12V DC 30 Litres 400W
The Quality Heating 30 Litre 12V DC Caravan Water Heater is a compact, low-voltage hot water storage cylinder designed specifically for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and other 12-volt DC off-grid environments. It runs directly from a leisure battery or vehicle electrical system — no 230V mains supply required — making it the ideal solution for mobile or off-grid hot water wherever a standard mains-powered cylinder is simply not an option.
With a 30-litre capacity and a 400W heating element, this unit heats water quietly and efficiently, reaching up to 70°C. The compact dimensions (360 × 360 × 520 mm) and flexible installation options — wall or floor mounting — make it straightforward to fit within the constrained spaces typical of leisure vehicles and static caravans. A mechanical thermostat gives simple, reliable temperature control between 30°C and 70°C with no complicated electronics.
Why Buy the QH 30L 12V Caravan Water Heater?
🔋 12V DC — No Mains RequiredRuns directly from a leisure battery, vehicle supply, or solar charge system — works where 230V is not available.
🚐 Compact & Versatile360 × 360 × 520 mm — fits in overhead lockers, under benches, or in dedicated water heater bays in caravans and motorhomes.
🌡️ Up to 70°CAdjustable thermostat (30–70°C) for flexibility between energy-saving wash temperatures and hygienically hot water.
💧 30-Litre CapacitySufficient for washing up, hand washing, and short showers with a water-saving showerhead — ideal for 1–2 people on tour.
🔥 Copper Heating ElementLong service life and good resistance to scale — less maintenance in areas with hard water.
🧊 40mm Foam InsulationExcellent heat retention once heated — the thick ECO polyurethane foam jacket minimises standby losses to keep water warm between uses.
🛡️ Zirconium-Enamel Inner VesselWear-resistant coating and anti-corrosion cathode protection for long vessel life.
📐 Wall or Floor MountingSupplied with mounting bracket — fits to a wall or stands on the floor depending on the available space.
🔒 Safety Valve IncludedInlet combination valve and safety valve (PRV) supplied as standard for a compliant installation.
⭐ 3-Year Vessel Warranty3-year warranty on the cylinder vessel; 2-year warranty on the electrical components — above the market standard.
Suitable For
Caravans & touring caravans Motorhomes & campervans Static caravans & holiday lodges Canal boats & narrow boats Off-grid cabins & shepherd's huts 12V solar system installations Leisure vehicles without mains hook-up Outbuildings with 12V supply only Low-demand washing & catering use
Product Description
The QH 30L 12V Caravan Water Heater stores 30 litres at up to 70°C. At typical caravanning use — mixing to a comfortable 37–40°C — this provides sufficient warm water for washing up after meals and short showers using a flow-restricting showerhead for one to two people. It is not intended to replace a full household mains-powered cylinder, but as a purpose-built 12V appliance it delivers genuine, usable hot water comfort in off-grid settings.
⏱️ Please Note: Longer Heat-Up Time
Because the heating element is rated at 400W (vs 1,500W or more in a mains kitchen cylinder), the heat-up time from cold is longer — typically several hours to reach full temperature. We recommend switching the unit on well in advance of when hot water is needed, or keeping it at a low standby temperature (e.g. 45°C) and boosting to a higher setting before peak use. Planning around this is simply part of using a 12V system.
The inner vessel is coated with a zirconium-enamel finish — a wear-resistant, chemically stable coating combined with an anti-rust cathode protection system for long-term durability. The copper heating element and 40 mm ECO polyurethane foam insulation jacket (λ = 0.22 W/mK) ensure the water stays hot for extended periods after the element shuts off, minimising the frequency of reheating and therefore battery draw.
Important: This unit is supplied without a plug. Wiring to the 12V supply must be carried out directly — wire connectors must be rated for the current draw (approximately 33A at 12V). Ensure your leisure battery, wiring, and fusing are appropriately specified for continuous 400W draw. Consult a qualified auto-electrician or caravan engineer if unsure.
