Van Life Newbie Necessities - Dodge Pro Master Van
As a van Life newbie, I'm naturally learning a lot as I go - Currently learning the most about what you need and don't need on the road. With space being more confined, naturally I'm forced to narrow down what I really need to bring. I've been buying things as I discover the need for them, and as I'm out on the road and seeing firsthand what is actually a necessity, (on a major budget here!)
The Bullet Point List:
- Bed
- Sink
- Curtains & Window Coverings
- Toilet
- Organization
- Cooking
- Bonus Extras
Details & Links for Each:
BED
I wanted to find one that was lightweight, and that as a petite gal, I could easily move myself. The one I ended up going with is a tri-fold style, which makes it easier to move around. It's surprisingly comfortable, even despite being not-so-thick (only about 6 inches) - The fabric on top is quite thin, my dog scratched it the day I got it and unfortunately it tore a bit. But that aside, I find this bed to be really cozy, and would definitely recommend it. Feel free to message me any questions about it!
You Can View the Bed I bought HERE: https://amzn.to/4hRf3a6 & You can see my review for it here as well: REVIEW VIDEO
SINK
I have to wash my hands frequently - its just important to me. So is skincare & washing my face. While wipes are great, and hand sanitizer does the trick sometimes, nothing beats an old fashioned wash. I did not want to install a huge project of having running water in my van & having to deal with emptying tanks, etc (I'm not a very handy gal) - So I found a great portable sink, with a faucet, soap dispensers, the whole 9 yards. It holds 2 gallons of water which is quite sufficient.
You Can View the Sink I bought HERE: https://amzn.to/4iZSC3E & You can see my review for it here: REVIEW VIDEO
CURTAINS & WINDOW COVERING
My Dodge Pro Master Van has back windows, so of course I need to cover them from time to time for sleeping, privacy, etc. I didn't want something permanent, as I like the visibility while driving, and what little daylight I can get from them while relaxing in the van. Besides covering the back windows, I also needed some curtains to block out sun & the visibility from the front windows of the van. I decided on some snap curtains that tie back easily while I drive. Here are links & reviews to all those:
Curtains Product Link - Affordable, Solid for Privacy & Necessity when sleeping!
Window Coverings Link - (I would die without these!!)
TOILET
I pee a hundred times a night, (at least I'm hydrated right?), so some sort of toilet is necessary for me. Although I didn't opt for doing plumbing in the van (expensive, sadly), I did find an affordable option for going, well, on the go. Check out my video review, you can see all the components & here me explain about it in details:
ORGANIZATION
Living in a small space, Organization is KEY. Messes are easily made, and its a great solution for everything to have a place. I found some great back of the seat organizers that are an affordable, easy, life saver. Check out my video review here me explain about it in detail:
COOKING
Heating food up is actually a bit more common for me than cooking a whole meal when doing quick van trips. When I camp, or am posted up somewhere for a period of time, cooking makes more sense, but a lot of times before I hit the road, I'll prepare leftovers, or food-prep style, and simply heat up. Having 12V power, you have to have specific things, and I was worried they wouldn't work well, for example a microwave is out (way too much power). I found a lil box that plugs in to 12V cig lighter and will heat up food perfectly! I've used these for frozen egg bites, quick meal prep heat up, and more. Here is the link & my unboxing review:
Honorable Mentions of Other things I love for Van-Life:
CUPBOARD/SHELVING UNIT: I could not afford a custom built interior on my van, so I opted for this unit, and simple secured it to the van floor. I also used 'baby drawer locks' on the doors & drawers to prevent them from opening while driving around. A perfect low-budget hack for van Life!
TRASH CAN: We all need one! This little one can actually mount on your cupboard if you want, but I just keep mine next to it. Having a lid is crucial to prevent smells & spills.
HEATED BLANKET (12V): For cold nights, this is great for snuggling up in your van, its not very big, so best for one person. Gets surprisingly hot for it being only 12V power - can use in almost any vehicle, great for road trips outside of van Life too
Heated Blanket Link & Review of Heated Blanket
SUN SHADES: For the front & front-side windows, just in case, these are handy to have in the van. While the curtain provides most of the coverage & privacy you need for sleeping, etc, these add extra privacy, but also help control the internal temperature of the van
Sun Shade Product Link for Dodge ProMaster
VISOR MIRROR: We all need to glance in the mirror once in a while - not just the gals. We check our teeth, our hair..these are perfectly large & a great fit for the giant Van visor.
Here's to a more comfortable Van Life! <3
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