Do you love to travel? When you close your eyes do you see the autumn foliage falling gently along the side of the highway as you drive up into the redwoods? Do you dream of light snow falling against the windowpane while you’re in the arms of someone you love? When you watched Chris Farley scream at the top of his lungs that you would live in a van down by the river, did you think to yourself? “Cool?” Well maybe let’s forget the river. But it seems to me that you’re the kind of adventure-loving, kicks-seeking spirit that loves the open road, and longs to experience all of the thrills and romance life has to offer? If this is true, then I also have to ask. Are you someone who loves a good project? And isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and drill a hole or two? If you are, then please allow me to introduce to you this wide wacky world of campervans and all of the ways you can experience the great outdoors with one! Now if you don’t know where to start don’t worry! Because I’ve taken the liberty of compiling this amazing list of campervan accessories, that will help you get into gear on your next adventure!
Contents
Bedding
Now before we start I just want to make a few things clear. This list assumes you already have a van that is in fine working condition. Now if you’re looking for details on that, unfortunately, I am not a mechanic and I can only give you the most general hints of advice regarding this topic. But what that advice is, is simply: Get the newest best quality van you can afford. You can think of your campervan as almost a second home, so it is not the time or place to skimp out on the essentials!
Now with that out of the way let’s start our list with the most important, and necessities you need in your van. We’re, of course, talking about bedding. For a campervan, bedding is kind of the barrier to entry. Even if it’s just two sleeping bags, if you’re sleeping in a van you need to sleep in something. But did you know that you have multiple options for your bed? For instance, if storage is something you prioritize, consider getting a bed that’s elevated off the floor of your van. That way you can store your clothes or any other essentials, while having easy access to them, literally right under your nose! If that’s not the case for you, or you’re getting your storage from a different solution. Don’t be shy, just throwing your mattress on the floor is fine too! If back pain is a concern, you can also look to bed frames that only elevate you slightly off the floor. Now the bed is only part of the equation here, so what about the mattress? Well, there are specialty mattresses made for vans. And they are certainly very comfortable, but if you have any issues with back pain (which most people over 30 do). Then our suggestion is to use a normal mattress, that you would get at any mattress store. Yes, it’s a little anticlimactic but you’d be surprised at how narrow one’s focus can get when they’re looking in such a specialty field. That’s why we’re taking the opportunity to remind you, that sometimes the most obvious answer is the best one!
Storage, Power, Living
Now even though the bed is the barest essential of a campervan, if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in one you’ll find that there’s a lot more you can do to make your stay a lot more pleasant. For instance, some people live out of their campervans 365 days a year. If you’re spending that kind of time, living life in the 21st century, you’re going to need a lot more than a bed. If this is your situation then our first and most important suggestion is to purchase a generator. You’ll need this to power your van, as you won’t be able to rely on its battery if you’re watching tv, or even just powering the lights for some midnight reading. Now arises the question, well if I need a generator where do I put it? I’m so glad you asked because that brings us to our next point. You need a storage unit. Whether that’s shelving, a cubby, or whatever. You need a place to store your supplies. Space is limited in a campervan, you’re not going to be able to relax if you’re lying down right next to your generator and your pots and pans. If you’re looking to optimize your space a storage solution is pretty much necessary.
Living on the road is a romantic notion. The spirit of adventure and freedom that lies on the highway is a mysterious and magnetic force that has called like-minded individuals to it for decades. With a campervan fitted with the right accessories, you can go off and see all the sights and sounds while still being able to meet any challenge that arises on the road ahead!