25 Handy Accessories That Make Your Camper Van Feel More Like Home

Van life requires a lot of preparation. It starts with you figuring out your exact wants and needs, which will determine what kind of rig you'll want to buy or build. Here are some of the critical questions you should know the answer to before you take the leap.

There are countless upgrades you can opt for for your vehicle. Luckily, I've done the research so you don't have to. I have split these upgrades into two categories – here are 7 interior upgrades that will make van life easier and more enjoyable. Moreover, here are ten game-changing exterior mods worth investing in.

One of the last steps is choosing the items that will assist you in living your very best van life. The accessories you pack can make or break your camper van adventures.

Some of the ones I've included in this article are essentials, some make your life easier and safer, and some are just means to be fun. I've further split them into several categories based on their nature and purpose.

Gadgets:

1. Portable Power Station

You can have all the gadgets you want inside your camper, but they'll be useless if you don't have something to charge them with. A portable power station is a must if you don't have a separate dedicated power system, but it never hurts to have one, even if you already have a power system.

Portable power stations come in various sizes and capacities. I've constantly seen two brands in the many camper vans I've written about: Goal Zero and Jackery.

2. Swivel Fan

A fan won't be enough if your adventures take you through hot environments. Many van dwellers install A/Cs in their rig, but a fan is always nice to have for those days when you don't need the full blast of an A/C or when you want to keep power consumption low. What's more, if it's mounted to a swivel mechanism, you can adjust it to your preference. The go-to option here for many van dwellers is the Sirocco fan from Caframo.

3. Portable Speaker

If you're an avid music enjoyer like me, you probably agree that a speaker is a must-have. Sure, you can play music using your vehicle's stock speakers, but a portable speaker lets you take the music anywhere.

There are countless options out there, but my recommendation based on personal experience is the UE (Ultimate Ears) Wonderboom 2. Besides producing excellent sound, it's waterproof, sandproof, and shockproof, and it doesn't even cost that much.

4. Portable Power Bank

Yes, power stations are portable, but if you plan on organizing hikes or other trips around where you park (and you surely will), a power bank will prove very useful. From charging your speaker to making sure your phone doesn't run out of juice, there are circumstances when you can use this gadget. Here's a good option for a portable power bank.

5. Jump starter

Along with an air compressor (which I included in one of my previous accessory articles), the jump starter is something everyone needs to have in a camper van, as it offers a quick and convenient way of starting your van.

Like with most of the items in this article, you'll find many options available. Here's one of them, made by Noco.

Kitchen:

If you're familiar with camper vans, you've probably seen all sorts of kitchen setups. From no-frills builds with a basic stove and an improvised kitchen to all-out kitchens perfect for cooking world-class meals. Naturally, if you have the latter, the items I've listed below might not be necessary.

1. Stove

If you were given the choice to include a single item in your kitchen, most people would go for a stove. Depending on the utility system you have in your rig, you'll have to choose between a propane stove, a butane stove, an induction stove, or a diesel stove.

The butane-powered stove is a versatile option since you can use a tiny canister to fuel it, and you can take it out of the vehicle if you want to do some outdoor cooking. The Gas One stove supports both propane and butane and is offered at a great price.

2. Fridge/ Cooler

You probably don't want to make daily stops to stock up on food. That's why, at the very least, you should get a cooler box. If budget isn't an issue, you could purchase a fridge/freezer.

There are three main types: a 12 V compressor fridge (which runs on AC or DC), an absorption/3-way fridge (which, as its name suggests, can run on three different energy sources), and a thermoelectric cooler (which works by removing hot air from its insides using electricity). The latter is the best option for tighter budgets.

Since I'm all about saving money, my suggestion for this category is the BougeRV 12 V refrigerator.

3. Cast Iron Pot

If you want a versatile kitchen item, look no further than the cast iron pot. It will work not only on your camping stove but can also be used to prepare dinner over a campfire. Moreover, it will last a long time, and it's designed to withstand the constant abuses of van life. This Bruntmor set is a 2-in-1 package with a black cast iron pot and a skillet lid.

4. Swivel table

There's no need to explain why a swivel table can be a great addition to your camper van, but I will anyway. You can use it to eat, as a desk, for extra countertop space, and more.

Most van dwellers opt to install Lagun table mounts, which lock securely in place yet can be quickly dismantled without tools.

5. Collapsible Cookware

Collapsible cookware are a lifesaver in the limited kitchen space of a camper van. As their name suggests, these items can be flattened out after use, taking up a fraction of their original space. Examples of collapsible cookware are bowls, colanders, pots, and even kettles. Here's a good option for a set.

Tools:

1. Toolkit

You should always pack at least a basic set of tools before starting your camper van adventure. Essentials include a socket set, a screwdriver set, duct tape, cable ties, and an adjustable spanner. The Prostomer is a 200-piece set that will do just fine for your camper van repairing needs.

2. Mosquito Swatter

There are few things I hate more than having mosquitoes or other insects buzz in my ear before going to sleep. So, I wouldn't dare to travel in a mobile home without bringing along a mosquito swatter, especially if I don't have any bug net on my rig.

