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Looking for some awesome van life hacks? I’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ll share 20 genius tips to take your camper van adventures to the next level.
As an avid van lifer who’s been traveling in my self-built camper van for a while now, I’ve personally tested each hack, so you can trust they’ll make your journey smoother and more enjoyable!
With these handy tweaks, your camper van will become the ultimate adventure buddy, ready for unforgettable experiences.
Ready to discover van life hacks that will transform your journey? Let’s jump right in!
1. Van Life Hacks: Swivel Car Seat
If you want to make your van more comfortable and convenient, consider adding a swivel car seat.
It’s a small upgrade that really opens up your space and gives you more room for work or entertainment—great for those long trips!
Plus, a swivel seat makes it way easier to chat with everyone inside the van, which is super handy if you’re not traveling solo.
The coolest part? Installing a passenger swivel seat is super easy! You don’t need any special tools or skills for this DIY project.
Honestly, it was one of the best things I’ve done for my camper van. It makes life on the road so much better!
Also, it’s good for your back and perfect for remote work.
2. Van Life Essentials: Composting Toilet
If you’re like me and love exploring remote places but don’t want to pee outside, having a toilet in your camper van is essential.
A composting toilet is a great eco-friendly choice that keeps your trips comfortable while also caring for the environment.
These toilets handle waste without harmful chemicals or water, using special biological processes to get rid of odors and make your travel experience better.
They come with some great perks, too—they don’t need to be emptied as often as typical camping toilets, making them perfect for longer trips.
Plus, they look really cool in a camper van. Trust me, investing in a composting toilet is totally worth it!
3. Van Life Hacks: 4G LTE Modem
Staying connected on the road is super important, especially if you work remotely like I do.
I honestly can’t imagine van life without WiFi linked to a 4G LTE modem and a local SIM card.
The 4G network is way more reliable than campsite WiFi, making it easy to browse, work, navigate, and listen to music while you’re on the go.
Having internet access during your adventures is a lifesaver for finding cool spots, making reservations, and checking road conditions.
Just remember to use it wisely to avoid high data charges—setting data limits or using your connection in moderation can help keep costs down!
4. Foam Protector
When I started van life, I wanted to find a way to keep my glasses, cups, and plates from getting damaged while traveling.
I tried a bunch of options, but the best solution turned out to be a foam protector.
This foam protector is super easy to use and fits snugly in drawers, holding up to 8 plates and 6 cups—usually enough for my van adventures.
With it, you don’t have to worry about your kitchenware getting damaged.
It’s a cost-effective way to make your travels more comfortable.
Not only does it protect your items, but it also makes storage and organization a breeze!
5. Van Life Essentials: Outdoor Shower
In my opinion, an outdoor shower is an absolute must for van life. It’s super convenient and helps keep your van clean and organized.
With an outdoor shower, you can easily rinse off dirt and sand after a day at the beach or a muddy hike—perfect for anyone who loves being active.
Plus, it’s a lifesaver on hot summer days when your van gets really warm, giving you a refreshing way to cool off and relax in nature.
It’s also super portable and compact, so you can tuck it away in a kitchen cabinet, saving you precious space in your camper van.
6. Van Life Essentials: Self-Adhesive Tape
I can’t imagine my van life without self-adhesive tape.
It’s such an affordable and handy way to keep my stuff organized and secure while I’m on the road.
The best part? The easy-to-remove adhesive means I can store everyday items without worrying about them getting damaged.
This tape is super versatile—perfect for securing small items and electronics. I even used it to decorate my camper van with wall baskets and to keep my speaker in place, and it works like a charm!
Plus, it removes cleanly without leaving any sticky residue, so I can easily rearrange things whenever I want. Talk about ultimate flexibility!
7. Adhesive Curtain Track
Another essential van life hack is the adhesive curtain track.
This clever solution makes it super easy to hang a curtain for privacy and separation within your camper van.
With its user-friendly design, installation is a breeze—just stick the track to any surface and let it set before hanging the curtain—no drilling needed!
The versatile self-adhesive track can also be used for other items, like mosquito nets, boosting your camper van’s functionality.
