If you are an adventurer at heart, then you’ll know exactly how amazing it feels to cruise around in a campervan. It’s the perfect way to see the world and experience new places without having to worry about the hassles of hotels or hostels. Whether you have just purchased your very first campervan or have been itching to go on an adventure in one for some time, we think you will find these must-haves for your campervan super useful. And as with any vehicle, owning a camper requires lots of additional accessories and items - after all, there is no gas station where you can get a spare tire! From storage devices that help keep things organized to lighting that makes driving at night safer, we cover everything you need to know before hitting the road.
A luggage organizer
If you have ever travelled in a car, you will know that luggage will always end up strewn around the back of the vehicle. It’s inevitable, which is why a good-quality luggage organizer is a must-have for any campervan owner. This way, all your bags and items are neatly organized and easy to find, which will save you time and frustration when packing. There are several different types of luggage organizers for campervans, ranging from simple tie-down straps to high-end systems with multiple pockets and compartments. Choose the one that best suits your needs and you’ll be glad you did. A simple luggage strap system, like the one pictured above, is a great starter solution for keeping your bags organized inside your campervan. They are easy to install and remove, can hold multiple bags, and are inexpensive. If you want something a bit more heavy-duty, then you may want to consider a more robust organizer such as this one. It can hold up to 8 bags and includes two built-in pockets for storing smaller items like toiletries, medication, and other valuables.
A spare tire and jack
If you are a seasoned campervan owner, you’ll know that the one thing you can’t do without is a spare tire and jack. There are very few places in the world where you can get a brand-new tire, let alone 24/7. That’s why it’s important to always keep a spare tire and jack in your vehicle at all times. Generally, campervan tires are smaller than car tires, which is why you need a special tire jack to lift them. You can choose between scissor jacks and hydraulic jacks, each with its advantages. Scissor jacks are cheaper, lighter in weight, and easier to store, but they are less stable compared to hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic jacks are more expensive, but offer superior stability and are easier to operate. If you have a high-end campervan with larger tires, then you may want to consider getting a dual or even triple scissor jack. This way, you have extra room for manoeuvrability and can lift multiple tires at once. Make sure you purchase a high-quality jack that is made from strong, durable materials. You don’t want to have to use it often, but when you do, it should work every time.
LED lights
Because you can’t rely on regular house lights in your campervan, having an external lighting system is a must. Whether you are driving at night or setting up your campervan in a remote location, having adequate lighting is essential. Whether you choose halogen lights, LED lights, or a combination of the two, you want to choose a lighting system that is bright and powerful. Look for a system that has a remote control so you can control the lights from inside your campervan. This way, you don’t have to get out of your van to turn them on or off. Another great option is solar lights. These are the perfect combination of low-maintenance and high utility - ideal for someone who is new to the world of campervanning and doesn’t want to spend a fortune on lighting. Depending on the brand, you can expect your solar lights to last around 10 hours per charge. They can be installed almost anywhere on the outside of your vehicle and are easy to set up. They also look great, which is a nice bonus.
Towels and a shower curtain
If you are planning on taking your campervan on long-distance journeys, you will need a few essential items to make things easier. Along with the obvious items like a sleeping bag, blankets, and pillows, you may want to consider a shower curtain and towels. A shower curtain is easy to install and can be put up in minutes. Simply clip the curtain to the back of your campervan door and you have an instant shower. If you want to keep things extra clean and germ-free, you can also get fully waterproof shower curtains. Towels are another essential item for campervan living. You will find that most campgrounds supply basic towels, but if you are spending time in the wild, you may not have access to these. Choose towels that are lightweight and quick-drying, such as microfiber towels. This way, you can easily pack them when travelling and they will take up very little space in your campervan.
An external speaker
If you travel to remote locations, you may want to consider getting an external speaker. This way, you can tune into your favourite music and podcasts, no matter where you are. You can also use it to make and take phone calls if you don’t have a hands-free device. Some speakers even come with a built-in FM radio so you can tune in to local stations. Whatever you decide, you want a speaker that is easy to mount and doesn’t take up too much space. Look for a model that comes with a suction cup so you can easily stick it anywhere on your campervan. This way, you won’t have to worry about it falling off and getting damaged. Some speakers also come with a mounting bracket so you can mount them to the walls. This way, they are completely out of the way.
GPS System
If you are travelling to new and remote places, you may want to consider investing in a GPS for your campervan. This way, you can avoid getting lost and make sure you are heading in the right direction every time. They are easy to install and help make your travels much more enjoyable. You can find a wide range of GPS systems for campervans, ranging from simple standalone models to integrated systems that sync with your smartphone. Whatever model you choose, make sure it has an offline mode, so it works even when you lose signal. You don’t want to get lost and have no way of finding your way back home. You can also purchase a model with a built-in dash cam, which records your driving and automatically saves any footage if you get into an accident. This is a great safety feature that you may want to consider.
A portable toilet
If you are going on a long trip, it’s a good idea to have a portable toilet in your campervan. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding public toilets and can instead focus on your journey. Simply unzip the toilet bag and place the toilet where you want it. It’s easy to use, clean, and store away - no more worries about finding a toilet when you are on the road. However, when you purchase your toilet, make sure you get the right model for your campervan. There are toilets available for vans and RVs and they are easy to install and clean. Most models come with a waste bag, a holding tank, and a cleaning brush, so you can keep everything nice and tidy.
Solar panels
If you are going to be travelling in areas where electricity isn’t readily available, you may want to consider a solar panel system for your campervan. This way, you can charge your devices and run your appliances even when there is no power. You can also use solar panels to water your plants and flowers throughout the day - no more worrying about them getting too much or too little water! Depending on the brand, you can expect your solar panel system to produce about 2 kilowatts of electricity per day. Although this isn’t a lot, it’s enough to power lights, charge your devices, and run a small appliance. You have a few options when it comes to solar panel systems for campervans. Go with a portable system that you can take with you on your travels. These systems are lightweight and easy to set up in the middle of nowhere. Get a permanent panel system for your trailer or van that can be installed by yourself or professionals. This is the most expensive option, but it will be more reliable and convenient to use throughout your journey.