Van Life: Power, Comfort & Convenience for Life on the Road

For those living the dream of the open road, van life isn’t just a journey—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re working remotely from a mountain pass, cooking a meal by the beach, or simply embracing the freedom of living on your own terms, having the right gear is essential. Outfitting your van for full-time living requires a focus on functionality and durability, ensuring that each piece of equipment stands up to the demands of off-grid living while offering the convenience and comfort you need. 

From solar power systems that keep your devices charged to compact, space-saving solutions for cooking, sleeping, and staying comfortable, the gear you choose can make or break your experience on the road. The items in this guide blend practicality and durability, supporting Van Life with features that enhance comfort, and ease. From power and lighting to storage and sleeping, these products provide some solutions for life on the road.  

Solar power is a must for any Van Life setup, especially if you plan to be off the grid for extended periods. The Renogy 200W solar panel kit provides an excellent balance between performance and value. This kit comes with all necessary components for installation, including a charge controller, wiring, and mounting brackets. Perfect for running lights, a fridge, or charging devices, the solar system is a long-term investment for those living remotely. 

• 200W monocrystalline solar panel 

• 30A PWM charge controller 

• 4ft solar cables 

• Integrated mounting brackets 

• Waterproof and weather-resistant design 

Price: $349.99 

Available at: Renogy 

This portable power station is a game-changer for Van Lifers who need a reliable power source without worrying about complex electrical setups. The EcoFlow Delta can power everything from your fridge to your phone and laptop. It boasts fast charging times, is easy to carry, and has enough capacity to power multiple devices simultaneously. 

• 1260Wh capacity 

• 1800W pure sine wave output 

• 6 AC outlets, 4 USB-A, and 2 DC outputs 

• Can charge 0-80% in under 1 hour 

• Lightweight design at 30.9 lbs 

Price: $1,299 

Available at: EcoFlow 

A good mattress is essential for getting quality sleep in a van. The Zinus Green Tea memory foam mattress offers a comfortable, space-saving solution. Its eco-friendly foam construction and anti-bacterial cover ensure a good night’s sleep, making it perfect for Van Life. 

• CertiPUR-US certified foam 

• Medium firmness 

• Available in various sizes 

• Green tea-infused foam for odor control 

• 12-inch thickness for comfort 

Price: $299 

Available at: Zinus 

The MaxxFan Deluxe is a roof vent fan that circulates fresh air throughout the van, keeping the space cool and comfortable, especially during the warmer months. With a built-in rain shield, it allows you to leave the fan running even when it's raining. 

• 10 speeds 

• Rainproof shield 

• Remote control 

• Reversible airflow 

• 4” deep mounting flange for easy installation 

Price: $299 

Available at: MaxxAir 

This portable power station from Goal Zero is designed for Van Lifers who need reliable energy storage for off-grid living. With the capacity to power laptops, fridges, and other electronics, the Yeti 500X is a powerful option for Van Life enthusiasts. 

• 505Wh lithium battery 

• 3 AC outlets 

• SB and 12V car port 

• Can be charged via solar or wall outlet 

• Compact design (9.8 x 7.9 x 7.8 inches) 

Price: $699.95 

Available at: Goal Zero 

For a compact and reliable portable toilet, the Thetford Porta Potti 565E offers a high-end, comfortable solution for Van Life. It’s easy to set up and dispose of waste, and its battery-powered pump adds convenience. 

• 5.5-gallon holding tank 

• Battery-powered flush 

• Compact design 

• Easy to clean with a removable tank 

• Built-in waste level indicator 

Price: $220 

Available at: Thetford 

The Dometic CFX3 is a high-performance portable freezer that allows you to store food and beverages for longer trips. It features a low-power draw, meaning it’s ideal for Van Lifers who need cold storage while boondocking. 

• 55L capacity 

• Bluetooth connectivity for temperature monitoring 

• Low energy consumption 

• Vibration-resistant design 

• Can cool to -7°F 

Price: $999 

Available at: Dometic 

This smart solar charge controller from Victron Energy is essential for optimizing solar power usage in your van. It ensures efficient charging of your battery bank and can be monitored via an app. 

• 20A charge controller 

• Bluetooth monitoring 

• Suitable for 12V/24V systems 

• Maximum input power: 320W (12V), 640W (24V) 

• MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology 

Price: $160 

Available at: Victron Energy 

When campfires aren’t allowed or feasible, the Radiate portable campfire is an ideal solution. This eco-friendly campfire is safe to use on any surface and provides warmth and light in a compact, portable design. 

• 3-hour burn time 

• Compact and lightweight 

• No mess, no smoke 

• Made from renewable materials 

• 100% non-toxic 

Price: $28.99 

Available at: Radiate 

A roof rack is essential for storing extra gear, especially for those embarking on adventurous travels. The Vantech Steel Roof Rack provides a sturdy and secure platform for additional storage while enhancing your van's exterior utility. 

• Heavy-duty steel construction 

• Compatible with many van models 

• Powder-coated for durability 

• Adjustable crossbars 

• Load capacity of 500 lbs 

Price: $499 

Available at: Vantech 

This portable power station is perfect for those days when the sun doesn’t shine on your solar panels. Lightweight and easily rechargeable with a solar panel, it’s ideal for charging phones, small appliances, and laptops. 

• 518Wh lithium battery 

• 110V/500W AC outlet 

• 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC car port 

• 12V DC car charging 

• Lightweight at 13.3 lbs 

Price: $499 

Available at: Jackery 

The Camco portable toilet is a reliable sanitation option for remote camping. It’s compact, easy to clean, and provides a hygienic solution when facilities aren’t available. 

• 5.3-gallon holding tank 

• Sturdy, lightweight construction 

• Easy to clean 

• Includes waste and rinse water tanks 

Price: $120 

Available at: Camco 

In the fourth installment of our Van Life Series, we’ll review and discuss the best jobs to have to maintain the Van Life lifestyle.