I use it to separate the driver’s area from the living space, and I’m really happy with it! It creates a cozy spot to relax after my adventures.
8. Van Life Hacks: Retractable Clothesline
Another simple van life hack is the retractable clothesline. I installed it in my camper van’s bathroom recently, and I can’t imagine life without it!
Featuring a robust fiber line and an easy-to-use design, drying my laundry is a breeze.
I can adjust the length with its customizable string feature to maximize drying space without cluttering my camper van.
The clothesline isn’t just for laundry—it’s also great for hanging wet gear, towels, or even creating makeshift curtains for added privacy.
Plus, with its sleek stainless steel housing, it offers durability and reliability, ensuring it lasts throughout my travels.
9. Folding Kitchen Counter Brackets
If you want to make your camper van more functional like I did, consider adding folding counter brackets to your kitchen.
This handy addition optimizes space, keeps your kitchen organized, and gives you extra room to prep meals.
And the best part? It can even double as a desk, making it perfect for remote work when paired with a swiveling passenger seat!
I installed mine near the entrance on the kitchen cabinet, and it’s super convenient—I use it all the time for cooking and working.
When I’m not using it, I can easily fold it up and pull it out whenever I need more space.
With different mounting options available, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect setup for your van, too!
10. Van Life Hacks: A Swiveling Table
I’ve got to say, a swiveling table leg is one of the best additions to my camper van.
It’s super handy because I can adjust the space to fit my needs, making it way easier to move around in such a compact area.
I use it for everything—from eating to working on my laptop, and its swivel feature adds a whole new level of versatility.
One of the coolest things is how sturdy it is; I can lock it in place so it doesn’t shift around while I’m driving.
Installing a swiveling table is a breeze—no special tools needed—and it can hold up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Plus, the adjustable height means it works for everyone, making it super comfy for different people.
11. Extra Locks in a Camper Van
Safety should always be a priority when you’re living the van life.
One of the best hacks for enhancing security is to install extra locks on your camper van doors. I’ve added them to my van, and I totally recommend it!
The factory locks on delivery vehicles can be pretty unreliable, so putting in some extra locks on the van’s metal structure makes it way harder for thieves to break in.
Plus, locking every door not only cuts down the risk of burglary while you’re out exploring but also gives you a sense of peace.
With that extra security in place, you can focus on enjoying your adventures without stressing about your stuff!
12. Van Life Hacks: Foldable Dish Drainer
When you’re traveling in a camper van, washing dishes by hand is a must, and a dish drainer is key.
To save space, go with a collapsible dish drainer—it’s lightweight and practical, making it perfect for van life.
I’ve been using mine from the very beginning, and I absolutely love it!
When it’s folded up, it fits easily in any cupboard or drawer, which is a total space-saver.
It’s also low-maintenance and quick to set up, which is a bonus if you cook often.
Trust me, a foldable dish drainer is a real game changer—practical, easy to maintain, and it helps keep your space organized.
13. Magnetic Cabinet Locks
When I first hit the road in my camper van, my drawers would fly open with every turn, which was annoying and unsafe.
I didn’t want visible cabinet locks ruining the van’s look. That’s when I discovered magnetic cabinet locks, and I’m so glad I did!
They keep my drawers secure while driving and are sleek and discreet, fitting right inside the drawers.
Each lock comes with a magnetic key for easy access. Just pop the lock in place to secure the drawers and use the key to unlock them.
Plus, you can disable the lock when parked for easy access without the key.
Now I can drive without worrying about my drawers flying open!
14. Cutting Board Over the Sink
If you’re on the lookout for van life hacks, a wooden cutting board over the sink is a great way to boost your kitchen workspace.
I made mine with my partner, and I seriously can’t live without it!
The wood gives my kitchen a warm, cozy vibe and is super easy to clean without damaging my knives—perfect for cooking in a small space.
You can move it around easily, and when you’re done, just pop it back over the sink to clear up some counter space.
Need the sink? Just remove the board for all the room you need. And it’s versatile too—great for stabilizing hot pots and pans!
15. Hanging Fruit Baskets
Looking for van life hacks to make the most of your kitchen space? Check out hanging fruit baskets for your camper van!
