Must-Have Additions to Your Van

Vans are proving to be a highly versatile mode of transportation. Mercedes-Benz even reported that, though their overall sales slumped by 8.9%, their van sales rose by over 22.5% in the past year. This is largely thanks to people flocking to buy vans and live out their cross-country adventures despite the ongoing pandemic. With the price of rent rising and wages remaining static, other people are even turning to vans as a more affordable and independent means of shelter.

However, despite the glamor of van life, it comes with its own set of challenges. It may be difficult to keep the insides of the vehicle clean or find a free space to park each night. But van life doesn't have to be unpleasant. In fact, these must-have additions can help you create a more comfortable and convenient space.

Awnings


When you arrive at the picturesque location of your choice, don't confine yourself to the four walls of your van. Roof-mounted awnings can afford you extra room while shielding you from the rain or sun. From single-roof awnings to full-blown tents, you're sure to find a size perfect for you and your companions.

Foldable tables and chairs

Within your awning, folding tables and chairs can give you a place outside the van where you can cook, sit down to dinner, and even play a game of cards on beautiful evenings. Look for those with aluminum frames, like Trekology's lightweight models, as they'll last through years of wear and tear.

Solar panels

However, you may be worried about where you're going to get your electricity. After all, it can be a hassle to sit around at the nearest town while you charge your portable batteries, and you don't know where you'll be when you run out.

That being said, why not go solar? Roof panels can cheaply and cleanly generate electricity for your van, all while lasting up to three decades.

For this, they rely on tiny but powerful printed circuit boards (PCBs). With efficient PCB routing, the panels' power supply circuits can easily convert sunlight to electricity without overheating or encountering connection issues. It also makes them cheaper to manufacture, so if you've ever dreamed of generating electricity while simply driving around, you can do so without breaking the bank.

A washing machine

With all that solar energy at your fingertips, consider foregoing the occasional laundromat for a nifty, cost-effective portable washing machine. Unlike top-loading agitator models, the adorable Costway Mini uses impeller action to create currents that gently wash the dirt off your clothes. It can handle up to 5.5 pounds of laundry at a time and is compact and lightweight enough to bring on the go.

Just remember to throw your gray water at the nearest flushing toilet — or, alternatively, in an area at least 200 feet away from your van.

A sound deadener

After a grueling day of maintaining yourself and your van, you deserve a good night's rest. With sound deadeners, you can get the same quality of sleep you get at 5-star hotels. B-Quiet's versatile butyl rolls can easily be applied to the floors, walls, ceiling, or wherever else you want to kill the sounds of rattling or buzzing from the outdoors.

As an added bonus, its layer of HLiner insulation can double as protection from both the summer heat and the winter cold.


All in all, feel free to customize your van to perfectly suit your wants and needs. If you don't know where to start, know that with clean clothes on your back, a fully powered van, and sound deadeners giving you peace and quiet, you're guaranteed to wake up each morning well rested and ready for your next adventure.