What Accessories Do You Need for a Campervan?

When planning your next campervan adventure, having the right accessories to make the most of your trip is important. That includes essentials like electronics, sleeping gear, and cooking tools. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the van life experience, our solid van life guide will ensure you’re prepared for anything. 

Keep reading as we explore the best campervan accessories to stay comfortable, safe, and ready for the open road.

What Electrics Do I Need in a Campervan? 

When considering campervan electrics, one of the most essential aspects is having the right gear to keep your devices running smoothly while off-grid. Here are the power essentials you’ll need:

Solar Panels and Portable Chargers

Solar panels are a sustainable way to keep your power supply consistent during travel. They’re environmentally friendly and especially helpful when living farther off the grid. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and durable option for camper vans. Many of our Escape Camper Vans come equipped with a dual battery system that includes a solar panel.

You’ll also want to consider portable chargers for small devices while away from your van. That way, things like phones, portable speakers, and chargeable battery packs are ready to go when needed. 

Inverters and Power Banks

Inverters convert your stored power (DC) into the AC power needed to run household appliances like coffee makers and laptops. Therefore, having one available in your van can make the space feel homier and more livable for a longer duration of time. Aiming for an inverter that’s around 1,000 watts will be a good choice for most use cases. 

You can also pair this with a high-capacity power bank to ensure you have backup power when solar charging is unavailable. 

Electric Management Systems

Another one of the best accessories for a camper van is an electric management system. These integrate solar panels, batteries, and inverters into a streamlined setup. It’ll help you monitor your power usage and ensure everything runs smoothly without overloading your batteries.

What Do You Need in a Van for Van Life? 

Along with the right electronics, you should have some other van life essentials before beginning a trip. You can find most of these at outdoor retailers or camper van accessories shops. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sleeping Gear and Comfort Items

A good night’s sleep is key for any road trip. First and foremost, we need to think about bedding. If the camper van you’re renting doesn’t come with a mattress, you’ll want to invest in a quality mattress or sleeping pad. Most van lifers prefer foam mattresses since they’re the most comfortable for the average person. However, spring mattresses can work well too. 

Other bedding essentials include cozy linens and pillows. Plus, if you plan to camp when it’s colder, a sleeping bag is helpful for extra warmth on cold nights. A small throw blanket is also handy for lounging on cool mornings. At Escape Camper Vans, all of our vans are outfitted with a bed that converts to seating when not in use. Plus, you can add our bedding kit to your reservation to make it even cozier.

Cooking Essentials 

When you rent from us at Escape Camper Vans, each of our vehicles comes equipped with kitchen equipment like a propane stove, refrigerator, and sink with a water tank. 

On top of that, you’ll want to rent our kitchen kit or bring multi-purpose utensils, cast-iron skillets, cutting mats, and collapsible bowls for most of the essentials you’ll need to cook well-rounded meals. 

Portable Toilets and Shower Systems

Many compact camper vans don’t have bathrooms since it saves space and makes the vehicle easier to maintain. However, you can still bring a portable toilet, such as a small composting or cassette toilet, to use when you don’t have access to public facilities. Check out our guide for the best composting toilet for a campervan if you decide to go that route.

You can also bring a small portable shower system, such as shower bags or rinse kits, to wash up when you don’t have access to public facilities nearby. 

How Do I Prepare for a Campervan Trip? 

Planning ahead is important to ensure a smooth journey when preparing for a camper van trip. 

Start with route planning and navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation. Offline maps are a good backup for remote areas, helping you stay on track even without a signal. You can also take advantage of apps like Roadtrippers to plan out each stop on your journey. Plus, when you add Roadtrippers to your next Escape Camper Vans rental, you’ll receive a discount on their premium membership.

Next, storage solutions are essential for managing space in a camper van. Packing cubes and collapsible containers are excellent camper van accessories that help organize your belongings while maximizing available space​. 

Finally, safety gear and emergency kits should always be on hand. A well-stocked first aid kit, roadside emergency kit, and fire extinguisher are must-haves. Also, include a portable air compressor and tools for tire repairs, which can be a lifesaver on longer trips​. 

By following these preparation tips and getting the right accessories, you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip. Make sure to check off items from a van life essentials list for a worry-free adventure!

What Do I Need for a Campervan Conversion? 

For a DIY campervan conversion, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Cordless drill and socket wrench set
• Jigsaw with metal and wood blades
• Wire crimpers for electrical systems
• Plywood for flooring and paneling
• Insulation for temperature control

You can also take a more hands-off approach and hire professional conversion services to install electrical systems, plumbing, and cabinetry. This can be especially helpful to ensure more complex features are installed correctly and fully functional. That said, this will cost more. 

However, when you’re looking for a simpler, stress-free way to enjoy van life, renting from a service like Escape Camper Vans is a fantastic option. Our vehicles come fully equipped with all the essentials, allowing you to focus on having a fun, adventurous vacation without the hassle of a full conversion.

Achieve a Great Van Life Experience by Renting with Escape Camper Vans

Once you have all the accessories prepared for a great trip, all that’s left is finding the right vehicle. Escape Camper Vans makes the process easy. Our uniquely hand-painted vans come equipped with all the base essentials you’ll need, such as:

• Propane stove
• Refrigerator
• Sink with a water tank
• Extra storage
• Foldaway tables and benches
• Queen size beds

You can reserve yours today at one of our 11 pickup and dropoff locations across the U.S. or contact us with any other questions.