Most people think a ‘proper’ TV in a van means lugging a house-sized one and draining your battery by bedtime. Been there, done that, and paid for the jump-start.
For UK motorhome and caravan campers, a smart 12V TV makes camp life easier, especially when grim Welsh rain pins you inside. You want to stream a show or watch the news without running everything off mains or killing your leisure battery. Once you’ve tried a good 12V setup, you’ll never go back to balancing a tablet in bed or fussing with noisy inverters.
What Makes a Good 12V Smart TV for Camping?
Not all TVs are made equal, especially for van life. The right TV for a caravan or motorhome will run directly from your 12V leisure battery. No noisy inverter, no risk of draining your kit after only two episodes.
Low power use is vital. UK weather loves to rob us of sunny solar days, and you want telly for those long, dark evenings. Reliability counts, too. Bumpy roads shake everything. Get a TV that’s built to cope (cellos, Avtex and Falcon know their stuff here).
Space is king. A slim set that mounts easily won’t swallow your little sitting area or wobble off when you turn a sharp corner out of Aberystwyth.
Comparing the Top Smart TVs
Cello ZRTG0242 Traveller
Screen Size: 24″
Smart Features: Yes (Android TV, Chromecast)
Power Supply: 12V/240V
Key Extras: USB 2.0, HDMI, UK Customer Support
Avtex W249 TS
Screen Size: 24″
Smart Features: Yes (Netflix, Prime, Disney+)
Power Supply: 12V/24V/240V
Key Extras: Freesat, Bluetooth, Frameless Design
Falcon TV Plus Pack
Screen Size: Not specified
Smart Features: No
Power Supply: 12V/240V
Key Extras: Satellite & Freeview, DVD, Bluetooth
RCA RB24H2CUA
Screen Size: 24″
Smart Features: No
Power Supply: 12V/24V
Key Extras: Multiple ports, Dolby Audio
Sharp 24” Aquos
Screen Size: 24″
Smart Features: Yes (Netflix, Prime, Freeview Play)
Power Supply: 12V/24V/240V
Key Extras: Miracast, DTS TruSurround
Sniper 24″ Smart LED
Screen Size: 24″
Smart Features: Yes (WebOS – Netflix, Prime etc.)
Power Supply: 12V/240V
Key Extras: WebOS, Freeview HD, Satellite, Cast
Cooden 12V Smart TV
Screen Size: 24″
Smart Features: Yes (Freeview Play, Netflix, YouTube)
Power Supply: 12V/240V
Key Extras: Built-in DVD, Multiple Ports, Cast
Best 12V Smart TVs for Motorhomes and Caravans UK – Top Picks for
1. Cello ZRTG0242 Traveller – A Smart Pick for Portable Entertainment
If you’re after a travel-ready TV that doesn’t demand a tech degree to use, the Cello ZRTG0242 Traveller might just be the one. Designed and made in the UK, this 24-inch Full HD Smart TV runs on Android, giving you seamless access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and more – perfect for winding down after a day outdoors.
It’s fitted with Google Chromecast, which means you can mirror your phone or stream content directly from supported apps. Plus, the built-in satellite and terrestrial tuners mean you can pick up free-to-air channels whether you're wild camping or at a busy site.
With 12V and 240V compatibility, it's genuinely made with travellers in mind. And while the sound quality won’t blow you away, it’s more than enough for catching up on the soaps or tuning into your favourite nature doc.
Overall, it’s a compact, reliable telly that ticks the right boxes for campervans, caravans, and motorhome owners who like their tech simple and effective.
2. Avtex W249 TS Smart TV – Top Choice for Premium Caravan Viewing
The Avtex W249 TS Smart TV is what you get when you blend smart technology with proper camper-focused design. It’s a 24-inch Full HD screen, wrapped in a sleek edge-to-edge casing that looks right at home in modern motorhomes and caravans.
What makes it shine? It has just about everything: built-in satellite decoder (no extra box needed), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multiple HDMI and USB ports, and a low-power 12V/24V option that’s perfect for off-grid use. You can stream from all the major apps – Netflix, Prime, Disney+, iPlayer, ITVX – and even wirelessly cast from your phone.
If you're planning long trips or like to keep everyone entertained on rainy afternoons, this TV’s versatility, build quality, and slimline design make it a no-brainer.
It’s a little pricier than some options, but you really do get what you pay for. For campers who want quality and convenience in one package, the Avtex W249 TS is hard to beat.
3. Falcon TV Plus Pack – All-in-One Entertainment for the Road
The Falcon TV Plus Pack is ideal for campers who like having everything sorted from the get-go. This isn’t just a TV; it’s a complete viewing setup in one convenient package. The 24-inch HD LED screen delivers crisp visuals with great visibility from various angles, whether you're on your bunk or sat outside under the awning.
One of the biggest perks? You get satellite and Freeview functionality, so no need to choose. Simply plug in an antenna or satellite dish (both supported), hit the tuning button, and you’re ready to go. There’s even a USB slot for pausing, rewinding, or recording your shows. That’s a handy touch if you’re out hiking while your favourite programme airs.
It’s powered by either 12V or 240V, meaning it works just as well off-grid as it does at a full-service site. There’s also a built-in DVD player (a rare find these days), and Bluetooth capability to connect wireless headphones or speakers.
With the option to wall-mount or use the table stand, and even a screen cover included for extra protection, this TV really is the full package.
