Are you tired of being stuck in one place? Is it time to hit the road and see all of your favorite places while living a nomadic lifestyle? If so, then it’s time to get yourself into the van life.
Once you are living the van life, there are many things that you’ll need to purchase. Van life is unique, requiring unique types of van life accessories.
In this guide, we’ll cover what you need for your van for your upcoming travels. Get ready for comfort, storage space, and style.
Assessing Your Space and Travel Needs
Assessing your space and travel needs will help you determine which van life accessories are best suited for your specific van living setup. Analyze the size of the van, the climate conditions in the area, the number of people and pets that will be joining, and other items you’ll need to make storage and living arrangements for.
If possible, take a virtual tour of the van before purchasing the necessary accessories. This will help you assess precisely how much space is available and the layout of the van. If storage is limited, look for collapsible or multi-purpose items that can be stored and transported easily.
Shopping around for the best quality products and taking your time to find the accessories that best fit your travel needs will make your van life journey a great one.
Key Accessories for Outfitting Your Van
It’s important to choose the right accessories to fit your needs. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or live in your van, there are some key accessories that you’ll need. Start with bedding, storage solutions, and a kitchen setup.
The Bedding
When choosing van life accessories, consider bedding that is comfortable and suitable for your journey. If you plan to stay in colder climates, insulated bedding and air mattresses are a good idea. Go for natural fibers such as down and wool, as they are lightweight and easy to store.
If you plan to travel to warmer climates, look for lightweight, breathable materials that will be cooler to sleep in. Make sure the size of the bedding is appropriate for either the space or the mattress you’re using.
It’s best to try it out before you buy it to make sure it fits and is comfortable. Be sure to research the wash and care instructions for your bedding so you can properly maintain it for many years of joyful adventures.
Storage Solutions
Storage solutions are especially important for many people on the road or living in vans. Many people want secure and reliable ways of storing their possessions and clothes while they are on the move. A reliable storage solution for van life should be easy to install and durable enough to withstand the rough terrain associated with van life.
There are many different storage solutions available on the market. Some popular options include multi-sectional drawers, larger cargo storage organizers, and van-to-roof racks.
Consider the size of your van when selecting your storage solutions. The larger the vehicle, the more storage you will need. Be sure to consider your budget and the types of items that you need to store before settling on the perfect storage solution for your van.
A Kitchen Setup
When choosing the right van life accessories for your needs, a kitchen setup is an absolute must. You’ll need an efficient fridge to keep food fresh while on the road. Keep in mind that you’ll need to invest in a type of fridge that runs on DC power and not AC power, as the latter won’t work with your car battery.
After having a fridge sorted out, consider investing in a camping stove and kitchenware to cook food. You’ll need to choose the right kind of sink or washbasin.
While in-sink basins are space-saving, they aren’t ideal for dishwashing, so consider investing in a portable water tank and a camping sink if you don’t mind the extra weight. Make sure to choose the right kitchen setup, your van life will be much more enjoyable.
Weighing up Safety Equipment
Weighing up safety equipment for your van is a priority when choosing the right van life accessories for your needs. Safety equipment such as
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are an essential van-life accessory for any van dweller to have. They can be used to put out small fires resulting from, for example, cooking gone wrong, a faulty appliance, or an accident. Having a fire extinguisher onboard will give you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared if a fire were to occur.
When looking for a fire extinguisher to purchase, it is important to make sure you get the right size and type for your van. The most common types of fire extinguishers are ABC, which works on Class A, B, and C fires, and BC, which works merely on Class B and C fires.
It is also important to consider where you will be storing the extinguisher so that you can make sure it is easily accessible in case of an emergency. With the right safety precautions and the right van life accessories, you can rest assured that you are prepared for any situations that may arise.
First Aid Kits
First aid kits should be one of the first things you consider when choosing the right van life accessories. You never know when you may need it, so it’s better to be prepared. Look for kits that include an array of medical supplies, including pain relievers, antiseptic creams, bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, and safety pins.
It’s always a good idea to carry an extra blanket, too. Be sure to check the expiration dates on medications and replace the items when needed. Read product reviews to find the highest-quality, most affordable kits, and don’t forget to talk to your doctor and pharmacist to learn more about first aid supplies. Keeping a first aid kit in your van will give you peace of mind and ensure you’re prepared for any emergencies that may arise.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When choosing the right van life accessories, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are absolute essentials. Detectors are vital for ensuring your and your family’s safety, as they will alert you if there is any accumulation of these dangerous gases. Make sure to purchase a reliable detector that has both smoke and carbon monoxide capabilities.
