update the review.
Scored out of 10 on
- Ease of use
- Performance
- Portability
- Durability
- Value