4. RCA RB24H2CUA – Best Budget Pick
If you’re after something simple, reliable, and super wallet-friendly, the RCA RB24H2CUA ticks every box. It’s the most affordable 12V TV on this list but still offers impressive quality and features for its price.
The picture is sharp, sound quality is solid thanks to Dolby Digital Audio, and it supports a wide range of input options, including HDMI, USB, SCART, VGA, Mini AV, so you can easily hook up a DVD player, games console, or a streaming stick like Amazon Fire.
Yes, it’s not a Smart TV, so you’ll need that streaming stick if you want Netflix or Prime. But as a standalone Freeview HD telly, it performs really well. It’s also got the right voltage flexibility for motorhomes and campervans (12V and 24V support), so you won’t be fiddling around with converters.
It’s compact, light, and mounts easily, making it ideal for tight spaces. All in all, it’s a brilliant no-fuss pick for campers who want great quality without the bells and whistles.
5. Sharp 24” 1T-C24EE2KF2UBM Aquos – Smart & Stylish with Streaming Power
The Sharp Aquos 24” Smart TV is another strong contender, especially if you’re looking for full Smart TV features in a slim, travel-ready package. It offers excellent HD picture quality and vibrant colours – no surprise from a brand like Sharp.
What’s impressive is how well it’s built for mobile life. It runs off 12V, 24V, or standard mains power, so it’s perfect for caravans, boats, and even off-grid adventures with a reliable battery setup. It also has Freeview Play, giving you access to live TV and catch-up services (if you’ve got decent signal and Wi-Fi).
You’ll get access to Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and other apps through Wi-Fi, and there’s Miracast support too, so sharing photos or videos from your phone to the TV is seamless.
It also boasts 3 HDMI ports, USB, and composite jacks for full connectivity. The DTS TruSurround sound system is a nice bonus, giving you clear audio without needing extra speakers.
If you want a reliable, attractive, and feature-rich option without paying Avtex-level prices, the Sharp Aquos is a smart buy.
Using 12V Smart TVs When Camping: Important Things to consider
Check TV Size and Space in Your Van
It’s easy to think “bigger must be better.” I tried to cram a 32-incher into my tiny Auto-Sleeper once. It felt like watching telly from the foot of my bed. Awful.
So, I will recommend that you measure your TV spot before you buy. For two-person vans or stealth campers, 16 to 19-inch is spot on. Settle for 24-inch only if you’ve got a larger motorhome or fixed dining area.
Don’t ignore weight. A lighter TV means less wall-fixing hassle, less risk of accidents, and fewer rattles when you hit potholes heading for the Lakes.
Consider Power Efficiency
Battery anxiety on the road is real, especially without hookups. A 12V TV that sips power is worth its weight in gold. Most smart sets run under 25W (some down to 14W if you’re careful), but check the label.
Run the numbers: TV wattage ÷ leisure battery amp-hours × 10 (for safety margin). Never trust ‘standby’ mode – turn it off at the wall. LED screens and eco modes help. If wild camping, monitor battery drain after your first week and adjust.
Choose Smart Features That Matter
Don’t get caught up in shiny feature lists. Most campers only use the basics: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, maybe Prime Video or ITVX for footie or soaps.
Check the smart platform – WebOS (Cello) and VIDAA (Avtex) are both intuitive. Android TV on some Cello models gives you Chromecast and Google Play Store access (handy for YouTube or apps not preloaded).
Forget cutting-edge home cinema bells and whistles. You want quick streaming that works well off a mobile hotspot and without crashing on weak 4G. Some apps need updates. Choose brands that provide them even years on. Also read the Best Camping Projector For Campervans.
Sort Out Connectivity and Inputs
The more HDMI ports, the better. Most campers have a Fire Stick, games console, or sometimes a satellite box. Two HDMI slots are a minimum. USB lets you charge gadgets or play films from a stick when internet fails.
Wi-Fi is essential for streaming. Bluetooth? That’s ace for wireless headphones (so you don’t wake your partner while you watch reruns of Only Fools at midnight).
Check the remote’s range too. Sounds silly, but I once camped in a Scottish storm and the remote barely worked lying in bed. Little details make a huge difference.
Think About Sound Quality
Let’s be honest – small TVs mean small speakers. Most built-in sound is ‘OK’ at best. Cello’s “Perfect Pitch” setup is genuinely decent; it keeps the audio clear even with kettle and rain in the background.
In bigger vans or if you’re a movie nut, pair your TV with a small Bluetooth speaker or headphones. It makes documentaries on stormy islands much more immersive.
Final Note for Choosing the Perfect 12V TV
Ask yourself: does it fit where you want it? Does it run at 12V without drama? Will it survive a sharp right-hander on a Welsh byway while your mug rattles and rain lashes the roof?
Look for real-life reviews from other UK campers. Stick to tried-and-tested brands. If anything feels flimsy or poorly built, move on – it’s not worth the risk on the road.
And never overlook after-sales support. When my Cello glitched in Northumberland, the helpline sorted me in one call. UK brands and good support mean less stress.
If you’re torn, start with Cello or Avtex. Both have proven themselves through storms, wild pitches, and more than a few muddy festival fields. Don’t splash out for specs you’ll never use. Focus on quality, power-saving, and features that fit real motorhome or caravan life.
Still undecided? Read more caravan TV advice and reviews here. You’ll thank yourself when you’re toasty inside, rain drumming on the roof, and your telly is the one thing that never gives up.