The installation process is usually very simple, and you may even be able to install it yourself. For optimal safety, make sure to install the detector in an area that is away from where you will be sleeping and place it low enough that if there is an issue, the alarm will be heard quickly.
Check and replace the batteries regularly to ensure they are always working. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a must when it comes to van life accessories, so make sure to pick the right one.
Up-To-Date Maps
One of the most important van life accessories you can purchase is an up-to-date map. An up-to-date map will keep you from getting lost and will ensure your trip is as easy and stress-free as possible. It will also keep you informed of any road closures, new roads, and other changes in the landscape.
Up-to-date maps can help you decide on the best routes to take, as they display detours, traffic information, and any alternate routes. When choosing an up-to-date map, make sure it features the entire area you are planning to visit.
Research and read reviews from other van owners to ensure you are purchasing the best option for your needs. Properly researching and selecting the right, up-to-date map will help simplify and streamline your van life experience.
A Flashlight
Flashlights provide both safety and convenience, giving you light in dark, confined spaces. You should always be sure to have a reliable, durable flashlight when living in a van. When selecting your flashlight, consider the size, weight, brightness (lumens), beam range, and type of batteries needed.
Large, heavy models may work great for a home, but they may be too bulky for van life. Instead, look for a compact, lightweight model. High lumens provide lighter, so look for a model that offers at least 500 lumens. You’ll also want to make sure you have a good range for when you’re in tight spots.
Check the battery type for compatibility with your van and other electronics. Rechargeable batteries will help conserve your power while you’re living off the grid. With the right flashlight, you’ll be prepared for any situation that may arise on your adventure van conversion.
Staying Connected and Charged Up
When exploring van life and outfitting your van for the road, having access to power and a way to stay connected can be essential. Choose power accessories that will allow you to stay connected and charge up. Consider solar panels, inverters, and extension cords for off-grid camping.
Solar Panels
When choosing van life essentials to power your off-grid lifestyle, solar panels should be at the top of the list. Not only do they provide energy to power your appliances, but they are also an environmentally friendly way to do so. Solar panels come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and types, so it’s important to find the one that fits your vehicle and lifestyle best.
Some are light in weight, while others are more powerful and designed to capture the most sun. If your van life adventures include a lot of driving, then you may want to opt for portable solar panels or those with adjustable tilt features. Consider factors such as your budget and power needs as well as other accessories you may need, such as batteries and mounting hardware, when selecting the right solar panels for your van’s needs.
Inverters
When choosing your van’s accessories, inverters can be an essential item. Inverters allow you to convert the 12-volt DC power that is supplied by your van’s battery system into 120-volt AC power. This allows you to run appliances and other electrical devices that need AC power.
You’ll also need to consider the watts each device draws to ensure you are choosing the correct size inverter to suit your needs. When choosing an inverter, you should ensure it has the safety features to protect your devices against possible power problems, including low-voltage shutoff, thermal protection, and short-circuit protection.
Consider the size of the inverter; larger inverters are more powerful but also take up more space in your van. Check what type of connection it has, as different appliances use different types of plugs and sockets. Choosing the right inverter depends on the type of appliances you’ll be powering and the power requirements of each device.
Extension Cords
Extension cords provide the power you need to power up appliances like a fridge or a laptop and are important for charging other electronics like a phone or camera. Consider the length of cord that you need. A long cord lets you reach further away from your vehicle, while short cords will be the most budget-friendly.
Decide what type of plug you need for the outlets that you have; some models come with multiple plugs, so you can make sure you have what you need. Be sure to check the gauge of the cord to make sure it can handle the wattage of your appliances. Choosing the right extension cord is an essential part of any van trip, and investing in a quality cord can make a big difference.
Setting up a wireless router or hotspot can provide internet access anywhere and can be conveniently powered by a USB charging cradle or a power bank. Additional power accessories may include compressors, generators, and lightweight lithium-ion batteries. These items and more can be used to help you stay connected and charged up on your van life adventures.
Learning More About Essential Van Life Accessories
Using the right van life accessories is essential for a safe and comfortable journey. Investing in the best accessories can help you enjoy your trips to the fullest.
To ensure you’re getting the best accessories for your needs, be sure to read up on the ones that fit your lifestyle best. You will be glad that you invested the time and energy to get the right van life accessories. Start your search now and make the most of van life!
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