Is a Wireless Phone Charger Worth Installing in My Caravan?

It's not just about charging wirelessly. If the wireless charger features Mag technology, it will charge your phone more efficiently while also holding it securely in place.

Yes, a wireless phone charger is a great way to manage cables in your adventure vehicle — be it a caravan, campervan, RV, motorhome or boat. It is also effortless to use, allowing you to dock or undock your phone without taking your eyes off the road.

Contrary to what some people think, wireless chargers are completely safe. They operate on the same principle as dozens of appliances that you've been using in your home, car and office for years.

Aren't USB Chargers More Common than 12V Wireless Chargers?

Sure, almost every mobile phone on the market uses a USB system to charge or recharge its battery. This makes USB chargers highly versatile, which is why many other types of plugs and sockets also include a built-in USB port as an extra feature.

Even some wireless phone chargers include USB-A or USB-C ports for alternative charging — as is the case with our popular 12V Pop-Up Wireless Phone Charger. But whether they have USB ports or not, wireless chargers win when it comes to convenience.

Unlike a USB charger, where you need both hands to plug the charging cable into your phone, a wireless charger is a one-handed operation. You simply place your phone on the charging pad, and it instantly begins charging. As a result, you never have to take both hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road (or the waterway if you're on a boat).

Besides their effortless operation, wireless chargers offer several other advantages over USB charging options.

Driver-Friendly

Thanks to their one-handed operation, wireless chargers minimise the risk of accidents caused by distractions when reaching for a USB charging cable.

Cost-Effective

With repeated plugging and unplugging, your phone's USB port may become damaged, resulting in costly repairs. A wireless charger, on the other hand, charges your phone without placing any mechanical stress on the charging port.

Smooth Charging

If your phone's USB charging port develops loose solder connections, charging can become inconsistent, repeatedly connecting and disconnecting. Since wireless chargers don't rely on these fragile components, they provide consistent, uninterrupted charging.

Phone Holder

Some wireless chargers feature clamping arms or a slide-in compartment to hold your phone securely while charging. This not only keeps your device easily accessible but also secures it safely while travelling over speed bumps, corrugated roads or rough waters.

Below are some examples of wireless phone chargers that hold your device while charging:

• Compact ROKK Nano 10W Wireless Charger — includes a pair of clamping jaws
• Fast Cove 3 Coil 15W Wireless Charger — includes a slide-in cradle
• Clamp ROKK Active 10W Wireless Charger — includes a pair of clamping jaws
• Cradled ROKK Edge 10W Wireless Charger — includes a pair of clamping jaws
• Magnetic Aura 10W Wireless Charger — includes a slide-in cradle

It's worth noting that not all wireless chargers provide a phone-holding or storage feature. For example, the Treklo Tri-Coil 15W Wireless Charger Pad and ROKK Surface 10W Wireless Charger do not include clamping jaws or a slide-in compartment. You simply place your device on the charging surface.

Can You Charge Any Phone with a DC Wireless Charger for Vans and Boats?

Yes, a wireless charger will charge your phone if it supports the same wireless charging technology. If your phone doesn't support wireless charging or uses an incompatible technology, it won't work.

Basically, wireless charging works through electromagnetic induction, a modern charging technology that transfers energy between two devices without any physical connection. The emphasis here is on "modern charging", because electromagnetic induction for wireless power transmission is a well-established phenomenon that we've been using for years, with successful demonstrations dating back to the 1890s.

For electromagnetic induction to work, it requires a transmitter coil, a receiver coil, power conversion circuitry and, of course, a power source.

• Power source — Whether DC or AC, the power source supplies electricity that delivers current to the transmitter coil, energising its electrons.
• Transmitter coil — Once energised, the transmitter coil creates a fluctuating magnetic field around it. Although not particularly strong, this magnetic field can extend a few millimetres from the coil.
• Receiver coil — The electrons within the receiver coil are naturally dormant but ready to move when influenced by a magnetic field. As the fluctuating magnetic field from the transmitter coil reaches them, the electrons begin flowing, generating an electrical current.
• Power conversion — The internal circuitry (the "brain") of your device then converts this generated electrical current into the appropriate power required to charge the battery.

How Do Electromagnetism and Electromagnetic Induction Power a Wireless Charger?

The basic physics principle is that electricity and magnetism have a reciprocal relationship. When electricity flows, it creates a magnetic field (electromagnetism). Likewise, when a magnetic field changes or moves, it causes electrons to move, generating an electrical current (electromagnetic induction).

Electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction are the scientific principles behind electric motors, generators and transformers. So, you've already experienced these phenomena through many of the everyday appliances in your home — which is why we said the technology is nothing new.

What Is Qi Wireless Charging and Why Does It Matter?

If you have an iPhone, Samsung phone or another Android device with wireless charging, chances are it uses the Qi protocol. Qi is the universal wireless charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for phones and other small electronic devices.

The purpose of this standard is to ensure that any phone equipped with the Qi wireless charging protocol can charge on any wireless charger that also supports the Qi standard. It's much like the QC and PD standards used for USB chargers or the ANSI/SAE J563 standard used for cigarette lighter sockets.

The truth is, without these standards, the market would be chaotic, with hundreds of incompatible charging systems. Your vehicle — or even your home — would be cluttered with dozens of different chargers for your devices.

Just like the USB and cigarette lighter socket standards, the Qi specification outlines the requirements that manufacturers must follow when implementing its wireless charging technology. This ensures seamless compatibility, as well as efficient and safe power transfer.

