12V Car Heater 150W - Portable Heating for Camping, Caravans, Vehicles
Winter camping doesn't mean shivering in your van. This 150W 12V heater provides instant warmth for caravans, campers, 4WDs, and cars during cold Australian nights. Plug directly into 12V accessory socket or hardwire to secondary battery. Heats small to medium cabins quickly and efficiently. Two heat settings (Low/High) allow temperature control without draining battery excessively. Ideal for spring and autumn camping in southern Australia, mountain regions, and overnight stops in cool climates. Compact design fits neatly under seating or dashboard mounting. No fumes, no CO2 concerns (electric heating), safe for enclosed spaces.
Key Features
150W Heating Power
Low setting: 75W (fuel-efficient, overnight warming)
High setting: 150W (rapid heat-up, full heating)
12V Direct Power
Plugs into 12V cigarette lighter socket or hardwire to battery using provided cable. Current draw: 6A (low), 12A (high). Manageable on secondary battery with 100+ Ah capacity.
Dual Heat Settings
Low mode: 2-3 hours continuous operation on 100 Ah battery
High mode: 45-60 minutes continuous on 100 Ah battery
Fast Heat-Up
Heats small cabin (5-8 sqm caravan interior) from 5°C to 15°C in 30-45 minutes on high setting.
Compact and Portable
Lightweight (3.5 kg). Mount under seat, in cupboard, or use portable stand. No permanent installation required.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 150W max (75W low, 150W high) |
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Current Draw | 6A (low), 12A (high) |
| Heat Output | 512 BTU/hr (high setting) |
| Heating Range | -10°C to 40°C ambient |
| Dimensions | 200mm (W) x 150mm (H) x 120mm (D) |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
| Cable Length | 2.5m standard, can be extended |
| Connectors | 12V DC plug or direct wiring terminals |
| Safety Features | Thermal cutout, overheat protection |
| Materials | Plastic housing, ceramic heating element |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Perfect For
Caravan cold-weather camping
Winter vehicle storage heating
12V motorhome supplemental warmth
4WD expedition heating
Emergency roadside warming
Boat cabin heating
Installation and Safety
12V Accessory Socket Connection (Simplest)
Plug supplied connector into 12V lighter socket. Heater powers on immediately. No wiring required. Safe for casual use.
Battery Hardwire Installation (Recommended for Extended Use)
Run 12V cable from secondary battery positive and negative terminals directly to heater. Install 15A inline fuse on positive line (3 meters from battery). Safer for continuous operation, reduces voltage drop, draws full power.
Placement
Mount on dashboard with suction cup, place under seat, or position on floor mat. Maintain clearance from flammable materials (bedding, curtains). Do not block ventilation.
Safety Tips
Only use in well-ventilated spaces. Electric heating is 100% efficient and safe (no CO emissions like fuel heaters). Never cover heater while operating. Turn off when not needed to preserve battery.
Customer FAQs
Q: Will this drain my vehicle battery overnight?
A: On low setting (6A), it draws about 0.15 kWh per hour. On a 100 Ah secondary battery, you get 8+ hours of low-heat operation. Not recommended for main vehicle battery alone.
Q: Is this safe in a caravan?
A: Yes, completely safe. Electric heating produces no fumes, CO, or combustion byproducts. Ideal for enclosed spaces like caravans where fuel heaters are risky.
Q: How warm does it get?
A: On high, rapidly heats a small cabin. On low, maintains warmth without excessive draw. Best used as supplemental heating alongside insulation.
Q: Can I run this continuously?
A: On low: yes, 8+ hours on 100 Ah battery. On high: 45-60 min on 100 Ah battery. Extend by using larger battery or solar charging during day.
Q: Does it make noise?
A: Quiet fan operation when heating element is active. Some users report subtle humming sound (normal electric heater operation).
What Is Included
✓ 150W 12V heater unit
✓ 2.5m power cable with 12V plug
✓ Direct wiring terminals (positive/negative)
✓ Mounting bracket/suction cup
✓ User manual
✓ 15A fuse and fuse holder
✓ 2-year warranty documentation