12V Systems for Ute Canopies and Trays
How much 12V power do you actually need? Work out your daily amp-hours first. A 12V fridge uses 30–60 Ah/day, power tool charging 10–20 Ah/day, lights and devices 5–10 Ah/day. A tradie charging tools and running a work light needs roughly 100 Ah of usable capacity; a touring family running a fridge needs 200–300 Ah. Then add a DC-DC charger, because a modern smart alternator won't properly charge a second battery on its own. Complete systems here run $799 to $5,499.
Turn your ute canopy or tray into a mobile workshop or off-grid touring rig, with everything from a simple 12V LED lighting upgrade to a complete lithium, DC-DC and MPPT solar package. Full sizing maths and install guidance: the 12V system buying guide.
Daily power use, by load
| Load | Draw | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| 40–60 L 12V fridge | 3–5 A running | 30–60 Ah |
| Power tool battery charging | 5–10 A while charging | 10–20 Ah |
| Laptop via inverter | 3–5 A | 10–20 Ah |
| Diesel heater | 8–10 A start, 1 A run | 10–25 Ah/night |
| Phone, tablet, radio, UHF | 1–2 A | 5–10 Ah |
| LED strip lighting | 0.5–2 A | 2–6 Ah |
| Water pump | 4–6 A intermittent | 2–5 Ah |
Compare usable capacity, not nameplate. A 100 Ah AGM gives about 50 Ah usable; a 100 Ah lithium gives 80–95 Ah and weighs about a third as much.
Systems and prices
| System | Price | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Power Hub — 12V 40 A DC-DC & MPPT | $799 | Adding proper charging to an existing battery |
| Enerdrive The Explore Power System | $2,400 | Entry complete system, weekend touring |
| Power Core | $2,599 | Compact all-in-one |
| Lite 12V Smart Touring Hub | $3,999 | Serious touring on a budget |
| 300 Ah Ultra Slim Power Core | $4,604 | Maximum capacity, minimum floor space |
| 12V Smart Touring Hub Package | $5,499 | Complete and integrated |
| Enerdrive The Adventurer Power System | $5,500 | Full off-grid touring |
GST inclusive, current at September 2026.
Common questions
How many amp-hours do I need for a 12V fridge?
A 40–60 L fridge uses roughly 30–60 Ah per day depending on ambient temperature and how often it's opened. On lithium, 100 Ah of capacity will run a fridge for one to two days without charging; on AGM, the same nameplate gives you about half that.
Do I need a DC-DC charger?
On any modern ute with a smart alternator, yes. Smart alternators drop output voltage once the start battery is full, which leaves an auxiliary battery chronically undercharged through a plain isolator. A DC-DC charger also delivers the correct profile for lithium.
Lithium or AGM?
Lithium for most Australian builds — 80–95% usable capacity against AGM's 50%, about a third the weight per usable amp-hour, and several times the cycle life. AGM still makes sense on a tight budget or where the battery is regularly charged below freezing.
How much solar do I need?
Budget roughly 0.25–0.35 Ah per watt per day. A 200 W panel returns about 50–70 Ah on a good day — enough for a fridge, not enough to also charge tools. If you drive daily, the alternator through a 40 A DC-DC charger will out-perform a roof panel.
Can I run power tools off a 12V system?
You can charge tool batteries easily through a modest pure sine inverter. Running a corded grinder continuously is different — a 2000 W load pulls around 180 A and will flatten a 200 Ah lithium in about an hour.
Where should the battery go in a canopy?
Low and as far forward as practical, bolted down, with the positive cable fused at the battery. Slim-format batteries exist specifically so they can live under a shelf rather than on the floor.
Planning a full build? Custom Build covers canopy, fit-out and power together. Showrooms at Laverton North VIC, Coopers Plains QLD and Penrith NSW, or call 1300 710 666. This is general information, not electrical advice — 240 V work must be done by a licensed electrician.