Mosquito swatters are inexpensive and will ensure you can relax and sleep without your body ending up filled with bites.

3. Lantern

Your camper breaking down is a horrible situation, but it's even worse when it happens at night. Usually, you should find a mechanic nearby, but if you're stuck in remote areas or want to take care of the issue yourself, a torch is a must-have. Moreover, it will be useful in many other scenarios. The LE 1000-lumen camping lantern will provide you with quality illumination regardless of what you use it for.

4. Tire Repair Kit

A tire repair kit is one of those items people hope never to use. Still, it's critical you have one on your camper van. This item could save you from calling an expensive tow truck to pick you up if you pop one of your tires.

Tire repair kits, such as this one, are inexpensive and are relatively quick and easy to use. However, they will work only if the tire suffered a small puncture.

5. Multimeter

A multimeter allows you to make electrical measurements in your camper van and helps you take the right measures to repair them. Like it or not, your mobile home will eventually have some sort of electrical problem. Think of it as a "gas gauge" for a power source's state of charge.

Most people don't know how to use one, but learning more about how it operates is as easy as watching a YouTube video. The AstroAI multimeter is a versatile option.

Storage:

There's no such thing as too much storage space in a camper van. However, even if you're dealing with a compact interior, there are various solutions you can implement to make sure you maximize the available space.

1. Hanging Storage Bags

Hanging storage bags work excellently in camper vans. Every inch of storage is critical in a camper van, so you take any opportunity to increase the available space. These items are easy to reach and can hold quite a bit of weight.

Usually, van dwellers hang them on the back door or bathroom door, as well as on the back of the driver and passenger seats. This tactical storage bag provides plenty of space in its 5 compartments.

2. Laundry Bag

It's one thing to leave laundry hanging around your conventional home and another to do it in a camper van. Using a laundry bag is the easiest way to keep your dirty, smelly clothes stowed away.

The size of the bag you should get depends on how quickly you go through clothes and how many items you have onboard. My recommendation here is this simple yet effective Homest laundry bag.

3. Magnetic Knife Rack

While a run-of-the-mill knife holder will do the job, it takes up valuable counter space. So, why not use the wall (which typically remains quite empty since there aren't a ton of things you can attach to it) and mount a magnetic knife rack?

You might think safety will be an issue, but these racks come with heavy-duty magnets that ensure knives remain where they're supposed to, even while driving or off-roading. This two-piece set will help you keep your knives organized.

4. Molle Panels

One storage solution you might've seen on many campers, especially those meant for off-roading, is the Molle panel. These panels are typically mounted to the van's walls or ceiling and allow you to mount pretty much anything and everything.

They're usually made of steel (although you'll find some made from fabric) and are compatible with a variety of attachment systems. Moreover, they offer your rig a professional, rugged look, which is always a bonus.

5. L-Tracks

While L-Tracks aren't a storage solution per se, they're an extremely practical attachment point, just like Molle panels. L-Tracks are standardized cargo track systems typically used in trucks, vans, and more. They offer a versatile way of securing different types of cargo, especially in a moving vehicle. You can install them on the floor, walls, and ceiling.

Bathroom:

The lack of bathroom amenities deters many people from trying out van life. Even if you don't have a fixed bathroom, you can use various solutions to maintain proper hygiene. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind regarding the bathroom is the toilet. However, I talked about toilet options in one of my previous articles regarding camper van interior upgrades, so I'll skip the topic in this one.

1. Camp Shower

A camper shower is the simplest yet effective solution for washing yourself while living life on the road. All you need is some water, and you're good to go. Just use the foot pump to build up pressure, and you can enjoy a quick shower. For those really simple camper van builds, a camping shower is essential.

2. Collapsible Bucket

A collapsible bucket takes up little space yet can serve many purposes. The most obvious is filling it with water and connecting it to a shower. Moreover, you can use it to wash the dishes, do the laundry, fill it with ice to serve as a cooler, and more. Here's one option with a 2.6-gallon (10-liter) capacity.

3. Laundry Wash Bag

I'm sure most van dwellers would love to have a washing machine inside their tiny home on wheels. However, few want to sacrifice the large space these typically take up. If you prefer washing your clothes yourself and not going to a laundromat, a simpler, mess-free option is a laundry wash bag,

These things work by filling them with water and soap. An internal washboard allows you to scrub clothes by agitating the bag and rubbing on it. Furthermore, it can double as a dry bag. The Scrubba wash bag will do the job excellently.

4. Retractable Laundry Line

Of course, you need a place to dry your clothes after you wash them. Needless to say, laundry racks are impractical in a mobile home. Instead, a retractable laundry line takes up a minimal amount of room, and you can find ways to fit it both inside and outside by connecting it to a tree or whatever you can find around the van.

5. Microfiber Towels

Instead of purchasing standard cotton towels, consider getting microfiber towels. They're soft, take up (a bit) less space, and dry quickly. What's more, they last longer than cotton variants.