I have a HP ProBook and want to charge it using 12 v while in our caravan

[Watson1004]

I have a HP ProBook and want to charge it using 12 v while in our caravan. The plate on the back of my laptop states it runs at 19 v and I am told this means that any adaptor needs to also run at 19.v volt. Below 19.5 v it will not charge and over 19.5 v it will cook my laptop. Very confusing

[Jupitero]

Hello.

Your laptop AC adapter specifications should say 19.5 volts, so 19.5 volt chargers are what you're looking for. HP Probook laptops with barrel power DC connector have been nominally 19V for over a decade, but all the power supplies have been rated 19.5 volts.

HP has in the past sold car chargers that are plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, but doesn't seem to sell them atm. There are plenty of aftermarket car charger at eBay, Amazon etc. with HP barrel adapters.

HP has sold Probook models for over a decade and the barrel connector size was shrunk at one point, so make sure you go for the correct size. If your Probook is relatively new, it may also have USB-C power connector for charging which would be a more universal charger for phones and other devices as well.

Another option would be an inverter that converts the 12V voltage to 115/230 household voltage and has normal AC power sockets so you just plug in your desktop AC adapter into it.

In any case, check the 12V outlet in your caravan for the power output (Watts). If your laptop is rated 90W and your vehicle cannot provide that much power, then you may be able to charge the laptop only when it has been shut down.