10 Must Have Accessories You Need for Vanlife
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When it comes to vanlife, comfortable living on the road is essential. Beyond your van build, these are 10 must have accessories you need for vanlife that are guaranteed to enhance your experience, making it more enjoyable, and convenient.
These window covers are the best thing we have added to the van, and we use them daily. They are essential for regulating the temperature and giving you privacy. One tricky part of vanlife is maximizing your solar panels while also staying comfortable – and you may be thinking how does this have anything to do with window covers? With solar panels being on top of your van, your van has to be in the sun in order for them to work and you want them always to be pulling in power to keep your batteries charged up. This means that you basically never get to park in the shade which is great for your power and solar panels but not so much for the temperature inside your van. This is where good quality window covers come into play, they will keep that heat out in the summer, or in if you’re in colder climates. These window covers from The Wanderful are made from the highest quality from the fabric on the outside, the magnets that hold them up, to the insulation inside. These fit every window in your van perfectly to give you a complete blackout so you know it will keep your van comfortable and private. If you would like to read more on these check out our post here or buy them for yourself here.
Staying connected on the road is crucial, especially if you work online. We hate to say we need to be connected to the internet all the time but because we live full time in our van that also means we have to work from our van. Starlink offers reliable, off-grid internet connectivity, allowing you to work and enjoy the outdoors simultaneously. While it may have an upfront cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for remote locations. We also have a hotspot on our phones through AT&T and it worked great in areas that had AT&T service, but so many of the places we wanted to go didn’t have good service so with Starlink you can say goodbye to working in parking lots and hello to breathtaking views.
A small, efficient handheld vacuum is essential to combat the constant dirt and sand in your van. With as much as you, and probably your pets, are getting in and out it’s inevitable that it’s going to get dirty. A small vacuum helps maintain a clean, organized living space, for you and your pets. We recommend options from Shark and Dyson for their powerful suction and compact design.
4. Solo Stove
Sometimes campsites lack fire rings, making it essential to have a safe and contained fire source. The Solo Stove Campfire is a compact and convenient solution for cozy campfires, perfect for roasting marshmallows and creating a welcoming atmosphere at any site. We have the Campfire version, but if you’d like something bigger, you might go for the Ranger 2.0 or the Bonfire!
5. Comfortable Chairs
Comfortable camp chairs are a must for enjoying the beautiful views on the road. Columbia offers folding camp chairs that are easy to set up and comfortable, these are the chairs we currently have – just note that they do take up a lot of room. For a more compact option, consider chairs from Cliq. Whichever you choose, a comfortable chair is crucial for relaxing when you get to all the places your van will take you.
A backup solar power bank is a versatile accessory. It’s ideal for situations where your van is in the shade but you want to charge devices or cook outdoors as well as when you’re away from your van but still want to have power (movie night, anyone? or date night by the fire?). It also may just be a necessity if you run out of power in your van but need to charge your devices, cook, etc. Jackery offers quality solar generators and power banks, ensuring you have power when you need it most.
7. USB Fan
Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your van is key. An efficient fan, such as the one that oscillates and operates via USB power, can make a significant difference. It provides a breeze throughout the van day or night and we have it running all the time when we don’t want to turn the air on or at night when the van hasn’t cooled down.
Invest in a good set of sheets to make your van feel like home. Having two or more sets allows you to rotate them for a fresh feel. Quality sheets not only enhance your van’s aesthetics but also ensure a cozy night’s sleep.
9. Phone Holder
If your van lacks an advanced screen system, a phone holder is invaluable for GPS and music control. It ensures safe, convenient access to your phone while driving. Check out this phone mount kit for 2019+ Sprinter vans.
10. Leveling Blocks
Finding level ground can be challenging, but adjustable leveling blocks are the solution. They allow you to set up camp with ease, even on uneven terrain. These blocks are adjustable, ensuring your van remains level with a great view wherever you go.
After over a year on the road, we can definitely say these products will enhance your on-the-road experience. We have lived with AND without these products at times, so don’t feel like you have to get them all at once, but just like a house, over time you will add to your essentials. We can’t recommend these enough! If there are any products you think are must haves for vanlife – drop them in the comments before you go! Safe travels 🙂
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