This is a compact car jumper that you can store in your glovebox and will most likely want to have in case of any emergency. It’s pretty inexpensive and will jump your van without needing another vehicle. When you’re parked in the middle of nowhere and your battery dies, this thing can save the day in just a few minutes. Or even if you’re like me and in the middle of a busy parking lot when the battery dies but seriously hate bothering people, you’ll also be thankful to have this guy. It’s just a bonus that it can also charge your phones and other devices as well. You can basically use it for everything, but the big win is being able to jump your van no matter where you are.
A FEW MORE THINGS TO LOOK AT...
The Jackery portable power station is basically a portable battery that you can take anywhere to charge your devices. If you plan on camping or wanting to work outside often, this is a great option. It’s also perfect if you want to have a more simple electrical system. You can charge the battery by plugging it in or using the portable solar panel. It’s awesome to have an entire battery/solar system that it’s entirely portable. I charge my battery with the solar panel whenever I’m camping for a few days just in case I need some extra power at any point. I also love going to parks and working outside for hours so this is perfect for that. It’s all easy to carry and pretty lightweight as well. Love this setup!
I’ve never liked the idea of having propane but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I’ve had more friends recently with propane heaters and they love them. This can be used in your van but I wouldn’t recommend sleeping all night with it on. The propane needed for this heater is super easy to find at almost every Walmart of outdoor store that exists. While I prefer propane alternatives, it’s just not worth the power that they pull. Another great heater that you CAN actually keep on all night is the Espar heater. This one taps into your fuel tank and doesn’t pull much at all to keep you warm all night. It’s definitely a pricey option but if you plan on spending time in cold climates often.. probably your best choice.
OTHER HEATING OPTIONS
I always had cheap chairs which lead to me not sitting outside to work as often. When you’re sitting somewhere beautiful, you WANT to be outside! Not working all day inside your van because your chair isn’t equipped for a work day. This Eno chair is my favorite thing in the van right now and so worth spending a little extra money on a chair. You will absolutely need one all the time. Gatherings, any events, meeting up with new friends on the road, etc. A chair is so necessary and I didn’t realize how important a good one was until I had this one! Highly recommend.
Having a sun shade is crucial for many reasons but mostly because it can help so much controlling the temperature inside the van. I was reluctant at first to get them but ever since I did, it makes a huge difference. This comes in several different sizes and the 3XL is specifically made for Transits, Sprinters, and other big vans. There’s also a size chart if you’re unsure which one will work best for you. I also put this up at night simply to block any view of the inside. Even if your layout blocks the view into the main part of the van, I still think it’s safe to have something up so you can get into the driver seat without any unwanted visitors seeing.
OTHER PROTECTION OPTIONS
I love having a camera that I can turn on when driving or just parking for the night and want to check on things before going to sleep. Backup cameras are nice but you can only use them when you’re in reverse which isn’t super helpful at night or when you’re parked. These cameras allow you to turn them on and see what’s going on anytime. It offers a huge sense of security knowing you can always quickly look around outside the van without actually having to go outside. There’s also a light around the camera so it brightens the entire view up and has a super clear picture.
You most likely will have drawers and/or cabinets in the van somewhere. Some kind of lock is absolutely necessary if you want to keep your belongings inside those compartments while driving. I went with these magnetic child locks that work amazingly, are incredibly easy to install, and are pretty inexpensive for the amount that you get. If you want the push button locks that are pretty popular as well, you can also find those here.
OTHER LOCK OPTIONS
