So you’ve converted your van, you’re packing up ready to hit the road, but you’re wondering: what do I need to bring with me? Are there any camper van gadgets that could make vanlife easier, or safer, or just more fun?

We’ve put together our guide to the best camper van accessories; these go beyond the bare essentials, with van life accessories ranging from nice-to-have to this could save my bacon! Featured below are our selection of the best kitchen gadgets, electronics, cleaning items, mechanical bits and van camping accessories.

See our full vanlife essentials list here.

Kitchen Accessories

Portable smoothie maker

A smoothie maker comes first on our list, because who doesn’t like to stay healthy on the go? Our pick is the Ninja Blast Portable Cordless Blender for its rechargeable battery capable of up to 15 blends per charge. It holds 18oz of liquid, comes with a carry handle and sip lid and is easy to clean too.

Ninja Blast Portable Cordless Blender 18oz. – $59.99 on Amazon

Portable espresso maker

If you want to elevate your morning coffee routine then a portable espresso maker is a great accessory. The WACACO Nanopresso works like a smaller, manual version of your favorite Italian coffee machine. You just  insert ground coffee, tamp it down, add hot water and pump the piston to build up pressure which then extracts the grounds creating perfect, creamy espresso every time. It is completely manual so no batteries to charge, and it’s pod-free so no single use plastic either. It even comes in four different colors to match your van’s aesthetic.

WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Machine – $69.90 on Amazon

Electronics

Mini projector

If movie nights are your thing then why not elevate them to create your very own drive-in movie theatre? The TMY Mini Movie Projector is perfect for this with its 1080p display and included 100” screen, and boasts a whole range of connections for Smartphones, HDMI, USB or TV stick, and can even be synced to Bluetooth speakers for surround sound.

TMY Mini Movie Projector – $99.99 on Amazon

Portable power station

A good quality portable power station is the key to digital nomadism, and Jackery have become a fan favourite among remote workers. Available in a range of power outputs and battery sizes, we’ve picked the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station for its 240Wh capacity, 200W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet and optional solar panel, although it can also be recharged via 12V or 240V.

Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station – $239.99 on Amazon

Mobile WiFi router

The other key to digital nomadism of course is a stable internet connection, and having a mobile WiFI router can get you a connection in even the most remote corner of the world. The SIMO Solis Lite Portable WiFi Mobile HotSpot device enables you to connect to a 4G signal in 135 countries across the world, including the U.S. and Canada. It comes with a lifetime data plan of 1GB per month as standard, but you can choose your own data plan from within the SIMO app. There’s no contact and the mobile hotspot device comes with a 4700mAh battery so it doesn’t need to be constantly plugged in.

If you’re travelling outside of the U.S. such as in Europe, you might want to consider a Huawei Mobile WiFi Hotspot 4G LTE Router which allows you to plug in your own SIM card to create a data hotspot.

SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE Portable Wifi Mobile Hotspot – $159.99 on Amazon

Or Huawei Mobile WiFi Hotspot 4G LTE Router – $53.95 on Amazon

Camping lantern

For nighttime trips to the bathroom or chilling by the campfire a camping lantern is a great accessory that can also help you save your van’s battery at night. Lighting EVER make quality lanterns that will last many years and their rechargeable LE Waterproof LED Camping Lantern and Power Bank is among the best. It’s weather resistant with a 1000 lumen 360º light that lasts for 12 hours and has four different lighting modes from warm to cool and flashing for emergencies, plus a power bank built in for charging phones.

Lighting EVER Waterproof LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern and Power Bank – $35.99 on Amazon

Laptop sun shade

The dilemma is real- bask outside in the sunshine or stay indoors and catch up on work? No longer do you need to deliberate, when you can take your laptop outside and work remotely whilst enjoying your surroundings thanks to a Laptop Sun Shade. The one we’ve chosen can accommodate up to a 17” screen with a heat reflecting exterior to prevent overheating in the sun, plus a zip opening for charge cables and an accessories pocket. Best of all it folds flat to be stowed away ready for the next beautiful #WFH location.

AG Aesthetic Laptop Sun Shade – $99.99 on Amazon

Outdoor Accessories

Air lounger

If you’re going to be lounging outside your camper van, why not do it in style? The WEKAPO Inflatable Lounger creates an instant comfortable outdoor seat with no inflation required- simply whisk through the air, roll up and buckle, then when you’re done stow it away in its handy carry bag. Bliss.

