9 Accessories Every Van Life Traveler Needs

9 Accessories Every Van Life Traveler Needs

Camping is a great way to disconnect and get away from the stress of your everyday life. But instead of a quick trip, have you ever wanted to do something more long-term? Van life traveling is a way to explore the outdoors for an extended period, or in some cases, permanently. Additionally, it is always recommended to always carry a durable motorhome tarp to protect your RV at all time. To do this, however, you will need to have the right equipment. Let’s look at a few van accessories that will ensure your travels will be comfortable, enjoyable, and safe.

1. Bed

Perhaps the most important of all sprinter van accessories is a bed. To convert your van into a mobile camper, you’ll want a place to rest and relax. The van becomes a home of sorts, so a bed will let you recharge as you continue your travels.

2. Extra Battery

When traveling in a van, you’ll probably have a lot of things that require electricity. But running down your van battery while charging your devices could possibly leave you stranded in a remote location. An extra battery ensures your devices, such as your phone, television, refrigerator, and others will run while not affecting the battery of your van, giving you peace of mind. You could also use a solar battery charger instead of your van's battery to keep your devices charged .

3. Carbon Monoxide/Propane Detector

Another vital safety device in a camper van is a carbon monoxide and propane detector. You can purchase them separately or in a combination detector. It’s imperative when using gas-powered items in an enclosed space like a van that you monitor the levels of dangerous gases so if they become dangerous, you will be alerted with an alarm.

4. First Aid Kit

The adventures in your van may lead you to some out of the way places, so when you are in a solitary location and become injured, it’s vital to have access to medical supplies. Camping can be unpredictable and there are certainly some dangers when staying in the outdoors, so it’s always better to be prepared.

5. Awning

When camping in your van, you’ll want to be able to appreciate the outdoors. Why not protect yourself from sun and rain with an awning? Located above the door, it extends out and gives you much more space to cook, hang out, and just relax.

6. Camping Chairs

Along with an extendable awning, another way to relax and enjoy being outside are with camping chairs. In a place like a sprinter van, space is at a premium, but folding camping chairs will be worth the space they take up to give you a comfortable seat to sit in.

7. Two-Way Radios

Camping often involves being in areas with little or no cell service, so two-way radios are a great way to stay in communication with others while on your adventures. If you are traveling with others, you can give them a radio to ensure you will be in contact on the roads. They have a range of several miles, so even if you become separated, you’ll still be in touch. They are also useful at a campsite if one or more people are off on their own and want to talk to others back at the van.

Two-way radios also receive multiple weather channels, allowing you to know how to dress for the day and also giving you a heads-up when there are potentially dangerous storms coming your direction. It’s great to have advanced warning of the weather, especially when traveling in areas where weather can be unpredictable or change quickly.

8. Wheel Ramps

When preparing to park your sprinter van for the night, you might picture a nice, flat parking spot, but that isn’t always going to be the case. The terrain can be rough while camping, so wheel ramps give you a way to level out your van so you can live and sleep comfortably. They’re a great accessory to have when you know you will be dealing with a variety of locations.

9. Solar Shower

A solar shower is another must-have for anyone traveling in their van for long periods of time. You may not always have access to a bathroom, so when the extended travel days pile up, showering becomes very important. Solar showers are easy to use, just fill the bag with water and let the solar panels heat it up. When the water is warm, hang the bag up and you’ve got yourself a nice way to get clean and refreshed. They come with panels that attach to your van doors, so you'll have some cover in case others are around.

Get Ready for an Adventure!

Now that you’ve got your basic needs covered, it’s time to get out there on the road. These accessories will make your life much easier as you set out to explore the wonders of nature.