Vanlife Gear and Caravan Essentials Hub

Vanlife Gear & Essentials We Actually Use

We’re slowly building a home for all the gear that makes vanlife easier for us. These are the vanlife and caravan essentials we genuinely use (or the closest versions you’ll find online). Nothing fancy — just what’s actually worked for us on the road.

Whether we’re making the caravan a little more comfortable or Phil’s knee-deep in another electrical project, we’ll list our resources here. Hopefully, you’ll find a few ideas for your own fit-out, rework, or upgrade list.

A few simple upgrades that make life off-grid smoother — from light at night to charging on the go.

12 V Sensor Light –simple motion-detect night light, USB-rechargeable. Great for those middle-of-the-night quick trips. Amazon

DC-DC Charger (40 A) – the brains of our off-grid setup. Amazon

Kings 200W Fixed Solar Panel + Mounting Brackets –the lifeblood of Phase Two for the solar revamp. We’ve got two running in tandem with the 200 W panels already fixed on the roof. Amazon

USB Reading Lamps – huge difference in comfort when you’re winding down or up early in the mornings. We’ve got two in the dining area and two over the bedhead. Amazon

Next on the wish list: more lithium capacity and a bigger inverter — for coffee mornings even when it’s cloudy.

Comfort Upgrades That Changed Everything

The little things that turned “camping” into “home.”

12 Volt Direct Breeze Pro Fan – this seroco rip off will be a huge help when off grid in warmer weather BCF

Diesel Heater – best winter upgrade we’ve ever made. Keeps the chill off without draining power. Amazon

Sheet Straps – keep the bottom sheet tight and in place. Cheap, simple, and brilliant. Amazon

Kitchen Gear We Actually Use

Compact, travel-proof, and all things that earn their bench space.

Stovetop Kettle – cute floral enamel kettle, pretty and practical. Just makes me smile every single morning. Amazon

Compact Coffee Machine – worth the space for a good brew anywhere. Amazon

Sandwich Toaster – great for easy lunches or quick toasties on cold mornings. Amazon

 Air Fryer – ours is from Kmart, but this one’s the same size and perfect for mains power days. Amazon

Inside Storage & Small Wins

The little organisational tweaks that stop the chaos from taking over.

 New Black Handles – easy facelift for tired cupboards. Amazon

Fold-Flat Dirty Laundry Basket – collapses down to nothing when not in use. Amazon

Wanderer Lightweight Canvas Camping Stool. Nothing like a place to put your feet up at the end of the day. BCF

Accessories for the car

With a new van came new mirrors — and Phil wanted ones that were solid, well-reviewed, and easy to remove when we’re not towing. The Milenco Grand Aero 3 Extra Wide Convex Towing Mirrors have worked a treat. They hold steady on the highway, give a wide, clear view, and clip off in seconds — no wrestling or rattling involved. BCF 

(As always, this is an affiliate link — if you decide to grab a pair, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our little corner of the travel world! )

Under the Awanning

Caravan Awning Tensioners – 2 Pack – Our van came with two sets, and I was surprised at how much of a difference they make in stopping the awning from flapping too much. BCF

Ezy Anchor Outback Peg 200mm 4 Pack – Looking for an easy way to secure your ground mat? We found these halfway through our first trip and took the stress out of keeping our mat in place. BCF

Wanderer Large Aluminium Folding Caravan Step. We replaced the step that came with the van with this one, and it is useful. BCF

. We replaced the step that came with the van with this one, and it is useful. BCF

Planning helps

I created this travel journal for couples — built around planning, memory-keeping, and lessons learned. It’s all about helping couples grow together through shared travel experiences.  Amazon

Camps Books –  We used Camps books back in 2007 on our original trip, so when we brought this van, we picked up Camps 12, but of course, the next edition came out weeks later, so here is a link to Camps 13 as 

Retailers we actually use and trust

If you love practical gear that actually works, we’ve bought plenty from Kings 4WD Supercentre over the years — from solar panels and power gear to camp furniture and outdoor lighting.
You can explore their full range here: Kings 4WD Supercentre (our personal favourites list is coming soon!)

BCF is excellent for lots of things that sometimes catch you by surprise.

Looking for an easy travel gift idea? Check out Gift Card Store — Australia’s digital and physical gift cards made simple

️ We’ll keep updating this page, so check back soon for the whole setup!

️ Caravan RV Camping – A Reliable Choice for Van Parts & Accessories

If you’re looking for replacement parts, upgrade ideas, or practical add-ons for your van, Caravan RV Camping is a great place to start browsing. They stock a vast range of caravan, RV, and camping gear — everything from electrical components and levelling systems to kitchen and comfort items.

Even if you’re exploring what’s out there for your next little reno or repair, it’s a handy one-stop resource to compare options and get a feel for what’s available locally in Australia.

We’ll be sharing more of our own finds and upgrades over time—but if you’re on the hunt right now for parts or replacements, this is a solid place to start.

Disclosure / Affiliate Note: Some of these links are affiliate links — if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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