Comfort & Technology
What are 12V / USB Sockets?
Charging points around the van that don't rely on the mains inverter.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Cigarette-lighter-style 12V sockets and USB charging points, wired straight to the leisure battery, let you charge phones, run 12V coolboxes and similar kit without switching the inverter on at all.
How it works
Each socket runs on its own fused circuit back to the 12V board; USB sockets include a small step-down converter to bring the voltage to the 5V (or higher, for fast charging) that devices expect.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Socket dead but others work — check its individual fuse first
- ⚠USB socket charges slowly — may only support basic charging, not fast-charge protocols
- ⚠Loose-fitting plug that cuts out over bumps — the socket itself has likely worn out
Rough UK cost
£10 – £40 fitted per socket.
Ballpark only — depends on your van, converter and local labour rates.
Heads up: CamperAutonomy is for general guidance only. Anything gas-related must be signed off by a Gas Safe engineer with LPG endorsement.