Here is my list of the top 10 roadtrip accessories I have used while travelling and living fulltime in my van. Hearing horror stories of older vans breaking down with huge costs to fix it made finding a newer van my prioity when starting my vanlife travel journey. Not being mechancially inclined I felt having a van with potentially less maintainence was truly my best choice.
In 2021 I purchased a 2020 Promaster, the newest van I could afford. I haven’t had any major breakdowns which I attribute to the newer van and I am religious about doing regular maintainence. Regular engine oil changes and checkups at local dealerships along my roadtrips is always planned.
I have had a few minor mishaps. A nail in my tire along the Texas beaches and a gift of a screw in another tire while travelling through Slab City. My brake fluid became low driving up and down the many hills and valleys in Death Valley. Both I managed with not too much stress and I didn’t even have to call my roadside assist. My number one tip as a vanlife traveller is to have some kind of vehicle assist for major problems.
10 Must Have Roadtrip Accessories
Now let me get to the things I have used and are proven to be my best roadtrip accessories.
1. Shovel
I have been told as a nomad traveller you will get stuck at least once. My first time was on a beach in southern Texas. First I freaked out for a few minutes and when I calmed down, I looked at the situation. I had a collaspable shovel which I had never used so I pulled it out and started digging. It worked! My little folding shovel became my new best friend.
One thing I have learned since was when you realize you are stuck, stop before you dig yourself deeper. In my situation I did spin my wheels too long sinking me deeper into the sand. Next time I will stop and assess the damage before getting stuck deeper than I need to.
2. Van Floor Mats
Along with the tip of stopping sooner when stuck was to have something available that can be used for traction to get you out. Van floor mats are an easy, handy tool to have around for that purpose. I have an extra set giving all 4 tires something to grab onto the next time I am in trouble. My bonus tip you.
3. Tire gauge
I have a warning light that comes on when one of my tires is low. It does not indicate which tire though, so a tire gauge is a quick and easy way to find out which one it is. Also regular checking of tire pressure is a great way to maintain good tires over time.
A gauge can be found at any hardware store, easy to use and a good additon to your roadtrip accessories bag. Everyone should know what psi their vehicle tires should be. If you don’t, check on the inside of your driver’s door or ask a tire specialitst.
4. Air Compressor
As I mentioned above I have had a nail in one tire and a screw in another. Both times I was near enough to a larger town and I was able to get them fixed. Having an air compressor handy when out on the road gives me piece of mind. I can pump up a low tire in order to get to somewhere for help. Make sure you get a compressor big enough for your tire pressure. My back tires are 80 psi so I bought one that was 100 psi.
5. Basic Hand Tools as Roadtrip Accessories
In my apartment I always had a few tools handy for putting up pictures or fixing a loose something or other. I brought these tools with me in my van.
Driving over rough roads or even just along the highway can move, loosen and shift things inside the van. Basic tools for fixing the odds and ends inside my van have come in handy for me.
I have Phillips head screwdrivers in a couple different sizes, a flat head and a square head one. I have used my screw drivers for tightening cabinet latches. My small drill has come in handy putting in new latches and intalling hooks for storage. I have used my hammer for pounding in stray nails the have come loose.
6. Tape
Tape is a miracle fix for broken things. I have used it on my cracked floor (which will be a post for the future), on my propane tank to keep is together. I have a few different kinds in my roadside accessories bag.
7. Bungie Cord
I use bungie cords to hold my fridge closed, tie down my Rad Bike, keep my coats from blowing and once to keep my upper cabinet up when it became loose. I have a variety of sizes handy for when they are needed.
8. Plastic Ties
Another very handy tool I have used are plastic ties. I have tied up my propane hose and my gray water hose with these handy dandy things. They are easy to use and small enough to store anywhere in a small space. I use the foot long ones which I find are more versitile than the 6 inch ones
9. Window Washer Fuid
It is surprising how much washer fluid you can use when the weather is bad and you are stuck behind a truck on a slushy or dusty highway. I always have an extra jug of window washer fluid in my van so I can safely pull over and refill. The last thing I want is to be driving and I cannot see out my front window.
10. Manuals for My Appliances
Having a vehicle manual is a must have when travelling and I feel the same about my appliance manuals. When trouble shooting concerns or problems with my fridge, propane stove, or fantastic fan I have pulled out the manuals and solved the issue. Keep them with your other important papers.
I must say I have been extremely lucky in not having any major problems while travelling across Canada and the USA for the last 3 years. I am not a mechanical person and I probably will never fix anything motor related but I can still complete the odd little job that comes with living and travelling in my tiny movable home. Having some basic tools in my roadtrip accessories bag has helped me with this.
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Great list! I’d never thought of an air compressor. Is that something that you’d recommend for long trips only? I’m all about the safety and prevention.
I probably would not worry about having one on short trips if you have good tires and a road service. I am often quite a distance away from any town or gas station and road services will not always come out to BLM land, that is why I decided to purchase one.