WEKAPO Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa – $39.98 on Amazon

Insect bite healer

One of the more unusual gadgets featured on this list, the heat it Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Healer is a genius invention and a lifesaver for those plagued by mosquito bites. The device plugs into an iPhone lightning port and heats up to 124ºF (51ºC). Once hot it’s applied to the bite for a few seconds, during which time the heat destroys the proteins from the insect’s saliva that make the bite itch. It has app control for different sensitivities meaning it can also be used on kids, and can be used to treat a whole range of bites and stings. Say goodbye to troublesome itching at night!

heat it Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Healer – $39.95 on Amazon

Foldable BBQ

Sitting around a crackling fire with the stars twinkling above you is what vanlife’s all about. Responsible vanlifers however will want to follow the Leave No Trace principle, and a foldable BBQ grill is just the tool to enable this. It folds flat in storage then opens out to create a 13” high portable fire pit that can be used for charcoal or logs, and has enough space to cook a meal for 2 – 4 people on its grill. Make memories that last, not scorch marks on the ground.

Fire Sense Notebook BBQ Grill – $49.99 on Amazon

Multitool

A multitool is surely an essential item for any traveller’s toolkit, and Leatherman are the go-to for quality U.S.-made multitools. The Leatherman Signal 19-in-1 Multi-tool is the perfect tool for vanlife- so much so that Leatherman actually recommend it in the vanlife category on their own website! It comes equipped with pliers, wire cutters, a saw, knife, hammer, can opener, screwdriver and fire lighter- just to name a few, all forged out of durable stainless steel backed by a 25 year warranty; and it’s available in a range of colours.

Leatherman Signal 19-in-1 Multi-tool –  $139.95 on Amazon

Foldable kayak

Ever been tempted by the lure of water adventures, but don’t have space for a full-size kayak? Check out this incredibly innovative invention from Oru- a foldable kayak. Inspired by the principals of origami and crafted out of lightweight 5mm polypropylene, it folds completely flat when not in use, then unfolds and connects with buckles to create a sturdy one-man kayak. It’s puncture resistant and ideal for paddling around calm waters, and available in a range of different size and weight capacities for beginners and pros alike.

Oru Foldable Kayak – $549 – $982 on Amazon

Outdoor slippers

Warm, cozy feet when you’re sitting around the camp fire? Yes please. We love these KingCamp Unisex Warm Camping Slippers for their waterproof fabric, durable rubber sole and insulated top layer. They’re ideal for hopping in and out of your camper or just relaxing around the campground.

KingCamp Unisex Warm Camping Slippers – $25.99 on Amazon

Cleaning Accessories

Vacuum cleaner

You thought mod-cons like vacuum cleaners were out of the picture for vanlife? Think again! The Cordless Rechargeable Car Vacuum by ThisWorx will make light work of cleaning day, with a 60W motor powered by a rechargeable lithium battery with three attachments, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your surroundings.

ThisWorx Cordless Rechargeable Car Vacuum – $51.99 on Amazon

Collapsible dish rack and sink

Next on our list of things you never knew you needed are a collapsible sink and dish rack set. Whether you’re short on kitchen space or you don’t have room to store a bucket for outdoor cleaning duties, a Collapsible Dish Drainer and Collapsible Sink will enhance your life while occupying minimal precious space inside your van.

SAMMART Collapsible Dish Drainer and Collapsible Sink – $22.99 on Amazon

Portable camp shower

For some of us a cold splash in a lake is enough, but for others who prefer a dash of luxury in their life then a portable camp shower is a must. We’re big fans of the Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower for its simplicity and ease of use. Simply fill with pre-heated water, close then pump using the foot pump to pressurise. Then your hot shower is ready to use with the pre-fitted 7ft hose and see-through end to monitor the water level. Their 2.9 US gal (11 litre) shower provides enough water pressure for <7 minutes of washing. The Nemo can also be solar-heated, comes in a 5.8 US gal (22 litre) option to double your shower time, and best of all folds flat when not in use.

Nemo Helio Portable Pressure Camp Shower – $129.95 on Amazon

Portable washing bag

If hand-washing your clothes seems like a chore- well, that’s because it is. Why not make it easier on yourself with the Scrubba Portable Wash Bag? You simply need to thrown in your dirty clothes with soap and warm water, roll up and clip closed, then squash, massage and throw it about while the flexible inner washboard does your dirty work. Empty, rinse and repeat, and you’ll have your week’s laundry done in no time!