Key Features
-
12V DC operation — runs from leisure battery, vehicle supply, or 12V solar system
-
30-litre capacity — suitable for 1–2 people for washing up and short showers
-
400W copper heating element — long service life and scale resistance
- Adjustable mechanical thermostat: 30–70°C
-
Zirconium-enamel inner vessel with anti-corrosion cathode protection
-
40 mm ECO polyurethane foam insulation (λ = 0.22 W/mK)
-
Wall or floor mounting — bracket supplied
- Inlet combination valve and safety valve (PRV) included
-
Supplied without plug — direct wiring required
- 3-year vessel warranty / 2-year electrical warranty
- Dimensions: 360 × 360 × 520 mm (H × W × D)
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| EAN / SKU |
8721154887096 |
| Capacity |
30 litres |
| Voltage |
12V DC |
| Rated Power |
400W |
| Current Draw (approx.) |
~33A at 12V |
| Maximum Temperature |
70°C |
| Thermostat Range |
30–70°C (mechanical, adjustable) |
| Heating Element Material |
Copper |
| Inner Vessel Coating |
SPCC steel + enamel with zirconium glaze; anti-corrosion cathode protection |
| Insulation Thickness |
40 mm ECO polyurethane foam |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) |
0.22 W/mK |
| Height |
360 mm |
| Width |
360 mm |
| Depth |
520 mm |
| Mounting Options |
Wall-mounted or floor-standing; bracket supplied |
| Electrical Connection |
Direct wiring — no plug supplied
|
| Safety Valve / PRV |
Included (inlet combination and safety valve) |
| Heat-Up Time |
Several hours from cold (400W element) |
| Warranty |
3 years on vessel / 2 years on electrical components |
Installation Notes
The inlet combination valve and safety valve (PRV) are supplied and must be fitted as part of the installation. The PRV must terminate to a safe, visible discharge point away from any electrical components. Water connections are standard — consult your caravan or motorhome's existing plumbing for thread sizes and connection preferences.
Electrical connection is via direct wiring — no plug is supplied. This is standard practice for 12V leisure vehicle installations. Wire gauge and fusing must be appropriate for a sustained 400W / ~33A draw. If you are unsure about the electrical installation, consult a qualified auto-electrician or NCC-approved caravan engineer. The unit must be earthed correctly as per the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
The unit can be installed vertically (wall-mounted) or placed on the floor depending on available space. Ensure the installation location is protected from frost if the vehicle will be stored unheated in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it come with a plug?
No — the unit is supplied without a plug and must be wired directly to your 12V supply. This is standard practice for 12V leisure vehicle appliances. A qualified auto-electrician or caravan engineer should carry out the connection if you are not confident doing so yourself.
How long does it take to heat up?
Due to the 400W element (much lower than a mains cylinder), heat-up from cold will take several hours. We recommend switching on well ahead of when hot water is required, or maintaining a lower standby temperature and boosting before use.
What battery capacity do I need?
At 400W / 12V, the heater draws approximately 33A. To heat 30 litres from 10°C to 60°C takes around 1.75kWh — approximately 146Ah from a 12V battery. A 200Ah+ leisure battery (ideally lithium) is recommended to provide this without over-discharging. For lead-acid batteries, factor in a usable depth of discharge of around 50%.
Can it be used with a solar panel system?
Yes — it is compatible with any 12V DC supply, including solar charge systems. For best results, charge the battery via solar during daylight hours and heat the water from battery storage at a convenient time.
Can I set it to a lower temperature to save battery?
Yes — the mechanical thermostat is adjustable from 30°C to 70°C. Setting a lower target temperature (e.g. 45–50°C) reduces the energy required per heat cycle. Note that at temperatures below 60°C, Legionella guidelines recommend running the cylinder up to 60°C at least once a week if the water is being stored — particularly relevant for static caravans in regular use.
What is the warranty?
This unit carries a 3-year warranty on the vessel and a 2-year warranty on the electrical components — above the standard industry warranty for this type of product.
Is it suitable for narrow boats and canal boats?
Yes — if your boat has a 12V DC leisure battery system, this unit is compatible. Many narrow boat owners choose it as a supplementary or primary hot water source where a calorifier is not installed or not working. Ensure the installation meets any applicable BSS (Boat Safety Scheme) requirements.
What's in the Box
- QH 30 Litre 12V DC Caravan Water Heater
- Wall-mounting bracket and fixings
- Inlet combination valve and safety valve (PRV)
- Multilingual installation and user manual (English included)
⚠️ Please Note: This unit is supplied without a plug — direct wiring to a 12V DC supply is required; use wire and fusing rated for ~33A continuous draw. The safety valve (PRV) must be plumbed to a safe discharge point. Installation should be carried out by a suitably qualified auto-electrician or caravan engineer. This product is designed for 12V DC systems only — do not connect to 230V AC mains.
