15 Genius Car Camping Hacks You Need to Try!
Every year I try out dozens of little hacks to make life in my minivan camper easier, safer, and more comfortable. In my earlier videos, I shared 40 total Tips, Tricks, and Hacks, and today I’m rounding up my 15 absolute favorites from 2025—the ones I use constantly and genuinely can’t imagine living without. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or just getting ready for your first road trip, I think you’ll find a few gems here that will make your build smarter and your day-to-day life a whole lot smoother.
Links to products, devices and gear featured in this video
1. The $3 Bug-Free Ventilation Trick
One of the cheapest and most effective upgrades I’ve ever made is using simple gutter guards from any hardware store. These things slide right into the top of your side windows and instantly give you airflow without the bugs. They’re vinyl, easy to cut, and have built-in micro mesh. If you want something fancier, I also use magnetic sunroof screens—they work even on the sliding doors of minivans.
2. Rain-Proof Window Deflectors
Pair those bug screens with window deflectors, and suddenly you can keep your windows cracked open in a storm. The screens actually snap right onto the deflector, so you get airflow, bug protection, and rain protection all at once.
3. Track Your Rig and Gear
I hide AirTags and Chipolos all over my build—inside the awning, roof box, cargo carrier, and even under the frame. Waterproof AirTag vaults make mounting easy, especially with 3M VHB tape.
4. Disable AirTag Speakers
A lot of thieves know how to force AirTags to beep. The fix? Remove the speaker. It’s a two-minute mod, and once the speaker is gone, the tracker stays silent and hidden.
5. Add a Remote-Controlled Bike Alarm
I mount a small weather-resistant bike alarm on anything that’s easy to remove—my shower tent, solar panel mounts, and more. They’re remote-controlled and incredibly loud. Add a cable lock for bonus security.
6. Make Wiring Projects Easier
Two things changed everything for me:
- A smart wire stripper that trims different gauge wires perfectly every time.
- Lever-nut connectors for fast, solid wire joins—no crimping, no soldering.
7. The Wood Dowel Wire Pull Trick
Running wires through tight spaces? Tape the wire to a long wood dowel and guide it through. I use this constantly, especially for front-to-back runs.
8. A Mini Overhead Mounting Shelf
Cut a thin piece of birch plywood and wedge it into the grab handle above the door. Mine holds puck lights, magnets, and even my travel router. It pops out instantly whenever I need access.
9. A No-Drill Backup Camera Mount
I mounted my camera using rubber-coated magnets, zip ties, and Gorilla tape. No holes, no damage, and I can finally see over my cargo carrier.
10. Water Bottle Cages Everywhere
Bike bottle cages are great for holding cups, cooking utensils, and even a tiny fire extinguisher. Wrap the extinguisher in gaffer’s tape for a snug fit.
11. A DIY Mixing Bowl Sink
Drill a hole in a metal mixing bowl, drop in a no-overflow drain, and run the pipe straight into a water container below. It’s cheap, clean, and actually looks amazing.
12. Lightweight, Money-Saving Flooring
You don’t need to floor the entire van. I only went a couple of inches under my bed frame. Half-inch plywood + vinyl planks + a bit of aluminum angle = durable and budget friendly. Best part? If you build it to slide under the front seat rails, you don’t need to drill anything.
13. Cable Ties Everywhere
I use cable ties to build drawers under my sofa, secure vertical storage, and even lock my phone charger in place. It’s one of those “use it for everything” items.
14. A Budget Privacy Tent
With two shower curtain liners, a long tent pole, a couple eyebolts, and one awning support pole, you can build a private shower or toilet room in minutes. I also use mine to dry clothes after a rainy day.
15. Ventilated Furniture Bed Panels
Drill large holes in your bed platform and other furniture framing using a hole saw. For the bed, it reduces weight, improves airflow, and keeps foam cushions from trapping moisture.
These are my 15 favorite Tips & Tricks of 2025, and I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me. If you’ve got your own road-tested hacks, I’d love to hear them—drop a comment on YouTube and share what’s worked for you.
Happy building, and safe travels! 🚐✨