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Do you need one at all?
Many modern devices charge over USB-C PD directly from 12 V. A 12 V laptop charger, a 12 V fridge and a 12 V fan avoid conversion losses entirely. Use an inverter only for what has no 12 V alternative.
Electrical safety. 12 V systems carry high currents that can start fires; mains (120/230 V) wiring can kill. Fuse every positive cable at its source, size cables to the manufacturer's tables, and have your system designed or checked by a qualified auto-electrician. Mains wiring should be done by a qualified electrician.
Sizing in three steps
- List the AC devices you'll run simultaneously and add up their watts.
- Add headroom for motors and compressors that surge at start-up.
- Check your battery's continuous discharge rating can deliver it: at 12 V, every 1,000 W of AC load means very roughly 90+ A of DC current once losses are included.
Pure sine wave, always
Modified sine inverters are cheaper but can make devices run hot, buzz or fail. Every inverter we'd consider for a van is pure sine.
A reference model
Victron Phoenix 12/1200
Best for: Running a laptop, induction-free kitchen gadgets and tools from a wired 12 V system.
- Rating
- 1,200 VA
- Waveform
- Pure sine wave
- Input
- 12 V DC
- Check the regional outlet version (120 V or 230 V)
- Size cables and fuse to the manual – inverters draw high DC current
Specs: manufacturer page, checked 2026-11-14. Based on manufacturer specs and public reviews – not a hands-on test.
Other common choices include Renogy and Victron's larger Phoenix/MultiPlus ranges. Inverter-chargers suit vans that regularly plug in at campsites.
Wiring rules that matter
- Short, thick DC cables sized to the manual's table, with a correctly rated fuse at the battery.
- Mount with airflow; inverters derate when hot.
- AC wiring and outlets in the living area should be done – or at least inspected – by a qualified electrician, with RCD/GFCI protection where required.
Frequently asked questions
What size inverter do I need for van life?
Add up the AC appliances you'll run at the same time and add a margin for start-up surges. Many vans only need a few hundred watts for laptops and chargers; induction hobs, kettles and hair dryers need much more and drain batteries quickly.
Pure sine or modified sine wave?
Pure sine. Laptops, power tool chargers, and anything with a motor or sensitive electronics run more reliably and quietly on a pure sine output.
What is an inverter-charger?
A combined unit (e.g. Victron MultiPlus) that inverts battery power to AC and also charges the battery when plugged into shore power, with automatic switching. More expensive, but neat for campsite users.
Spotted an outdated spec? Tell us.