Bosch GSR 12V-35: A Compact Drill, Ideal for Caravanning
- Caravan Coach
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Product Category: Cordless Drill Driver
Brand: Bosch Professional (Blue)
Prices Usually Range From: £110 - £140 (body only)
Best For: Corner steady winding, awning peg driving, caravan maintenance
Where to Buy: Available at Screwfix, Toolstation, or major retailers like Amazon
Compact Caravan Drill - Introduction
If you've ever arrived at a pitch after a long drive and faced the prospect of manually winding down four corner steadies, you'll understand why a compact cordless drill has become essential kit for most caravanners. Pair it with a steady winding adaptor and what was once a tiresome chore becomes a few seconds of effortless button-pressing. The question is: which drill?
The Bosch GSR 12V-35 makes a compelling case. At just 750 grams without battery and measuring only 154mm from chuck to motor, this is one of the most compact drills in Bosch's Professional range. Yet despite its diminutive size, it delivers a genuine 35Nm of torque - more than enough to spin corner steadies up and down with ease, even when they're stiff or slightly corroded after winter storage.
The appeal for caravanners is straightforward: it's small enough to tuck into a caravan locker or car door pocket without eating into precious storage space, light enough to use one-handed while crouching at each corner of the van, yet powerful enough to handle the job without strain. That combination of compact size and genuine capability is what sets this drill apart.
Key Features
Compact 154mm head length – one of the shortest in its class, ideal for storage
Lightweight 750g body (without battery) – comfortable for one-handed use at each steady
35Nm hard torque – plenty of power for stiff or reluctant corner steadies
Brushless motor – efficient, reliable, and maintenance-free
Two-speed gearbox – low gear (0-460 rpm) perfect for controlled steady winding
20+1 torque settings – prevent over-tightening and potential damage to steadies
10mm keyless chuck – accepts standard corner steady winding adaptors
Variable speed trigger – precise control when lowering steadies onto uneven ground
LED work light – useful for evening arrivals or poorly lit pitch corners
Belt clip included – keeps the drill to hand while walking around the van
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptionally compact and lightweight – stores easily in a caravan locker or car door pocket
Powerful enough for stiff or corroded corner steadies
Adjustable torque prevents over-winding and potential damage
Low speed setting provides controlled, precise winding
Brushless motor ensures long battery life between charges
Professional build quality – this isn't a tool you'll be replacing
Quiet operation won't disturb neighbouring pitches
12V battery system shared with other compact Bosch tools
Cons:
Premium price compared to budget alternatives
Not intended for heavy-duty drilling or masonry work
Performance
Corner Steady Winding
This is where the GSR 12V-35 earns its place in the caravan toolkit. Fitted with a standard 19mm steady winding adaptor, the drill makes short work of raising and lowering all four corners. The combination of 35Nm torque and variable speed trigger provides smooth, controlled operation - there's no risk of the drill running away with itself or jarring to a stop.
The adjustable torque clutch proves particularly valuable here. Setting it around the middle range (approximately 10-15) allows the steadies to wind down firmly without the drill attempting to lift the caravan. When winding up, the clutch slips before any excessive strain is placed on the steady mechanism. This protects both the drill and your corner steady threads from damage.
Using low gear keeps the speed controlled and manageable. Even stiff steadies that haven't been used since last season wind smoothly, and the compact size means you can easily reach underneath the caravan without contorting yourself into awkward positions. A single 2.0Ah battery comfortably handles multiple site setups before needing a recharge.
Size and Weight Advantage
The 750g weight (without battery) makes a genuine difference when you're walking around the van, crouching at each corner. Heavier 18V drills quickly become tiring when held one-handed in awkward positions. The GSR 12V-35 feels balanced and manageable throughout the process. Storage is equally straightforward. The compact dimensions mean the drill fits just about anywhere .
Beyond the Steadies
While corner steady winding is the primary task, the drill handles other caravan jobs competently. Fitting a 13mm socket adaptor allows you to drive and extract awning screw pegs quickly. The 10mm chuck accepts standard drill bits for pilot holes, hinge adjustments, and minor repairs. The drill capacity of 32mm in wood and 10mm in steel covers most maintenance scenarios.
Specifications
Specification | Value |
Voltage | 12V |
Torque (Soft/Hard) | 20 Nm / 35 Nm |
No-Load Speed (Gear 1/Gear 2) | 0-460 / 0-1,750 rpm |
Chuck Capacity | 10mm keyless |
Torque Settings | 20 + 1 (drill) |
Max Drilling Diameter (Wood) | 32mm |
Max Drilling Diameter (Steel) | 10mm |
Max Screw Diameter | 8mm |
Head Length | 154mm |
Weight (without battery) | 750g |
Motor Type | Brushless |
Sound Pressure Level | 73 dB(A) |
Why It's Recommended
The Bosch GSR 12V-35 succeeds because it's designed around exactly the sort of task caravanners face most often: jobs that require decent power but where size and weight matter. Winding corner steadies is the obvious example, but the same logic applies to driving awning pegs, adjusting catches, or making minor repairs.
Cheaper drills exist, but many lack the torque to handle stiff steadies or the clutch precision to prevent over-winding. Bulkier 18V drills offer more power than you'll ever need for steady winding while being awkward to store and tiring to use. The GSR 12V-35 occupies the sensible middle ground: genuinely compact, genuinely powerful, and built to professional standards.
The brushless motor means this investment should last for years. There are no carbon brushes to wear out, and the electronic motor protection prevents damage from overloading. Bosch's 12V battery platform is well-established, so finding replacement batteries or expanding into other compatible tools remains straightforward.
For caravanners who want a single tool that handles the primary job, corner steady winding, brilliantly while remaining useful for secondary tasks, the GSR 12V-35 represents an excellent choice. It's small but powerful, and that's precisely what the job demands.
Rating
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Score Breakdown
Design: 5/5
Durability: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions and experiences. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Product details, availability, and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without notice. Please check with the retailer for the latest information before making a purchase. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual product or service you receive.
