Venturing on a journey in a custom camper van is like stepping into your own little adventure world. Isn’t it? No matter if you’re seeking the thrill of new places or simply craving an escape from the everyday ordinary, custom camper vans always offer endless possibilities for exploration and relaxation.
But if you are building your dream mobile home, deciding which features are essential can be overwhelming. After all, who wants to miss out on any must-have element?
We are here to ease your decision-making process. We’ve compiled a list of 10 very important custom camper van features that will surely enhance your experience on the road.
The sleeping area is vital, and so are the off-road capabilities of your van. The tips and choices we have provided here are all able to improve the functioning and status of your beloved vehicle. Buckle up as we explore these ingenious options and ideas designed with one goal: making every moment on the road truly exceptional.
Top 10 Must-Have Custom Camper Van Features
You need your van to be in its best form when you start for the long road ahead. The key reason is that the journey is unpredictable. Suppose you are planning to make the van your permanent home. Living will not be simple if you are not fully prepared. Your safety and well-being matter the most. So, what are those absolutely necessary features that you can equip your van with?
1. Comfortable Sleeping Area
When you have had a long, tiring day, all you can ask for is getting a good night’s sleep in your camper van. A cozy and snug sleeping area makes sure you have proper rest so you wake up refreshed.
There are plenty of choices: one option is adding a fixed bed platform with a mattress. It will give you instant comfort without any setup hassle. Another alternative is fold-down beds that can double as seating areas during the day. That’s good for maximizing your space.
Keep these in mind:
- If convenience is more important to you than flexibility, go for a fixed bed. Place it in a higher position in the van to create valuable storage space beneath.
- When there is limited living space, choose foldable beds for optimization.
- When determining size requirements, you must think about your body dimensions and how many people will typically be traveling with you.
2. Solar Panels for Electricity
For van lifers, in the past, having electricity on the go was a real challenge. Now, the advancements in solar and energy storage technologies have made it easier to generate free and clean electricity. You can now function without much dependency with a greener option like solar panels.
Here are some tips for getting the right solar system:
- Before selecting solar panels, measure and evaluate the shape and size of your van’s roof.
- Figure out your daily energy consumption and determine the battery capacity you will need.
- An inverter is the best option if you plan on using AC appliances. It converts DC power from solar into usable AC power.
- Haven’t installed or worked with solar systems before? Then, consult a professional for a smooth process and optimal results.
3. A Functional Kitchen
With camper vans, many consider skipping the kitchen overall to save on space and budget. However, having a functional kitchen in your custom camper van will provide convenience and freedom during your road trip.
You can prepare nutritious meals of your choice whenever you want- don’t have to rely on pricey or sketchy restaurants along the way. How can you create a practical kitchen setup?
- Carefully plan the layout of your galley area. Think about ease of use and space efficiency. Create cabinets for storing essentials such as utensils, cookware, food supplies, etc.
- Choose efficient appliances that are lightweight yet durable, like compact stoves or induction cooktops.
- Always invest in high-quality dishes, silverware, and pots. It’s necessary that they last longer through all those bumpy roads ahead.
- If you have extra space left, then you can consider adding a microwave or coffee maker- depending on what you prefer.
4. Indoor Bathroom
One important feature, and a difference maker, can be an indoor bathroom in a van. It helps you become self-sufficient and cancels the need for public restrooms or campground facilities.
There are different options depending on what you actually need and your budget. Most vans come equipped with a cassette toilet, which you have to clean from time to time. Another choice can be a composting toilet- it’s convenient but expensive.
Outdoor shower or indoor shower? It has often been a debate. So, some modern camper vans come with wet baths that combine both toilets and showers into one compact space.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Place the toilet/bathroom near water sources within your van’s layout.
- The placement has to be secure and convenient.
- The plumbing plan needs to be accurate- think about freshwater tanks, wastewater tanks, pipes, and connectors.
- To get rid of the odors and moisture build-up, a ventilation window or fan is a must.
- In terms of electrical fixtures, choose waterproof ones. Also, energy-efficient LED lights are always recommended.
5. Smart Storage Solutions
Efficient storage solutions in a custom camper van means you will have everything organized, and you can move freely inside. It’s about functionality- about aesthetics, too! You don’t want your belongings scattered everywhere while you are on the road.
Some key points to take note of:
- Be strategic when installing cabinets, cubbies, and drawers to maximize every inch of space available.
- Utilize the areas under the bed or sink for hidden storage compartments.
- Don’t underestimate vertical space! You can use wall hooks for hanging items like jackets or hats or maybe install a shoe rack or laundry bag.
- Do you have extra gear essentials that won’t fit inside? Then add a roof rack where you can securely store kayaks, bikes, or even excess luggage!
6. Entertainment System
When you hit the road in your custom camper van, it’s not all about driving and navigating. Downtime can easily turn into a “fun time” with an entertainment system onboard.
Think about a day when you don’t have much to do outside, or there’s a storm going on. A proper source of entertainment will do the trick to keep boredom away.
To make sure you’re fully entertained, check out these ideas:
- With a reliable mobile hotspot for internet access, you will be able to stream movies and shows wherever you are.
- A high-quality sound system can fill the space with crystal-clear audio.
- If there’s room to spare in your van layout, a great choice would be to bring along your gaming console.
- You can add a small foldable table (consider available space) where you can gather around for card games, board games, or puzzles.
- Set aside some space specifically for books and magazines. It will be your small corner for blissful reading times!