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag Foldable Hand Washing Machine – $55 on Amazon

Driving & Parking Accessories

Levelling ramps

If you don’t have levelling ramps in your van then you clearly hate sleep. Seasoned campers will know even the slightest of inclines can be enough to throw your spine’s alignment out of whack and leave you feeling like you haven’t slept a wink! The RhinoGear RhinoRamps are the best levelling ramps out there for their durability, extra-wide construction and stackability. Then can level up to a 17º incline, take up to 16,000 lbs gross weight, and did you know they can even be used to assist you with mechanical work underneath your van? An absolute vanlife essential.

RhinoGear RhinoRamps MAX Vehicle Ramp Pair – $79.99 on Amazon

RV levelling system

Now this is a proper vanlife gadget. What we were just saying a level van being key to a good night’s sleep? This is what you need for perfect levelling every time.

The Beech Lane Wireless RV Leveling System is a small device that attaches to your van’s exterior and connects via Bluetooth to an app on your phone, where a triple axis digital accelerometer shows how many degrees your van is leaning to the front, back or side, allowing you to make incremental adjustments that will have a huge impact on your sleep. Yeah you could buy one of these, but why not elevate your nighttime routine, spend less time puzzling over levelling and more time relaxing? This gets a big tick from us.

Beech Lane Wireless RV Leveling System – $79.99 on Amazon

Traction boards

Ever found yourself in a sticky situation? Perhaps throwing towels, tools and everything else you own underneath your van in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to free yourself from a muddy prison? Recovery boards are not just great to for off-roading; in certain situations they could be life-saving. So why not invest in a quality pair like the MAXTRAX Vehicle Recovery Boards? These are the toughest recovery boards on the market with large cleats that grip both tire and terrain on mud, snow and sand to increase traction. They have carry handles and can be mounted to a roof rack for portability too.

MAXTRAX Vehicle Recovery Boards – $369.99 on Amazon

Mechanical Accessories

Screwdriver and wrench set

Let’s not forget about the “van” part of vanlife. If you’re doing a lot of miles in your van it’s going to require some maintenance from time to time, and learning even basic mechanical skills can save you $$$ at a garage. We recommend sticking this 73 Piece Magnetic Ratcheting Wrench and Screwdriver Set in your van, as you never know when you might need it! It has magnetic bits for mechanics and non-magnetic bits for electronic repairs, plus all of the tools are made of chrome vanadium steel and come in a handy storage case.

Amazon Basics 73 Piece Magnetic Ratcheting Wrench and Screwdriver Set – $20.13 on Amazon

LED Flashlight Gloves

Another one of those surprisingly useful items that’s always good to have on hand (no pun intended) are a pair of flashlight gloves. No more trying to juggle tools and a flashlight in the dark. A pair of LED Flashlight Gloves could be handy for a whole variety of situations from retrieving camping gear to collecting firewood. Best of all these gloves are water-resistant, rechargeable and come in a range of colours.

Mylivell LED Flashlight Gloves – $18.99 on Amazon

OBD2 reader

For any dab-hand at mechanics an OBD2 reader is a really great piece of kit to have on board. This OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner is perfect for vanlife as it creates a Bluetooth connection between your van’s diagnostics port and your computer or smartphone, allowing you to easily read and wipe fault codes. It may not fix your breakdown but it will give you a better idea of what the problem is, and this model supports a whole range of vehicle makes while being compatible with iPhone, Windows and Android.

OBDLink MX+ OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner – $139.95 on Amazon

Jump start pack

Last but not least, this is one of a handful of items on this list that could genuinely save your life one day. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Battery Jump Starter is a simply brilliant gadget that can jump start a 3.0L diesel or 6.0 gasoline engine in under 10 seconds, up to 20 times on a single charge! It’s USB-rechargeable, spark-proof and features reverse polarity protection so even a total novice could use it safely. It has additional safety features like a flashlight and USB charging port, and is even available in larger sizes capable of starting up to a 9.0L engine. A perfect gadget for adventurous souls who like to seek out the wilder places.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A 12V Battery Jump Starter – $124.95 on Amazon

So there you have it, our top camper van accessories and gadgets for vanlife. Don’t know where to start with packing? Check out our full vanlife packing list here.