Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle-bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature while exploring new places. For many campers, a campervan is the perfect way to travel because it provides freedom, flexibility, and comfort that other forms of camping just can’t match. However, owning a campervan is not enough; every camper needs to know about campervan accessories near them to enjoy their camping experiences fully.
Campervan accessories can be found near you at various local auto shops, camping stores, or online retailers. Some of the most important items to invest in are power and lighting solutions, comfortable bedding, cooking facilities and portable fridge / freezers. Research online and compare pricing for the best deals on the necessary accessories for your next adventure.
The Campervan Accessories Everyone Must Have
If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure on the road, then you’ve probably considered investing in a campervan. These versatile vehicles are perfect for exploring the great outdoors and offer an unparalleled sense of freedom and flexibility.
But with so many different accessories available on the market, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to kitting out your campervan for your next trip.
To help you navigate this exciting world of camping gear, we’ve put together a list of must-have campervan accessories near me that every vanlifer should invest in. Whether you’re setting off on your first road trip or you’re a seasoned pro, read on to discover our top 5 campervan accessories that will take your adventures to the next level.
1. A Comfortable Bed is Key
One of the best things about travelling in a campervan is having all your home comforts at hand wherever you go. And when it comes to comfort, there’s nothing more important than getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why investing in a high-quality mattress should be at the top of your list when it comes to outfitting your van.
There are plenty of different mattresses available on the market that are designed specifically for use in campervans. Look for options that are lightweight, durable and comfortable for long-term use.
One of the most significant downsides to sleeping in a tiny van is trying to get comfortable on a thin piece of foam or air mattress. A high-quality memory foam mattress ensures optimal comfort all night. Consider purchasing a mattress that is at least 10cm or around 4 inches thick for maximum comfort.
2. Be Prepared with Portable Power
When you’re living life on the road, access to power can sometimes be an issue. Especially if you want to run appliances like fridges or lights while you’re off-grid. That’s where portable power solutions come in handy.
There are various types of portable power options available. However, a good battery is an essential item. A high quality 12V Lithium battery will be your best option when it comes to powering your campervan. Couple your battery with an invertor and you will be able to power your laptop and other mobile devices, fridge, lighting and water pumps.
It is important to ensure that you have the battery wired into your campervan by a professional technician. It can be set up for the battery to be charged every time your engine is running. Alternatively, you should have a charger that you can use to charge the battery any time mains power is available. If you’re off-grid, make sure you have solar panels or blanket to charge your battery.
Consider investing in one or more of these options so that you can stay powered up no matter where your travels take you.
3. Keep it Cool with a Campervan Fridge
Having a reliable cooling solution is crucial for keeping your food and drinks fresh on the road. And while there are various ways to keep your supplies cool, nothing beats the convenience of a dedicated campervan fridge.
These fridges come in different sizes and styles to suit all types of campervans, and typically run off electricity or gas. They can be pricey, but for avid campervanners who spend extended periods on the road, they’re worth the investment.
Some of the more popular brands are Engel, Kings and Dometic.
4. Let’s Get Cooking
There are several options available when it comes to cooking on the road. Whether you’re boiling the kettle or cooking dinner for the family, gas stoves are the most popular. LPG options such as Wanderer and Coleman are popular. There are also easy and convenient camping stoves from Gasmate that run on butane canisters.
It’s also important to invest in durable and versatile cookware when camping. Look for items like cast iron skillets and pots that can handle high heat and last for years. Additionally, don’t forget utensils like spatulas, tongs, knives, forks, and spoons.
5. Lighting
Lighting is another essential accessory that every camper should have. Camping at night can feel overwhelming when you’re exposed to dark environments, especially if walking around without sufficient lighting sources nearby. Buying lights such as string lights made for outdoor use or hanging multi-directional lamps will help create enjoyable evenings under starry skies no matter what setting they may be camping in!
Although you can still take the old school option of LPG gas powered lighting, electricity powered lights will prove to be your best choice. Most lights now are USB rechargeable and have a long battery life. My personal choice is the BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lumen. It is water resistant and has significant functionality, including colour lighting, candle flicker and colour cycling.
6. Don’t Forget About the Furniture
Finally, don’t forget about the accessories that will make your adventures even more enjoyable when you want to relax with a tasty beverage in the evening. Outdoor furniture like comfortable camping chairs can enhance your campervan experience. My advice is to get down to your local BCF, Anaconda or other local camping store and try a few to find your perfect camping chairs.
In addition, don’t forget about getting an appropriately sized table for your needs and some storage solutions.
7. What else could I possibly need?
While not essential, there are several other items that could make your travels more enjoyable.
- GPS navigation system: These will give you peace of mind when travelling through unfamiliar territory.
- Backup camera: Cameras are typically mounted on the back of your vehicle and allow you to see what’s behind you as you reverse your motorhome or trailer into a tight spot. This not only makes parking easier but also improves safety by preventing avoidable accidents.
- Mosquito Nets: Adding insect nets around windows helps protect your campervans interior from bugs and mosquitoes, allowing you to spend more time outside exploring precious landscapes without the worry of being bitten.
- Rechargeable Fan: Ventilation is key when it comes to keeping cool inside your vehicle during hot summer months. A rechargeable fan can work wonders by circulating air throughout the van without requiring electricity from outside sources.
- Portable Shower: While some campgrounds have showers, others may not offer this amenity. Investing in a portable shower allows you to freshen up on-the-go without having to resort to public bathroom facilities or relying on wet wipes for hygiene.
- Portable Toilet: Similarly, a portable toilet can save you from having to search for restrooms in unfamiliar locations or during midnight emergencies when you’re parked remotely from civilization.
- Tablet holders: If you intend on streaming movies or shows while enjoying downtime in your campervan, investing in an adjustable tablet holder will give you hands-free viewing options for maximum relaxation.
Tips and Tricks for Discovering Unique and Useful Campervan Accessories
As a campervan enthusiast, you’re always on the lookout for accessories and gear that can enhance your travel experience. Luckily, with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to discover top-quality campervan accessories that meet your needs and preferences. Here are some valuable insights to make your search easier:
- Explore specialized online stores – The internet is home to endless retail options, including shops specializing in camping and outdoor gear products. Look for those websites with high reviews and authentic customer feedback from other travellers about their experiences with the product.
- Attend trade shows or expos – Attending camping events or trade shows will provide plenty of inspiration for new products, ideas on how to improve current gear or even brands who you could purchase from in the future.
- Join a community group – Social media has made it possible to join communities where fellow RV enthusiasts share information about upgrades they’ve done themselves on their camping gear as well as real campervan travel experiences around different locations worldwide.
- Check out antique stores – While modern tech advances may have taken over some areas of camping equipment like portable ovens, gas cylinders etc., there’s nothing stopping old-fashioned solutions from being very clever! If all else fails in life an “antique” shop could offer up something useful.
- Get creative with DIY ideas – Sometimes, the best way to find the perfect accessory is by making it yourself. Focus on handcrafting items that serve practical purposes or repurposing household items into custom-made parts for your camper.
Ultimately discovering unique and practical campervan accessories involves patience, creativity and networking within different groups & resources focused on this type of lifestyle. Whether you choose to purchase online exclusively, get crafty through DIY projects or attend brick-and-mortar events such as expos. We hope these tips spark ideas about enhancing your upcoming trip!
Overall, upgrading your campervan comfort level is not only easy but also cost-effective. These must-have accessories will not make your road trip more enjoyable. It will also ensure that you have everything you need to make unforgettable memories on the open road. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country journey or exploring national parks, having these essentials guarantees an extra level of enjoyment and satisfaction during every adventure. Happy camping!