These handy baskets are perfect for efficient storage and help you maximize your fridge space.
When you’re not using them, you can easily take them apart and stash them in a drawer. Installing them is a breeze—just hang them on small hooks.
Plus, they’re made from handwoven materials, adding a cool boho vibe to your van’s look.
I put mine above the sliding door, and it’s such a smart use of space.
Now I can grab fresh fruits and veggies while cooking without having to bend down for the fridge!
16. Van Life Hacks: Water Container
One camper van item I can’t live without is a camping water container. It’s super handy and can save the day in all sorts of situations.
I’ve got two containers—one for fresh water and another for grey water.
If there’s no tap nearby or it’s just too far away, having a water container makes sure I always have access to fresh water.
If I can’t connect to a tap or it’s too far away, having a water container ensures I have fresh water wherever I go.
I also carry a funnel to make pouring easier and avoid spills.
And if I can’t find a dump station, you I easily collect my grey water in a container and dispose of it safely.
Trust me, it’s a small investment that can make a big difference when living on the road!
17. Kitchen Faucet with a Pull-out Spout
A pull-out spout kitchen faucet is a total must-have for any camper van kitchen. I’ve got one in mine, and I can’t recommend it enough.
The pull-out spout lets you control the water flow just right and reach all those tricky spots, which makes washing dishes and cleaning up so much easier.
It’s a game-changer for rinsing larger pots and pans, and some models, like mine, offer multiple water streams for extra versatility.
Plus, it’s perfect for rinsing veggies without all the splashing—great for keeping things healthy.
And here’s the best part: if you mount it near the door of your camper van, it can even work as an outdoor shower!
So, you can wash off all that sand and dirt super easily.
18. Hanging Shoe Organizer
Finding a way to organize shoes in a camper van can be tricky with all that limited space.
That’s why I love using a hanging shoe organizer—it’s such a smart solution for van life. As a shoe lover, I can tell you it really helps!
This handy organizer mounts right on the wall, giving each shoe its own pocket and keeping everything neat and tidy.
Unlike traditional shoe cabinets, it barely takes up any space, making it perfect for smaller camper vans.
Plus, you can easily find affordable hanging shoe organizers.
They’re versatile too, holding other small items too, making them an awesome space-saver.
19. Windshield Sun Shade Set
As a van lifer, you know how crucial it is to have a comfortable interior, no matter the weather.
That’s why investing in a windshield sun shade set is such a smart move!
This set offers excellent insulation and protects you from the sun’s rays, keeping the temperature cozy inside your van, whether it’s scorching hot or chilly outside.
Plus, it’s super easy to attach and remove, taking up minimal space when you’re not using it.
But that’s not all—this sun shade set gives you some extra privacy, which makes it a total must-have.
I’ve had mine since day one, and I seriously can’t imagine life without it, especially now that I’m on the road with my two cats!
20. Storage Organizers
Staying organized in a tiny space like a camper van is essential for life on the road.
That’s where storage organizers come in—they’re super practical and offer tons of benefits.
First off, they help you maximize your cabinet space, which is crucial in small camper vans. This means less clutter and more room to breathe.
Storage organizers help you sort items by category for easy access.
I’ve set mine up for cosmetics, clothing, and medicines, and I even added some to my garage!
Plus, they keep items from toppling over in the cabinet, ensuring safety and preventing any damage.
With cabinet organizers, you can make the most of your camper van and create a more organized living space.
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20 Genius Van Life Hacks: Summary
Traveling by camper van and diving into van life is such a fun adventure, but it can definitely come with its challenges.
That’s why I’ve put together 20 easy van life hacks to make your camper van experience even better and your travels on wheels more enjoyable.
You don’t need to spend a fortune or have any special skills to improve your time on the road—just a dash of creativity!
I’d love to hear your own van life hacks in the comments below. And if you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends!
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- Your Ultimate Guide to Van Build: Answering Top 20 Questions
- Van Life with a Cat: 10 Useful Tips for Ensuring Your Feline’s Comfort
- Discover the Secrets of Van Life: 10 Things You Need to Know