How to reduce the weight of your caravan
Updated 2 July 2024
These days it's normal take our home comforts (including appliances) on the road, and what was once considered 'glamping' is now just... camping.
Whether it's brewing our daily coffee with a pod machine or cooking a frittata on an electric cooktop, the experience of caravanning has transformed significantly over the past 10-20 years. With all that campers are carrying now, you don't want to waste weight on your power source.
Reduce caravan weight with a simple swap
By changing your AGM batteries to one of our deep cycle lithium options, you can easily reduce weight in your camper or caravan.
iTechworld products are designed to keep up with today's avid camper. They deliver all the juice you need while off grid or free camping, as light weight component of your caravan kit.
How much weight will switching save you?
Caravan owners will know the dubious joy of balancing the weight distribution on road trips. Weight has to be carefully accounted for, and reducing weight where possible is always good.
A long-standing problem for caravan capacity is that traditional AGM batteries are heavy. One AGM unit can weigh 30kg (or more), and you're not typically using just one for a fully kitted out van.
As an example: The iTECH120X is so much lighter that it almost defies physics. At just 12kg, it weighs up to third less than conventional lead-acid options; it also has a greater capacity, so you get a more efficient product overall.
That's a weight savings of at least 18kg per battery, on average. Think of all the actually useful stuff you can throw in for a trip instead of lugging around those old, heavy cells...
The iTECH120X features the best in deep-cycle design, delivering unprecedented weight savings, performance, and product life span. New developments by iTechworld in lithium battery manufacturing now allows an unlimited amount of iTECH120X batteries in a parallel configuration.
And that's just one of the products in our comprehensive range of powerful, stable batteries.
See the iTECH120X in action with this video from XploringOz:
Converting your caravan for lithium batteries
It's easy to convert your caravan's set up for iTechworld products; they will operate with just about any charging system. You can replace your heavy old lead-acid batteries with with no extensive changes required to your existing charging methods.
All of our deep cycle models support:
- AC charging (wall charging)
- DC to DC charging
- Solar panels
If you intend to be out in the wops for long periods of time (or you just like to be prepared for anything) we recommend checking out one of our solar blankets. They're excellent for recharging your batteries in the outdoors without the hassle of bringing extra fuel for a generator - and they fold up to an unobtrusive size, perfect for keeping in your vehicle for next time you need them.
Looking for more info on a solar solution for your next camping trip? We've done the hard work for you with our guide to What size solar generator do I need.
Product Focus: iTECH400X Pro 400Ah with Bluetooth
Yes, you read that correctly: the updated 2025 model of the iTECH400X is now Bluetooth compatible, so you can monitor the status of your battery via the iTechworld Connect Battery Management app. This new edition is our pick for top-of-the-line technology on the go.
Key features:
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Patent-pending A-grade LiFePO4 cells - shrinking the size to match one standard AGM 200Ah pack, but with the capacity of four AGMs combined.
- 100% useable - every bit of battery capacity is able to be drawn. So you can use the entire store of energy, and get more lifecycles over the life of the battery itself.
- True drop-in replacement for older systems.
- 38kg weight (equivalent AGM for same Ah would weigh up to 240kg).
- Vibration proof, suitable for high heat, and IP67 waterproof - built tough for Australia's rugged conditions.
The iTECH400X Pro comes with a five-year Australian warranty, and is certified to the Australian standard IEC:62619, marking it one of the safest and most reliable options on the market for your camp gear.
Meet the iTechworld Battery Range
iTechworld's range goes from 7Ah up to 400Ah - so there's something to suit everyone. A quick guide to our varieties:
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Super Slim: As the name suggests, very slim and highly suitable for smaller rigs, without compromising on quality or capability. You can fit these in tight spaces, like behind the seat of your car, to optimise the space in your set up.
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X-Range: All the benefits of our top-rated range plus IP67 waterproof and dustproof ratings, and rated for under-bonnet use (perfect for those who like to explore more rugged conditions).
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X-Range + Bluetooth: The same as the X-Range, with the added benefit of battery monitoring via the convenient iTechworld Connect Battery Management App (compatible with android and iOS devices).
Find out which is best for your needs with our handy guide, What is the best lithium battery for a caravan?
Try Portable Power with GoFurther Battery Boxes
If you're after a portable option, we have you covered with game-changing GoFurther Boxes which can tranform your battery to a power station.
The GoFurther range is perfect for canopies and 4WDs as the ultimate dual-battery solution. They're compatible with basically all batteries and have been designed for especially easy DIY connection and use.
No need to channel your inner sparky - these boxes are ready to go when you are.
Key features:
- Built tough with polypropylene (stronger than steel) and heavy duty copper wire
- Convenient LED voltmeter display and on/off button for clear voltage readings, day or night
- 4 Quick-Charge USB ports (including 1x USB C) allowing you to charge devices up to 80% in just 35 minutes
- Plug-and-play DIY set up (ready to install without any electrical expertise)
- 50A auto-reset circuit breaker safeguards against surges
- High-powered 175A Anderson connector ideal to use with inverters
- 2 x 12V car outputs, 4 x input/output Anderson connectors for appliances
Can I just use a generator?
Using a traditional fuel generator for a caravan is not safe unless the generator itself is outside in a well ventilated area. You cannot use a fuel-powered generator indoors due to the toxic fumes. Even lower emission fuel options like inverter generators cannot be used for indoor settings.
You could certainly use a generator to charge or back up your new, lightweight batteries - or a portable power station, which is a clean energy option suitable for indoor (or in-van) use.
Related reading: Are Portable Power Stations Worth It?
More simple tips for weight reduction in a caravan
While switching to lithium batteries can help enormously, particularly for those who were using multiple old-school lead acid batteries for their needs, there are other areas you can consider too.
1. Find lighter camp furniture
If you're taking a camp table and chairs, you can save on the load by replacing them with something lighter weight. Most of the time these lighter options pack down better too, having less bulk in general to worry about. It's a small difference, but every bit adds up if you need to reduce your load.
2. Try a light weight cooktop
While some will swear by their BBQ, we're partial to taking an electric cooktop on trips. They're easier to clean, relatively small, and can easily be powered by your iTechworld set up when you need to cook, or boil water for a cuppa while relaxing in your camp chairs.
Similarly, you may want to reconsider the cast iron camp oven - they're old-school cooking favourites for a reason, but they're also extremely heavy in most cases if you need to travel light.
3. Consider your larger appliances
While we're confident you could charge or run just about any large appliance you like with iTechworld's portable options, you still need to be aware of how much weight your van can actually safely handle when transiting - and the towing capacity of your car or other vehicle.
Heavy items like a washing machine or a fridge tend to add up; it's worth the extra research to find the versions better suited for your weight needs.
Getting the most out of your caravan's space
There are plenty of other tips for reducing weight during your caravan camping expeditions. Other sources recommend weight saving ideas like removing spare tyres and cutting equipment right down - do this at your own risk!
The weight and space savings you're making on batteries should help ensure you don't need to resort to leaving any essentials behind.
Powering your caravan and more with iTechworld
Whatever appliances you're carrying, we have the perfect on-the-go solutions.
Choose iTechworld gear for safe travels and peace of mind. We stand by the quality of our equipment. Pick up the latest in on-the-go energy solutions for your outdoor adventures from the experts today.
Need some help choosing the best options for your needs? Our expert team can help with that. Call us on 08 9472 7200, contact us via email, or drop into our Perth store today at 291 Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, WA 6100.