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A camper van conversion doesn’t need to happen in one fell swoop. A stock 4×4 van or SUV can become an overnight adventure vehicle one accessory at a time—well short of a full camper-van build.
Whether you have built-in cabinetry or a bare-bones cabin, these six products are must-have camper van conversion accessories.
Storage Solutions
Space is a premium in a camper van, truck, or SUV. So you’ll need the right storage solution to pack all your adventure gear.
Durable storage totes are the answer. They can create a storage location for everything you need on the road—from clothes to camping chairs.
The Roam Adventure Company offers a variety of heavy-duty storage boxes. Some are large and boxy, while other cases are low-profile—making them perfect for stowing under seats and other tight spots.
Roam cases have a durable low-density polyethylene shell. They often include nylon rope handles, steel lockable latches, and a dust/waterproof gasket seal that keeps your camper van gear protected.
Roam storage cases offer an interlocking design, which makes them easy to stack. They are great to stow and fine to sit on. (As a bonus, many come with a built-in bottle opener.)
Camper Van Conversion Showers
Some full camper van conversions have a custom built-in shower. But, if you’re looking for a simpler and more affordable solution, check out the camping showers available on eBay.
The designs range from a hold-in-your-hand shower devices and shower tents—to a complete RoadShower system.
RoadShower products mount to your off-road camper van’s roof rack. The shower comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, a thermometer, tools, and a connector to fill and pressurize the Road Shower with a garden hose. There are many ways to pressurize tanks, which range in size from four to 10 gallons.
Or, you could use a lightweight shower device. In that case, it’s essential to keep everything clean and dry when stowed. Otherwise, mold or mildew can set in.
Solar Power on the Go
Solar Power on the GoA single solar panel or two can be a game-changer for a camper van conversion. It allows you to recharge batteries and power appliances while on the road. Solar panels can be rigid or flexible.
They are typically sold based on a specific output of watts. Start the shopping process by calculating what you’re planning to power and for how long. Also, it’s important to know where you can mount the panels.
eBay offers a wide selection of solar panels and kits for automotive applications.
Fridges for Camping Van Conversions
A road-trip food plan will help you find the best refrigerator for a camper van conversion. Start with these two questions:
- Do you want to keep your food fresh for weeks, or are you a weekend warrior?
- Do you want to carry frozen items?
Australian-made ARB makes top-quality off-road accessories, including their Zero off-road fridges. They come with two cables—to access DC and AC power supplies. The ARB Zero fridge comes with the cables you’ll need for these outlets.
There is a drawback. When your vehicle is off, the fridge also goes off unless the outlet provides a constant supply.
If your vehicle lacks a suitable outlet, you’ll need to wire up the fridge directly to the vehicle’s battery. ARB and others offer hardwire kits, tie-down gear, a slide-out tray system (if mounted to sturdy cabinetry in the vehicle or the vehicle itself), and accessories.
Larger Zero fridges (73-quarts and higher) have dual zones controlled by the front panel. Dual zones allow you to keep some items cool while freezing others.
The larger ARB Zero fridge’s main compartment houses two baskets, divided by a removable wire divider. The smaller compartment has a lid with a smaller internal basket and divider.
Stoves for Remote Cooking
Stoves for Remote CookingeBay sells an assortment of camping stoves, ovens, and BBQs for camper van conversions. You can shop by filtering for your preferred brand, the number of burners, and fuel type.
Whether you’re planning to install a slide-out kitchen or something more makeshift, the Coleman two-burner camp stove is a great option. The 20,000-BTU stainless steel camp stove is easy to set up and tear down. It hooks up to standard Coleman propane tanks and you can stow it in a drawer or under a seat.
A built-in handle allows for easy carrying while folding metal sides can shield the wind when cooking in harsher environments.
Expert tip: It’s always important to do a thorough clean-up after every meal. Also, make sure you stow your food in air-tight containers. If you skip these steps, you might get unexpected visits from animals or undesirable odors in your vehicle.
Sleeping Gear
Getting a good night of sleep is critical for road trips. Fortunately, eBay offers a wide array of sleeping bags. What temperature rating do you want your bag to withstand? The lower the mercury, the higher the price for the sleeping bag.
Choosing between synthetic or down-filled sleeping bags also comes down to price. Down bags have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation. But down is more expensive and loses insulating power if it gets wet. Synthetic bags are less costly and water-resistant. But they don’t provide as much warmth and are less durable.
Big Agnes is a reputable company. Their 15-degree sleeping bags are warm and comfortable. Spend what you can afford because sleeping will be much more comfortable with the right temperature and quality bag. Sleeping pads will also make for better sleeping in your camper van conversion.
What are your go-to products for your camper van conversion? Let us know in the comments below!
See Van Camper Cars & Trucks for sale on eBay.
