It’s easy to take for granted just how much stuff you need to make life at home run smoothly. And it’s no different when you have a campervan – which is, after all, a home on wheels. There’s quite a long list of essential campervan kit that can be really useful to have to hand and that’s what we’re looking at here.
There’s stuff that’ll make life on the road easier and more comfortable, things that you’ll need for keeping your camper in good condition and supplies to help you make running repairs. Exactly what you need will vary depending on what sort of camper you have, and there may be things not included here that you decide you have to have. We’ve not covered personal items, clothing and kitchenware – you’ll know what you need better than we do.
For your first few trips, it’s better to err on the side of caution and take what’s probably too much stuff, just to cover all the bases. With experience, you’ll be able to whittle down to the essentials. The list presented here is by no means exhaustive and you may think of things we haven’t. So, in no particular order, let’s jump in.
Storage boxes
Campervans only have a limited amount of built-in storage, and it’s entirely possible you’ll need more. Any kind of portable storage box will do; it helps to get matching, stackable ones as they’re easier to fit into the vehicle. Smaller boxes can help keep things organised in cupboards, as well.
Stick-on labels and black marker
Having everything in boxes isn’t much help if you don’t know what’s where. A pack of sticky labels and a black marker pen will prevent you having to search through half a dozen boxes unnecessarily. If you’re inclined to be super-organised, you could even keep an inventory of everything in the vehicle and where it is.
Stick-on lights, hooks, pegs, racks
There’s loads of blank wall and cupboard door space in a campervan that can be used for storage-maximising hooks, pegs, racks and magnetic strips. There may may also be little spots where you want to stick extra battery-powered lights.
Camping trolley
A foldable camping trolley with off-road wheels is a massive help when you’ve got heavy water tanks, gas bottles, laundry bags and so on to lug across a campsite. Remember that you could end up pitched a long way from the facilities and you may not be able to simply drive over to them.
Water carrier
It may not be convenient to remove the fresh water tank from your campervan to refill it, so it’s helpful to have a separate water carrier you can use to top the tank up. There are all sorts to choose from; collapsible ones take up least space when empty.
Windscreen sun shield
We all know how hot a car can become on a sunny day, and campervans suffer the same effect to an even greater extent. It’s caused by the windscreen absorbed the heat and radiating it into the vehicle. Campervans generally have bigger windscreens than cars, so the effect is amplified. A windscreen sun shield at least reduces the problem – some campervans have a built-in sun shield or curtains.
Levelling wedges
If you’re pitched on uneven ground, you need to make sure your campervan is on the level – levelling wedges do the job. Line them up with the wheels that need raising then drive the vehicle onto them. Use a spirit level on the van’s floor to see if you’re on an even keel.
Toilet chemicals
You really don’t want to get caught without the appropriate chemicals for your camper’s toilet – if it has one. It’s best to have one container open and another standing by. Always empty and clean the toilet at a designated toilet drop. It’s an offense to empty it anywhere else – even into a toilet connected to the sewage system. Also make sure you’ve got plenty of toilet roll, especially if you’re using the campsite blocks.
First aid kit
Take as comprehensive a first aid kit as you can fit into your campervan, especially if you have kids. Many bigger camper sites have a first aid station; make sure you know where it is.
Fire extinguisher and fire blanket
If you’re using a gas burner or BBQ, you absolutely need to take precautions should anything catch fire. Plain water fire extinguishers are fine; a powder or CO2 one may be better. A fire blanket or even a wet towel can often be more effective for putting out a small fire. Ultimately, though, don’t put yourself in danger. Fires can take hold very quickly in a campervan, so the priority is to get everyone out and well away from the vehicle. But turn off the gas and electricity if you can. Remember you’re insured and you can always get another camper.
Power station, plug board, device charging station
Campervans have a limited number of power sockets and you may need more than there are. You can get a portable power station that itself has a rechargeable battery and a range of sockets, but they can be rather expensive. Cheaper solutions are a plug board and/or a multi-device charging station. Don’t have lots of devices plugged in at once if you’re not hooked up to mains electricity, as you could drain the camper’s leisure battery in short order.
Doorstep and mat
The door to a campervan’s living area can be quite a long a way off the ground. If so, a doorstep can be a big help, especially if you have mobility issues. A door mat’s essential as well, so you don’t drag muck in into the vehicle. You might also want a bag or box to keep dirty shoes in.
