Buy now, pay later with Afterpay and Zip

Proudly Australian Owned and Operated

​Camper Trailer


A trailer takes a worse beating than the vehicle towing it. Compact power, clamped batteries, boxed fridges and shelter chosen for vibration first.

View as

Camper Trailer

RG-Logo-Icon

Overview

Camper Trailer Overview

About Camper Trailer

A camper trailer takes a worse beating than the vehicle towing it, and everything on it has to be chosen with that in mind.

The tow vehicle has suspension tuned for a person. The trailer has suspension tuned for a load, and it follows a corrugated track at a different frequency, hammering everything bolted to it. A battery that is strapped down in a 4WD is a battery that is clamped in a tray on a trailer. A fridge that sits on a mat in a wagon sits in a box on a trailer. Every connection is crimped rather than screwed, every lead is clipped rather than run loose, and everything that can rattle eventually does.

The power system is compact by necessity. A single battery, a DC to DC charger fed through the trailer plug, a portable panel or a small fixed one, and a distribution point with a few fused outputs. Enough to run a fridge, lights and a pump for a long weekend, and light enough not to eat into the tow rating.

Shelter is where a trailer earns its keep. An awning off the side, a wall kit for the wind, an ensuite for the nights that turn into weeks. A trailer that stays in one place for a while becomes the centre of camp in a way a 4WD never quite does.

Pick everything for vibration first and capacity second. A smaller system that stays connected beats a larger one that shakes itself loose.

FAQs

Camper Trailer FAQs

How do I connect my camper trailer’s 12V system to my vehicle?

The standard way to connect a camper trailer is via a high current Anderson plug. This provides a secure and vibration resistant link between your vehicle starter battery and the trailer power system. Unlike a standard round or flat trailer plug, these are designed to handle the high amperage required to charge your auxiliary batteries while you are driving.

To get the best result, you should install a DCDC charger within the camper trailer to manage the voltage drop caused by the long cable run from the engine bay. This helps your battery reach a full state of charge and keeps it healthy for longer adventures. You can find the right Anderson plugs for your cable ends or browse our range of DCDC chargers to complete your setup.

What kind of lithium batteries should I be looking for in my camper trailer?

Look for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that include a built in Battery Management System (BMS). These units provide much more usable energy than traditional lead acid options while significantly reducing the weight of your trailer. This weight saving is a major benefit for maintaining your GTM while navigating remote areas. Selecting a battery with high vibration resistance is vital for travel on corrugated tracks.

Most camper trailer setups benefit from a 100Ah or 200Ah capacity to maintain cold refrigeration and clear lighting over several days. You can browse our selection of Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries or compare them with other 12V Deep Cycle Batteries to see which suits your build.

What is the best DC-DC charger setup for a camper trailer?

The most effective setup involves mounting the charger within the camper trailer, specifically as close to the auxiliary batteries as possible. This position minimizes the voltage drop that occurs over the long cable run from your vehicle alternator. Placing the unit near the battery allows it to deliver a multi stage charge that maintains your lithium or AGM cells correctly.

Many travelers choose a charger with a built in solar regulator to simplify their wiring. This allows you to connect panels directly to the trailer while parked, allowing for a continuous charge without extra components. Browse our range of DCDC chargers to find a professional unit, or check our Anderson plugs for a secure connection point.

What is the most effective solar setup for a camper trailer?

A mix of fixed panels for maintenance and portable solar blankets for camp is the most effective setup for a camper trailer. This allows you to maintain a steady charge while driving, then deploy the portable cells once you pull up to your spot. Being able to move your panels to follow the sun is a major advantage when you are parked in a shaded campsite.

Solar blankets are useful because they are lightweight and take up very little space in your storage. They can be draped over the trailer or placed on the ground to capture the best angle of light. By keeping your panels in the sun and your trailer in the shade, you reduce the workload on your fridge and maintain a more comfortable camp.

How do I monitor the battery health in my camper trailer?

Use a shunt based battery monitor to get an accurate reading of your system state of charge. Standard voltage meters only provide a rough estimate, whereas a shunt measures every amp hour entering and leaving your battery. This level of detail is vital for camper trailers where the battery is often hidden in a storage box.

A Bluetooth enabled monitor is particularly useful, as it allows you to check your power levels on your smartphone from your vehicle or the comfort of your camp chair. It helps you identify high draw appliances and manage your consumption before the power runs too low. You can find these precision units in our Battery Monitors collection or look into our 12V Distribution Boxes to help centralise your wiring and monitoring.

Which portable fridges are recommended for camper trailer slides?

Chest style fridges are the preferred choice for camper trailer slides because they allow you to access your food and drinks from the top once the unit is pulled out. This format is much more practical for trailers where vertical space is limited and an upright model would not fit. You should prioritize low profile units that clear the height of your internal storage compartment while providing enough capacity for your trip.

Choosing a fridge with a high efficiency compressor helps manage the battery draw during long stays in remote locations. It is also important to consider units with durable cabinets that handle the vibration and dust found on corrugated tracks. Explore our range of portable fridge freezers to find a unit that matches your slide dimensions and power requirements.

How do I maintain my camper trailer battery while it is in storage?

To maintain your camper trailer battery during storage, you should disconnect all electrical loads and make sure it is charged to the correct level for its chemistry. Leaving accessories like clocks or memory circuits connected can slowly drain the battery and cause permanent damage over several months of inactivity.

For AGM batteries, store them at a full 100 percent charge and provide a maintenance top up every few months using a smart AC charger. Lithium batteries are different and perform better when stored at around 50 to 80 percent charge rather than being left completely full. Always store your trailer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations from affecting the internal cells. Following these steps helps your setup stay ready for your next adventure without the need for an immediate battery replacement.

Reviews

Shop the Roam Gear Range