7. Security System
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a weekend getaway or making your van a full-time home- safety and security should be top priority! You don’t need to buy every security system out there. Think about your preferences and make the right decision. Let us help you with some suggestions:
- It’s highly necessary that you invest in high-quality locks for all entry points, including doors and windows.
- Installing safety features like carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and alarms will give you peace of mind during emergencies.
- Go a step further and equip security cameras inside and outside your van. CCTV cameras monitor activities around your vehicle- it’s extra security while you’re away from the van or sleeping inside it at night.
- Always keep valuable items out of sight when parked or traveling on the road. It’s important that potential thieves don’t spot your precious belongings from outside.
8. Temperature Control
Proper ventilation and insulation can be sufficient for weekend trips. But a dedicated temperature control system is the real deal if you are opting for van life!
With a reliable heating and cooling system, you can customize the ambiance inside your van according to your choice. It’s a great addition if you think about the seasons when the weather frequently fluctuates.
To ensure optimal temperature regulation, consider these tips:
- Choose a heating and cooling system that suits the size of your van and its level of insulation. A lot of options are available. For example, propane heaters or diesel-powered air heaters are great for warmth during colder months.
- Invest in high-quality window coverings. Look for the ones made from insulating materials like thermal curtains or reflective window shades.
- A thermostat promotes easy monitoring and adjustment of indoor temperatures throughout different weather conditions.
- Nature can surprise you anytime with extreme weather events. Make sure you have backup plans, such as an additional portable AC unit for hot days or extra blankets/warm sleeping bags for cold snaps.
9. Productive Work Space
In today’s digital age, the possibility of working remotely has opened up new avenues for van lifers. With a properly organized space inside, you can carry on with your job even while on the road. A well-designed workstation with a breathtaking view- can you ask for more?
To create an ideal workspace within your van:
- Designate an area for a comfortable and functioning workspace.
- Install a stable desk or table where you can set up your laptop and other accessories.
- When planning your electrical system (solar system preferably), consider the appliances you need for work (e.g., laptops, monitors).
- The most critical thing is that you invest in seamless internet connectivity. Choose high-quality cellular data plans with mobile hotspots or dedicated mobile routers.
Remember, with a well-planned daily work schedule, you can strike the right balance between productivity and leisure time on the road.
10. Off-road Capabilities
When you’re out on the road, sometimes you might want to venture off the beaten path and explore more rugged terrains. So, you can understand why you should have off-road capabilities in your custom camper van.
To upgrade your campervan, a model like Ford Transit, for off-roading adventures, consider these tips:
- Install heavy-duty suspension components. Stiffer springs, shocks, and sway bars can improve stability and handling when tackling rough landscapes.
- Invest in all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. These specialized tires are designed with deeper treads for increased traction on dirt roads or muddy trails.
- Installing skid plates will protect vital components from potential damage caused by rocks or debris.
- Opting for bumpers specifically designed for off-roading offers extra protection. At the same time, these bumpers can accommodate winches, recovery points, and auxiliary lighting options. The lighting improves visibility at night or in low-light conditions.
Benefits of a Custom Camper Van
From one of Statista’s studies, the number of campervan registrations increased by over 200% from 2013 to 2018 in North America. What is the case of such popularity? Choosing van life is exciting, rewarding, and a way to learn about life in a different, independent manner. There are uncertainties and possible dangers, but the thrill overtakes everything. Let us tell you about the advantages you can enjoy with your customized camper van:
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You Can Visit Many Different Places
With a custom camper van, the world becomes your backyard! You can explore national parks, scenic coastlines, and charming small towns. The freedom to roam is yours because you can just go off-road and detach yourself from society for a while. You can embrace the adventure and create everlasting memories on your road trip.
In Chicago alone, there are numerous beautiful campsites within driving distance – Starved Rock State Park, Illinois Beach State Park Campground, and Indiana Dunes Campground are just some examples worth exploring!
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Packing Becomes a Breeze
With a custom camper van, packing for your road trip becomes simple. Built-in cabinets and storage compartments keep your belongings organized and secure. There’s no need for constant unpacking and repacking at each destination.
You will have designated spaces for all your gear, and you can customize the interior layout to your requirements. Gone are the days of big, heavy suitcases that take up a lot of space, too!
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It Makes Traveling More Easier
Traveling becomes effortless with a custom camper van. No more carrying around big bags or traveling through crowded airports. You can take your home on wheels with you wherever you go at your own pace because it is always ready to go.
Imagine waking up every morning in the arms of nature, whether it’s by a beautiful lake, in the middle of the mountains, or next to the crashing waves of the ocean. You wouldn’t have to worry about finding a place to stay or packing and unpacking at each stop.
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It Can Be Very Cost-effective
A custom camper van will surely save you money because you don’t need to look for expensive hotels or restaurants- you have a home on wheels! Plus, with exclusive features like solar panels for electricity and off-grid capabilities, you can significantly reduce your reliance on costly campground fees.
And, you can get all of these facilities without even compromising your comfort and convenience!
Ending Thoughts
It’s clear as daylight that building a custom camper van with valuable and necessary features can transform your road trip experience. All these tips and ideas can make sure you have all the amenities for your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
To have a camper van conversion that checks off every important feature box mentioned above and more, reach out to Highland Vans. Get in touch with our expert team today to start designing your ultimate adventure companion. Don’t wait! Start living the van life you’ve always dreamed of now!