Electric tyre inflator
It’s always useful to have an electric tyre inflator for your car, and even more so for a campervan. You need to make sure its tyres are pumped up enough once you’ve added the weight of all your stuff; you can also use it to deflate the tyres on the vehicle’s driven wheels to improve traction if you’re pitched on slippery ground. Don’t forget to adjust the tyre pressures as needed when the vehicle is lighter/free.
Cleaning supplies and equipment
It doesn’t take much for a campervan to start looking and feeling messy, so a cleaning kit is absolutely essential. You don’t need much – a bottle of surface cleaner, cloths, duster, a dustpan and brush or hand-held vacuum.
Outdoor furniture
One of the key aspects of campervan ownership is taking the opportunity for a bit of al fresco living, especially during summer. A set of lightweight outdoor furniture is an absolute must, but make sure there’s somewhere to store it in the vehicle. If you’re struggling for space, inflatable furniture and picnic blankets are a workable alternative.
Outdoor lighting and torches
The lights inside a campervan cut through to the outside to some extent, but some outdoor lamps can be a useful addition if you plan on spending evenings in the open. Just be mindful of any rules the campsite has on exterior lighting. A torch each for everyone staying in the vehicle is absolutely essential. You don’t want to find your way to the toilets in the dark…
Bedding
Duvets can be a bit bulky in the confines of a campervan, so sleeping bags may be a better bet. Don’t forget about pillows, either. If you have a campervan with seats that fold down to form one of the beds – such as the Volkswagen California – you may also need to get a roll-up mattress.
Laundry basket, washing line and pegs
Many campervans have rather limited space for storing clothes; if you’re away for a week or more, it may be sensible to take less of them and do laundry on the fly. In which case, you need a laundry basket somewhere in the vehicle, a washing line to hang off it and a set of pegs.
Kitchen equipment
Whatever kitchen appliance you can think of, there’s a version of it suitable for use in a campervan. Kettles, air fryers, microwaves, coffee makers, induction hobs, even pizza ovens. A cool box – possibly powered – is really useful to augment the built-in fridge. Just remember you need somewhere to store appliances when not in use. If you want to use a washing up bowl, a collapsable one takes up a lot less space. And don’t forget some sort of lighter to ignite the gas burner hob.
Running repairs kit
You never know when something inside your campervan is going to come lose, fall off or break, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality with a repairs kit. Include a multi-head screwdriver and socket set, cable ties, duct tape, insulating tape, and superglue. Also have some spare screws and bolts, plus spare unions for the gas and water systems.
Campsite shoes
You’ll be amazed how often you get out of your campervan at the campsite. You don’t want the hassle of putting proper shoes on every time, so a pair of campsite shoes are an absolute must. Flip-flops, sandals, Crocs, pumps – whatever sort of slip-on footwear works best for you. You really don’t want to go into the toilet block barefoot…
Rain repellent spray
In a classic case of doing what it says on the tin, rain repellent spray causes water to bead and slide off glass, rather than accumulate on it. Obviously, you can use it on the outside of a campervan’s windows to preserve the view out, but you can also use it on the inside to help prevent condensation building up.
Privacy screen
Quite a lot of campervans have outdoor showers; plenty are small enough that it can be easier to get dressed outside. A privacy screen such as a beach windbreaker will preserve your modesty.
Mallet and tent pegs
Awnings on the side of a campervan often have guy ropes you’ll need a rubber mallet and tent pegs to anchor them. They may also be necessary to put up a washing line or privacy screen.
Flyscreen, fly paper
We all know how bad insect swarms can be during summer, and you really don’t want them getting into a campervan. There are some with built-in flyscreens for the doors and windows; if not you can buy one to stretch over the openings. You may also want to hang some fly paper in your camper.
This article was compiled with help from the Caravan and Motorhome Club which represents the interests of over 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan, roof tent and trailer tent owners across the UK and offers great value, high-quality campsites for tourers and glampers. Membership costs just £66 per year and provides members with access to over 2,700 quality campsites across the UK and Europe.
All members can take advantage of expert advice, overseas travel services, breakdown cover, specialist insurance and other exclusive member offers and discounts. For further information, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.
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