The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best 12V Caravan TV in 2025
Make Movie Nights on the Road Better Than Ever
There’s nothing better than kicking back after a long day of adventuring and catching up on your favourite shows and movies. Whether you're camped deep in the bush or parked up at a powered site, the right 12V TV can turn your caravan or RV into a full-on entertainment system. But with so many options out there: smart TVs, TVs with built-in DVD players, different screen sizes and operating systems, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to buying a caravan 12V TV. We’ll walk you through the features that matter, compare top models, and help you find a TV that’s built to handle the road (and the footy finals).
Why a Caravan TV Isn’t Just a Normal Television
Choosing a new television for your caravan or RV isn't just about screen size and normal viewing angles. Unlike standard TVs made for lounge rooms, caravan 12V TVs are built to handle vibration, dust, and the rough roads of outback travel.
Whether you're parked off-grid or at a powered site, a purpose-built 12 volt caravan TV will give you better reliability, safer power consumption, and a more enjoyable entertainment experience. Many 12V caravan TVs also come with a built-in DVD player, TV tuners, smart TV features, and frameless designs to reduce weight.
12V vs 240V: Power Use, Batteries and Solar
A 12V TV runs directly from your caravan's 12V battery system without needing an inverter, making it far more energy efficient. It's also ideal for use with solar panel setups and remote camping.
Smart TV models like the NCE 24" only draw around 36W. That means you can stream Netflix, watch live TV, or let the kids enjoy cartoons without draining your 100Ah battery.
Quick tip: 4 amps of power draw from a 12V battery gives you about 25 hours of use. Add solar and you'll power your entire entertainment system off-grid.
What Screen Size is Best for a Caravan?
When buying a TV for your caravan, screen size matters. Here's a simple breakdown:
- 24 inch TV – Compact, light, and fits in camper trailers, rooftop tents or tight RV spaces. Often available with full HD or HD resolution.
- 27 inch TV – A great all-rounder with better FHD picture quality.
- 32 inch TV – Ideal if you want the best 12V TV experience and have space in your setup.
Many of the best 12V caravan TVs, like the range of Englaon models, come in these sizes and offer built-in Chromecast, bluetooth, and USB media playback.
Smart Features You Want on the Road
Streaming services like Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime, and YouTube are essential these days. The best smart TVs for caravans include:
- Android TV or Google TV OS with easy access to streaming apps
- Built-in Chromecast to stream shows and movies directly to your TV screen from your phone
- Bluetooth to connect your soundbar or speaker for better audio
Want a quick setup? Look for smart TV models that have app shortcut buttons right on the remote.
Extra Features That Make a Big Difference
Sometimes you won’t have internet access on the road. That’s where extra features that help with connectivity like a built-in DVD player, USB port, and free-to-air TV antenna come in handy.
- Built-in DVD players are perfect for watching offline or old favourites.
- USB ports let you plug in a stick full of saved content.
- TV aerials or optimising for satellite tv give you access to free-to-air and digital broadcasting when you have reception.
For full flexibility, many smart 12V caravan TVs include both 12V and 240V power cables and support multiple inputs like HDMI and VGA.
Vibration-Resistant Mounting and Installation
TVs in Australia need to have an operating system that can stand up to harsh roads. Many caravan 12V TVs are reinforced to reduce vibration damage and come with universal 100x100 VESA mount compatibility.
TVs like those from RV Media, Englaon, and Aussie Traveller also include shock-resistant frames, and their lightweight, frameless designs make them ideal for mounting in caravans and RVs.
NCE vs Englaon vs Aussie Traveller 12V: Which 12V TV is Best?
| Brand | Best For | Features | Power Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCE | Simple, reliable setup | Android OS, DVD, Bluetooth | ~36W |
| Englaon | Feature-packed streaming | Chromecast, FHD, Android TV, built-in DVD | ~48W |
| Aussie Traveller | Rugged use | VIDAA OS, sealed drive, satellite ready | ~36-40W |
If you want the best 12V caravan TV with built-in smart features, Englaon is a solid choice. NCE is great for off-grid setups with low power draw. Aussie Traveller is ideal for tough conditions with great tuner and DVD support.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | NCE 24" | Englaon 27" | Aussie Traveller 24" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920x1080 (FHD) | HD |
| Smart OS | Android | Android TV | VIDAA OS |
| Chromecast | No | Yes | No |
| Built-in DVD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | 12V/240V | 12V/240V | 12V/240V |
Final Thoughts: The Best Caravan 12V TV for You
Whether you're upgrading your RV media setup or buying a new television for your camper, the right 12V TV, whether a smart tv or non-smart, makes a big difference to your travel lifestyle.
If you're focused on off-grid entertainment, go with a lightweight 12V TV like NCE. For smart features and streaming, try the Englaon 27" or 32". Want simple access to live TV and DVDs? Aussie Traveller has you covered.
No matter your budget or caravan setup, Outback Equipment has the best range of caravan 12V TVs in Australia. From smart TV models to ones with a built-in DVD, we’ve got the entertainment solution that fits your trip.
Shop 12V TVs for caravans at Outback Equipment, built for Aussie conditions.
FAQs for Caravan 12V TVs
Do I need Wi-Fi to watch something?
Not always, you may not need an internet solution. Caravanners often use a built-in DVD player or USB drive when you're off-grid. For streaming services like Prime Video or Netflix, connect using Starlink or a mobile hotspot or look for a tv guide.
What’s the difference between HD and FHD?
FHD (Full High Definition) gives a crisper image, especially noticeable on 27 inch or larger TV screens.
Can I stream directly to my new TV?
Yes. Many 12V TVs for caravans include built-in Chromecast and run Android TV or Google TV.
Do I need an antenna?
If you're watching free-to-air channels or running satellite receivers, yes. Look for digital TV tuners and make sure your TV aerial is up to spec.
Can I power it from a solar setup?
Yes! Pairing your 12V TV with a solar panel and 100Ah battery is a common RV setup.
