25 NEW Hacks, Tips and Tricks for Van Life, SUV and Car Camping
Today, I’m excited to share 25 NEW tips and tricks to elevate your van life and car camping experience. From hidden microwaves to clever DIYs and budget-friendly hacks, this post is packed with nomadic nuggets that will save you time, space, and money. Let’s dive right in!
Links to products, devices and gear featured in this video
Tip #1: Protect Your Gear with Trackers
Start by using iPhone AirTags or Android Chipolo trackers to safeguard your rig and gear. I hide mine in spots like my roof box, awning, cargo carrier, and even under my van’s frame. For added protection, I use waterproof AirTag 'TagVaults' with adhesive tape to secure them.
Pro tip: Remove the AirTag speakers so thieves can’t easily locate them. It’s simple—just pop off the battery cover, pry open the plastic insert and carefully detach the speaker. {watch the video here}
Tip #2: Add Weather-Resistant Bike Alarms
Secure easy-to-remove items with weather-resistant bike alarms. These alarms are vibration-sensitive and come with a remote to turn them on or off. Pair them with bicycle cable locks for an extra layer of security—perfect for shower tents, solar panels, and more.
Tip #3: DIY Vessel Sink
Need a sink? Drill a hole in a mixing bowl and add a no-overflow bath drain. Pair it with a countertop and a water container underneath for a budget-friendly solution that’s both practical and stylish.
Tip #4: Magnetic Spice Rack
Create a magnetic spice rack by mounting adhesive magnetic knife strips and using magnetic spice tins. For extra holding power, attach additional magnets to the tins. This setup keeps everything secure, even on bumpy roads.
Tip #5: Movable Modular Components
If space is tight, make your van components movable. For example, my sink box and toilet can shift from behind the front seats to a more convenient location in camp mode. Add locking cam latches to secure movable parts.
Tip #6: Folding Countertops
Save space with a folding countertop. Use piano hinges and magnets to create a countertop that folds out of the way when not in use. This works great for holding appliances like air fryers or stoves.
Tip #7: Hidden Microwave
Build a wood box to hide your microwave and add a handle and wheels for easy access. Magnets can keep the access door securely closed when not in use.
Tip #8: Efficient Flooring
Only floor the exposed areas of your build to save time and money. Use half-inch plywood topped with waterproof vinyl planks. Bonus tip: Extend the flooring under the front seat rails for a secure fit without drilling holes.
Tip #9: Budget Rooftop Gear Boxes
Instead of spending $300-$500, I used waterproof toolboxes from Home Depot ($45 each) as rooftop gear boxes. Mount them with Unistrut rails and seal the mounting holes with butyl tape to keep them watertight.
Tip #10: Swing-Out Cargo Box Enhancements
Maximize your swing-out cargo box by mounting additional items like spare tires, ladders, or traction boards. To reduce stress on the hitch mount, add a stabilizer jack to the bottom frame.
Tip #11: Affordable Charging Alternative
Use a $100 AC inverter instead of an expensive DC-to-DC charger for your portable power station. Be sure to wire an inline circuit breaker and be cautious not to overwork your car’s alternator.
Tip #12: No-Drill Backup Camera Mount
Mount a backup camera high on your rig without drilling. Use rubber-coated magnets and waterproof Gorilla Tape to secure the wires. Connect the camera to your car’s reverse light wire with a Posi-Tap connector for easy power access.
Tip #13: Suspension Enhancements
Prevent rear-end sagging by installing a suspension enhancement system. These systems improve ride quality but won’t increase your cargo-carrying capacity, so don’t exceed your vehicle’s weight limits.
Tip #14: Wire Fishing Made Easy
Feed wires into hard-to-reach places using a long, thin wooden dowel. Tape the wire to the dowel and push it through tight spots—a simple but effective trick!
10 Quick Nomad Nuggets:
- Rechargeable Air Pump: Perfect for tires, air mattresses, and more.
- Compact Smoke Alarm: Opt for one with a 10-year battery.
- Microfiber Towel: Lightweight, absorbent, and space-saving.
- Bungee Ball Straps: Secure loose items inside and outside the van.
- Steering Wheel Table: Great for quick meals on the go.
- Clear Refrigerator Bins: Use them as drawers in your kitchen setup.
- Cable Organizers: Keep your wires tidy with mounting squares and zip ties.
- LED Puck Lights: Affordable and remote-controlled.
- Dimmable LED Light: A removable, rechargeable light.
- Tiny Battery Charger: Rechargeable lithium battery charger
Bonus tip: A ratcheting paper towel holder prevents unrolling while driving.
There you have it—25 NEW tips, tricks & hacks (plus some bonuses) to make your van life or car camping experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Until next time, happy travels!