20% OFF ALL ORDER AT CHECKOUT (limited time only)

latest Update

Using the ESP32-S3 4.3" LCD Board in a Camper Van Smart System

Using the ESP32-S3 4.3" LCD Board in a Camper Van Smart System

James Staines |

Building a Smart Camper Van Electrical System | Custom Solutions


🧠 Introduction

When looking at touchscreen solutions for smart camper van systems, it's tempting to pick a board that combines everything — like the ESP32-S3 Development Board with 4.3” Capacitive Touch LCD from The Pi Hut.

But how well does it actually fit into a smart camper van electrical setup — especially one powered by Home Assistant?

Here’s everything you need to know — the good, the bad, and what to do (and avoid).


🔍 What This Device Is

This board includes:

  • ESP32-S3 microcontroller (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)
  • 4.3" capacitive touchscreen (800×480)
  • USB-C port for power/programming
  • GPIO pins for sensors/relays

It’s designed to run ESPHome, Arduino, or other firmware — but it is not a general-purpose tablet.

ESP32-S3 Touchscreen ESP32 Display Side ESP32 Side View ESP32 in Hand

✅ How It Can Work in a Camper Van System

✔️ Smart ESPHome Sensor Hub

  • Read sensor data (voltage, current, temperature)
  • Drive relays to control devices (pumps, lights, fans)
  • Send data to Home Assistant via Wi-Fi

✔️ Minimalist Wall-Mounted Control Panel

  • Show real-time voltage, current, temps
  • Add touch buttons for simple controls (e.g., toggle water pump)

❌ Where It Falls Short

✘ Doesn’t Run Home Assistant UI

  • Doesn't support a web browser
  • Can’t install the Home Assistant app

You’d need to manually code a basic interface in ESPHome.

✘ Requires YAML + Display Programming

  • Write and maintain ESPHome YAML files
  • Understand how to design layouts with limited tools (text, icons, buttons)

✘ Power & Space Considerations

  • Slightly higher power draw than basic ESP32s
  • Not ideal if you're trying to conserve every watt-hour in your van

✅ DO’s and ❌ DON’Ts

✅ DO:

  • Use it as a smart sensor/control node
  • Wire it to relays or sensors (e.g., INA219, DS18B20)
  • Power it from your 12V system using a USB step-down converter
  • Flash it with ESPHome and send sensor data to Home Assistant

❌ DON’T:

  • Expect it to replace a tablet or Raspberry Pi screen
  • Buy it if you don’t want to write code or build a custom interface
  • Use it as your primary dashboard display

💡 Better Alternatives for Full Home Assistant Dashboards

Device Best For Why Use It Instead?
iPad Full Home Assistant display Easy setup, app/browser support
Android Tablet Budget-friendly dashboard Customizable, kiosk mode available
Raspberry Pi + 7” Touchscreen Power users Runs full Linux + browser + HA access

🧠 Final Summary

Can the ESP32-S3 with 4.3” LCD be used in a camper van system with Home Assistant?

Yes — but only as a smart sensor and control device, not a full display interface.

✅ Use Case Recommendations

Use Case Should You Use This Board?
Monitor battery/solar via ESPHome ✅ Yes
Control devices (relays) via Home Assistant ✅ Yes
Display full Home Assistant dashboard ❌ No
Use as touchscreen Home Assistant UI ❌ No
Replace tablet/iPad for HA access ❌ No

📦 Final Setup Recommendation

Component Role
ESP32 Monitor battery, control relays
iPad/Tablet Display Home Assistant dashboard
Home Assistant Brains of the system
Solar & Battery Power and charging backbone

✅ Your ESP32s feed data to Home Assistant.
✅ Your Home Assistant displays that data on your iPad or mounted tablet.
✅ You get a clean, smart, DIY system — without the Victron price tag.

🔗 Learn from the Experts Who Inspired Us

Looking to dive deeper into ESP32, Home Assistant, and safe 12V van electrics?
📚 This guide shares the resources and experts we've learned from while building our own smart camper van systems.
👉 Explore the Smarty Van Reading Guide →
👉 Explore Our Further Reading Guide →

Note: These are not our own tutorials, but trusted resources we've used and recommend.

Leave a comment