For example, the Qi Baseline Power Profile (BPP) supports wireless charging of up to 5W, while the Qi Extended Power Profile (EPP) supports charging of up to 15W. Both the wireless charger (transmitter) and the receiving device must support the same Qi profile to achieve the corresponding charging speed.

Are Qi and Qi2 the Same Wireless Charging Technology?

Yes and no. Qi version 2.0 (Qi2) is essentially the original Qi standard paired with built-in magnets. The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) released it in 2023 to improve wireless charging efficiency.

Unlike the original Qi, Qi2 includes a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) protocol that uses a built-in ring of permanent magnets to perfectly align the receiver coil with the transmitter coil. These permanent magnets literally snap the phone and charging pad together at the exact centre of their coils.

With this perfect automatic alignment, a wireless charger and phone that both support the Qi2 protocol will charge faster and more safely, with a reduced risk of overheating. With the original Qi standard, however, you must manually position your phone on the charger so the coils align correctly for optimal charging. If the coils are misaligned, charging may be slower than the rated output or stop altogether.

Moreover, Qi2 wireless charging technology supports up to 25W of output power. Unfortunately, though, we're still waiting for a dedicated Qi2 wireless charger for caravans, motorhomes and boats that offers this level of output.

Can I Still Charge My iPhone via MagSafe with a Qi Wireless Charger?

Yes, you can safely charge your MagSafe-compatible iPhone (iPhone 12/13/14/15/16/17) on a Qi-certified wireless charger.

Apple's MagSafe charging technology is very similar to the Qi2 protocol. In fact, Apple developed the magnetic alignment technology and contributed it to the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), allowing it to become the foundation of the Qi2 standard for broader cross-brand compatibility.

Since both MagSafe and Qi2 are built upon the original Qi standard, they remain fully backward compatible with Qi-enabled devices. However, keep in mind that the original Qi standard was initially limited to 7.5W charging for iPhones and does not include a magnetic alignment ring. As a result, your phone won't charge as quickly or as efficiently as it would on a MagSafe or Qi2 charger.

Another advantage of MagSafe and Qi2 is that the magnetic rings in both the charger and the phone securely snap together, preventing the device from slipping out of alignment. With a standard Qi wireless charger, this magnetic attachment is absent, so the phone won't stay firmly in place unless the charger itself incorporates built-in physical magnets — like the Scanstrut Aura 10W Wireless Charger.

Will the Wireless Charger Work on a Compatible Phone with a Case?

Yes, a phone with true Qi wireless charging technology can charge effectively while still in a case. However, the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the charger's transmitter coil can only extend a few millimetres beyond the charging surface.

If your phone case is too thick, the weak magnetic field from the transmitting charger won't reach the phone's receiving coil. And when the magnetic field can't reach the coil, the electrons won't receive the energy they need to flow.

Therefore, you need to use a phone case whose thickness is within the effective charging range of your wireless charger. The thicker the case, the less efficient the charging becomes, causing your phone to charge more slowly or stop charging altogether.

The material of the phone case also matters, as the wrong material can reduce charging efficiency or prevent wireless charging entirely.

• Polycarbonate (PC), TPU and silicone phone cases have almost no effect on magnetic fields. As a result, they allow your device to charge wirelessly with little to no loss in efficiency.
• Leather phone cases also support wireless charging, although they may be slightly less efficient than polycarbonate or silicone cases of the same thickness. This is due to leather's thermal insulation properties and higher organic density, which can scatter a small fraction of the magnetic field.
• Metallic phone cases are completely incompatible with wireless charging because they block magnetic fields. When the magnetic field is blocked, the receiver coil in your phone remains inactive, and no electrical energy is generated.

Which Is the Right Wireless Charger to Install in My Van?

The best wireless charger for your caravan, campervan, RV or boat depends on your available space, budget and charging requirements. If you simply need a charger that lets you wirelessly charge your phone, even our most basic Pop-up unit will work perfectly.

However, to ensure your charger meets your expectations, you should choose one that aligns with your specific requirements. For example, if you're looking for a simple wireless charger under $100, the Treklo Tri-Coil 15W Pad is an excellent choice.

On the other hand, if you want the best combination of charging performance and convenience, you'll want to consider something like the ROKK Edge — although you should expect to spend more than $100.

Here are the key features of the eight wireless chargers we referenced earlier in this guide:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wireless chargers safe to use in a caravan or boat?

Yes. Wireless chargers are completely safe — they operate on the same electromagnetic induction principles behind electric motors, generators and transformers, which you've been using through everyday appliances for years.

Will a wireless charger work if my phone has a case?

Yes, as long as the case is thin enough for the magnetic field to reach the phone's receiver coil. Polycarbonate, TPU and silicone cases work with little to no efficiency loss, leather is slightly less efficient, and metallic cases block wireless charging entirely.

What's the difference between Qi and Qi2?

Qi2, released by the Wireless Power Consortium in 2023, adds a Magnetic Power Profile with a ring of permanent magnets that automatically aligns the coils for faster, safer charging, and supports up to 25W of output power. Original Qi requires manual alignment.

How much does a caravan wireless charger cost?

A simple unit like the Treklo Tri-Coil 15W Pad or the 12V Pop-Up charger comes in under $100, while premium options such as the ROKK Edge cost more than $100.

Ready to cut the cables in your van or boat? Explore the full range of wireless chargers at Campervan Builders today.