Sprinter Van Camping: 10 Must-Have Accessories
Essential Van Life Gear for Every Adventure
Contents
Introduction
As a family of four, we camp as often as possible in our 2015 Sprinter Van camper, and over the years, we’ve perfected our gear setup. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a long-term van life adventure, having the right gear can make all the difference. Below, we’ll share our top 10 essential Sprinter Van camping accessories that we never leave home without. These items have not only made van life more enjoyable but have also enhanced our ability to stay off-grid for extended periods.
10 Van Life Adventure Gear Must Haves
When outfitting a van for camping, it’s important to focus on comfort, convenience, and functionality. Whether you’re new to van life or a seasoned road tripper, these accessories will help you maximize your Sprinter Van’s potential and enhance every adventure.
1. Solar Panel and Battery
Why You Need It: To power up essential electronics, lights, and appliances—such as our fridge and kettle—without having to rely on external power sources or generators. Having a solar setup gives you the freedom to camp off-grid and enjoy nature without worrying about your power supply. We opted for a roof-mounted solar panel, which keeps us powered throughout our trips, but there are also foldable and lightweight options that are easy to store and set up when needed.
Pro Tip: Invest in a high-capacity battery that can store enough power to last through cloudy days. This will ensure your appliances, like the fridge, continue running even when sunshine is scarce.
2. Camping Stove
Why You Need It: Cooking outdoors is one of our favorite parts of van life, and a portable propane or butane stove is a must-have. It allows for meal prep without the need for an indoor kitchen, keeping smells and messes outside. We don’t have a full kitchen inside our Sprinter van, and the portable stove helps us maintain a clean and odor-free interior while enjoying delicious meals outdoors. We prefer a two burner stove to allow more cooking options.
Pro Tip: Look for stoves that are compact and have a quick setup for ease of use. Having a windscreen is also essential for cooking in open, breezy environments. Where to look for camping stoves? Anywhere from Facebook Marketplace if looking for used to REI in the USA and MEC in Canada - check out other local outdoor stores too!
3. Roof-Mounted Awning
Why You Need It: A roof-mounted awning is perfect for extending your living space outdoors. Whether it’s for shade, shelter from the rain, or simply a place to relax, a sturdy awning provides instant comfort. We love our Thule Awning, which is easy to set up and allows us to create a shaded area for lounging or cooking.
Pro Tip: Consider an awning with a roll-out design for quick deployment. We recommend the Thule Awning for its durability and simplicity, and you can read more about our experience with it here.
4. Fridge
Why You Need It: Say goodbye to the days of constantly restocking ice in coolers. A portable fridge keeps food fresh for days, allowing us to plan meals and camp for extended periods without worrying about spoilage. Our fridge runs off our solar-powered battery, making it an essential tool for staying off-grid longer.
Pro Tip: Look for a fridge with a dual-zone design, which allows you to use one compartment as a freezer and the other as a fridge for versatility on the road. Or get whatever you can that fits your place cheap off Facebook Marketplace - seems to be a lot of used little fridges!
5. Water Containers
Why You Need It: Water is essential, and having large, portable water containers ensures you always have access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. We use foldable water jugs that are easy to store when not in use, as well as a large blue jug that stays by the door and serves as our go-to for quick handwashing and filling bottles.
Pro Tip: Get a container with a spigot to simulate a tap system for easy water access. It makes meal prep and clean-up much more convenient.
6. Compact Folding Table & Chairs
Why You Need It: For outdoor dining or simply working in the fresh air, a collapsible dining set is essential. Our folding table and chairs are lightweight and easy to store, providing the perfect solution for mealtime or when we need extra workspace outside the van.
Pro Tip: For snuggly people, consider investing in a loveseat camping chair. We got ours from MEC and it’s perfect for cozy evenings around the campfire.
7. Van Insulation and Ventilation System
Why You Need It: Keeping your van comfortable in all seasons is crucial. Proper insulation helps retain heat in the winter, while a roof vent with a fan keeps air circulating during the hot summer months. We also installed a diesel heater to stay warm during cold-weather trips, allowing us to camp year-round.
Pro Tip: A vent fan with reversible airflow is ideal for drawing out heat and bringing in fresh air when needed. We have a Max Air Fan and it is regarded as the best Van fan for a reason - it works amazing and is extremely quiet.
8. Tools and Safety Equipment
Why You Need It: Emergencies happen, and being prepared is key. We always bring a toolkit that includes everything from jumper cables and tow ropes to a tool box. These tools have come in handy for small repairs to both the van and our outdoor gear, ensuring that we’re ready for any situation.
Pro Tip: Always carry a headlamp for nighttime repairs or activities. It frees up your hands and provides essential lighting.
9. Portable Shower System
Why You Need It: Staying fresh on the road is easier with a portable shower system. We use a solar-powered shower, which allows us to take hot showers wherever we go. The compact design makes it easy to store, and we use one of our white kitchen bins to hold the water when we need to rinse off.
Pro Tip: For added convenience, pick up a camping privacy tent to use as a shower stall.
10. Kitchen Items
Why You Need It: Having a dedicated set of kitchen gear that stays in the van is a game changer. Instead of packing and unpacking pots, pans, plates, and utensils every trip, we keep essentials like cutlery, a coffee press, and a kettle permanently in the van. This makes meal prep fast and easy, and ensures we’re always ready to hit the road without the stress of last-minute packing.
Pro Tip: Invest in space-saving items like stackable pots and collapsible kettles to maximize storage while still having everything you need for a functional kitchen.
Van life is all about maximizing your freedom while staying comfortable and prepared on the road. With the right gear—like solar panels, a portable fridge, and essential kitchen items—you can elevate your Sprinter Van camping experience, whether you’re off-grid for a weekend or exploring full-time. These must-have accessories ensure you’re always equipped for any adventure, providing convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. So pack up, hit the road, and make your next van life journey the most epic one yet!
Tools Being Put to Use
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