Van life experts will tell you that the more prepared you are, the easier, safer, and more fun your time on the road will be.
There are numerous factors to consider before venturing into the woods. Safety, power, and cooking utensils are just a few of the many features available.
So buckle up, wishlist in hand, as we take a closer look at 7 basics, gadgets, and accessories that will make van life safer, more pleasurable, and memorable.
1. GPS Tracker
When you park your van to explore or acquire supplies, you want to know that if it gets broken into, you’ll be able to track it down and recover it. Investing in a GPS tracker for your van is well worth the money.
If the worst happened, you’d be able to track your van’s travels in real-time and share those locations with local cops. Regardless of the likelihood, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst.
2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
When you’re alone in the wilderness, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of power, and the Jackery Explorer 500 assures you that you’ll never have to.
The AC outlet, three USB ports, two DC connectors, and a 12V carport are all included in one little, portable device, which is about the size of a basketball. You may use this to keep all of your electrical equipment (including the mini-fridge) completely charged without putting undue burden on your van’s battery.
3. Security Safe Box
Vans come in a wide variety of forms and sizes. While many vans include innovative closets and storage options, you’ll want a secure location to store expensive stuff.
With a few simple tools, even locked cupboard doors and compartments may be broken into. As a result, getting a secure safe box for your van is a terrific option.
4. Camco 41541 Portable Travel Toilet
The Camco 41541 is built for a distinct type of roadside emergency, but it can be just as useful as any other portable power pack. You’ll almost feel like you’re in your own bathroom with this toilet’s 5.3-gallon holding tank and 2.5-gallon flush tank.
Because the holding tank is detachable, you can empty it whenever you want. Meanwhile, there’s a locking, sliding valve that keeps everything (even odors) inside, so you won’t have to clean up any spills.
5. Roadside Emergency Kit
While breakdowns and accidents are inconvenient, they are unavoidable in van life. You haven’t lived in a van until you’ve changed a tire, jump-started a battery, or dealt with an overheating engine! It’s a rite of passage, if you will.
Getting aid in remote areas can be tough. It’s also necessary to have a roadside emergency kit on board if you want to conduct repairs yourself.
Roadside emergency kits include a wide range of tools to address a variety of situations.
6. Epauto Waterproof Car Trash Can
It’s incredible how much a spotless cabin can make or break a vacation. It’s difficult to enjoy all of the natural beauty that’s right outside your window when you’re swimming in your own waste.
The epauto Waterproof Trash Can is the most convenient way to keep your vehicle clean while on the road. It has a 2-gallon capacity and a waterproof interior, allowing you to dispose of both half-empty drinks and more traditional rubbish.
You also don’t have to worry about it collapsing and spilling all over the place if you sit on it or slam a bag on it.
7. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Another must-have for van living is a carbon monoxide monitor. If there is a leak, you will be in grave danger, especially if you are sleeping.
Carbon monoxide detectors are small, lightweight, and easy to operate. You can keep it anyplace in your vehicle and rest easy knowing that such an important safety feature is in place.
8. THIS WORK Car Vacuum Cleaner
Keeping your waste under control is only half the battle; staying on top of dirt, crumbs, and other junk that collects when you live out of your car for an extended period of time is the other half.
The suction of the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner is strong enough to go into cracks and crevices, and the nozzle is small enough to get into them. Inside, you’ll find a reusable HEPA filter, which can come in handy if you’re traveling with pets.
9. Steering Wheel Lock
If you’re asleep or away from your van when it’s broken into, it’ll be much more difficult for them to drive it away with a steering lock installed.
A steering lock, like many of our security items, is portable and can be simply kept in your vehicle. At night or while you’re away, just attach and secure it to your steering wheel.
If a criminal sees a steering wheel lock through the window, they are more likely to be discouraged from breaking in.
Also Read: How To Turn Your Subaru Outback Into A Camper In 7 Easy Steps