Van and RV essentials checklist
VAN AND RV ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
Planning your next van life adventure in your van conversion or RV? Here you’ll find an RV essentials list for the trip you’re so excited about.
STAY COMFORTABLE ON THE ROAD
When planning a van build, it’s important to know in advance what you want to install. There is a wide range of comfort items that will make your life on the road as enjoyable as possible. But it’s crucial to remember that van essentials are what make a van a home.
Essentials ensure that your motorhome is warm, secure, and has electricity and running water. Whereas awnings, LED lights, and camping chairs ensure that your warm home fits your style and taste.
Below you will find a full list of RV and van essentials for those long trips and unforgetable adventures.
ON THIS PAGE
RV HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
When you’re on the road, being ready for any weather is the number one priority. A simple air heater will keep you warm all night, while a reliable AC will make summer heatwaves a breeze.
Air Heaters
One of the most important van life essentials is an air heater. A good air heater can make the difference between a good night's sleep and a restless one. It will keep the cabin warm and cozy, and prevent the pipes under the floor from freezing.
Water Heaters
Another item that must be on your van checklist is a water heater. Whether it’s for taking a hot shower, cooking, or doing dishes - you need a water heater. When set up correctly, your heating system will keep the fuel and water flowing at temperatures below zero.
Air Conditioning and Fans
While an air heater will serve you well in colder climates, you will definitely want to cool off in the summer. We recommend investing in a reliable and energy-efficient AC for your next RV trip, to avoid the discomfort of the summer heat.
WATER CIRCLE ESSENTIALS
Having an on-demand supply of hot or fresh water is a necessity when traveling for longer periods. Learn how to assemble your own van water system in our newest in depth guide!
Water Pumps
A water pump is essential to keep your water running. Without a pump, you can’t use the tap, and will have to resort to gravity for your showers. With an onboard water pump, you can wash your hands, fill the sink, and other things you take for granted at home.
Calorifiers and Accumulator Tanks
SureCal calorifiers store hot water and keep it warm, so you can enjoy on-demand hot water anywhere you go. In the meantime, an accumulator tank will conserve battery power, reduce pump cycling, and increase the lifespan of water pumps.
Portable and Cassette Toilets
Usually, van conversions don’t require a separate black water tank, as vanlifers opt for cassette toilets, instead. A cassette toilet stores all of your waste in a sealed container that’s easy to remove and clean out.
RV KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
Although some travellers can survive on a diet of sandwiches and water, nothing beats a nice hot meal. With a proper kitchen, you can cook anything from a simple breakfast to a dinner date.
Refrigerators and Freezers
A refrigerator/freezer is essential for any trip, no matter how long. A good fridge is efficient, spacious, and reliably keeps your food fresh and your drinks cold. Indel B portable and mounted fridges are some of the best on the market, with their cutting-edge SECOP compressors.
Stoves
Nothing beats a nice homemade meal after a long road. Although cooking on the campfire is a unique pleasure, sometimes you just want to switch on the stove. A diesel-powered stove is safe and reliable, and has minimal fuel and power consumption.
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
When you're far away from the city, the last thing you want is a fire in your motorhome. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save thousands of lives each year. They are an absolute necessity in any RV or van conversion.
OFF-GRID POWER RV ESSENTIALS
Nearly all technology requires electricity, which is difficult to come by in the forest. Keep your power needs satisfied with clean and renewable energy and enjoy power off-grid.
EcoFlow Portable Power Stations
When you’re on the road, opportunities to recharge are rare and far apart. An EcoFlow portable power station is a convenient and reliable way to store some extra power. Keep your devices powered on, and recharge from a wide range of power sources.
Portable Solar Panels
Getting energy when you’re living off-grid can be challenge without solar panels. A few portable or rigid panels will ensure that you can last longer between stops to recharge. Enjoy clean, silent, renewable energy and go completely off-grid.
Complete Solar Kits
A portable power station combined with one or two foldable solar panels is easily the most versatile source of energy. Quickly deploy your solar system and store solar power and keep your phone and laptop charged at all times.