Van Life Essentials: What You Actually Need on the Road
So, you’re finally doing it; hitting the road, living out of your van, chasing sunsets, and waking up in new places every day. Sounds pretty epic, right? It is. But before you roll out, there’s one big question every van lifer has to face: what do you actually need to live comfortably on the road?
Let’s talk about van life essentials: the gear, gadgets, and simple must-haves that make van living easier, comfier, and way more enjoyable.
The Basics: Comfort Is Key
Here’s the truth: van life looks super romantic online, but comfort is what keeps it fun in real life. You’ll be surprised how much a few small things can make or break your day-to-day routine.
Start with your bed setup. Whether you’re rocking a fancy custom build or a DIY mattress situation, make sure it’s something you actually want to sleep on. You’ll be spending a third of your time there so it’s worth the upgrade. Add some cozy bedding, soft sheets, and throw a good blanket or two on there.
Temperature control is also important. It might sound boring, but insulation, window covers, and a solid fan can completely change your van life experience. You’ll thank yourself when you’re parked in the desert or trying to stay warm on a chilly mountain night.
Also don’t forget the lighting. Good lighting makes your van feel like a tiny home instead of a dark cave. LED strips or battery-powered lamps can go a long way (bonus points if they’re dimmable and moody).
Staying Clean (and Sane)
Let’s be real: showers aren’t always part of the daily routine out there. That’s why van lifers get creative.
If your van doesn’t have a built-in shower, grab a portable shower setup; even something as simple as a solar shower bag or a pump sprayer. Combine that with biodegradable soap, and you’ve got a clean, easy way to rinse off after a long hike.
For day-to-day hygiene, baby wipes, dry shampoo, and microfiber towels will be your best friends.
And don’t skip the laundry plan! A collapsible laundry bag and a stash of quarters will save your sanity on long trips.
The Power Situation
If you’re working remotely, running a fridge, or just want to charge your phone without worry, you’ll need a power setup that works for your lifestyle.
Solar panels are the go-to for most van lifers. They’re quiet, renewable, and perfect for off-grid adventures. Pair them with a battery bank and an inverter, and you’ll be good to go.
Kitchen Must Haves
Cooking in a van is one of those things that sounds complicated but really isn’t once you have the right gear. A two-burner stove, reliable cooler or fridge, and basic cookware (pots, pan, spatula, knife) will cover most meals.
Keep your setup simple; one good pan beats five cheap ones rattling around. And if you’re short on space, look for nesting cookware or collapsible dishes.
For food storage, airtight bins and stackable containers are gold. They keep things organized and critter-free. And remember: a small trash setup and compost bin will make cleanup so much easier (and greener).
Organization Essentials
Living in a small space means staying organized is non-negotiable. Every item should reside in its own place that keeps it from sliding around while you drive.
Bins, baskets, and drawer systems are important. Labeling helps, too, especially when you’ve got your life packed into 80 square feet.
Oh, and hooks. You can never have enough hooks.
Stay Connected (When You Want To)
Whether you’re working remotely or just want to stream a movie in the middle of nowhere, staying connected matters. A mobile hotshop, cell booster, or Starlink setup can give you reliable internet almost anywhere.
That said, don’t forget why you hit the road in the first place. It’s okay to unplug sometimes. Some of the best van life moments happen when your phone’s on airplane mode and the only connection you have is the view outside your window.
A Few Overlooked Van Life Essentials
Here’s a few underrated things you’ll wish you packed sooner:
A headlamp (for those midnight trips outside)
A first aid kit
Leveling blocks (no one likes sleeping on a slant)
A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
A portable toilet or similar emergency setup (trust us, it’ll come in handy eventually)
Your Van Life Adventure Starts Here
At the end of the day, van life isn’t about having all the fanciest gear– it’s about freedom, simplicity, and adventure. The “essentials” look a little different for everyone. Some people love a minimalist setup, while others go for full luxury.
The key is to figure out what you need to feel comfortable and capable on the road. Start simple, adjust as you go, and don’t stress about having it all perfect from day one.
Once you’ve got the essentials down, there’s only one thing left to do: turn the key and go.
Browse our wide variety of sprinter vans and learn about why we’re passionate about helping you create unforgettable moments on the road.
Built to Carry the Load
These vans are commercial-grade, which means they’re built to carry heavy stuff. That’s perfect for custom builds, since you can add insulation, storage systems, water tanks, and batteries without worrying about overloading the van.
Super Versatile
Sprinters can be set up for just about anything — weekend warrior rigs, full-time homes, or even adventure vans that can handle serious off-road conditions. There are cargo versions (empty shells, great for custom builds), crew versions (with extra seating), and passenger versions with full interiors. No matter what kind of adventure you’re after, there’s a Sprinter setup that fits.
Modern Tech and Comfort
Despite their rugged build, Sprinters are surprisingly comfortable to drive. Modern models have features like lane-assist, adaptive cruise control, and touchscreen displays; which makes those long road trips a whole lot easier.
Why We Love Building on Sprinter Vans
At Earth Ship Vans, Sprinters are kind of our bread and butter. They give us the freedom to get creative — building luxury, off-grid, or adventure ready rigs that hold up to whatever you throw at them.
Because the chassis is so strong, we can add things like full kitchen setups, pop-top roofs, solar panel systems, and custom cabinetry without compromising how the van drives or handles. They’re also reliable, easy to service, and just all-around great foundations for a build that’s meant to last.
Basically, Sprinter vans let us focus on what matters most: crafting vans that help you explore more.
Things to Think About Before You Buy One
If you’re thinking about getting a Sprinter van for your own build, here are a few things to consider first:
Height & size: Do you want to be able to stand inside? Or are you okay with a lower roof for easier parking?
How you’ll use it: Are you planning weekend trips or full-time van life? Your layout and systems will depend on how long you’ll be off-grid.
Budget for maintenance: Sprinters are high-quality, but they can cost a bit more to maintain the smaller vans. Totally worth it — just good to know what’s going on.
Payload: Every build adds weight. Make sure your set up stays within the vans limits.
Ready to Hit the Road?
The Sprinter van is the ultimate blank canvas for adventure. Strong, spacious, and totally customizable, it’s everything you want if you’re ready to live life on your own terms and see the world.
At Earth Ship Vans, we love taking these vans and turning them into something completely one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend escape pod or a full-time rolling home, a Sprinter van is the perfect place to start.
Get in touch with us and let’s get your Earth Ship on the road.