Tired of playing a never-ending game of Tetris inside your camper van?
Struggling to find room for all your must-have road trip essentials?
Fear not, we’re here to help!
At Platinum Wave Campers, our expertise doesn’t stop at creating luxurious camper vans. We’re also masters in equipping them with practical and innovative gadgets, honed from years of experience in the luxury camper van conversion business.
Today, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 27 camper van gadgets that are game-changers in improving your van life. These gadgets will be your key to transforming your home-on-wheels into an organised, functional, and enjoyable home-away-from-home.
Whether you’re planning a full van conversion or simply looking to improve your current setup, you’ll find something in this list!
The 2 Types of Camper Van Gadget
Our camper van gadgets are divided into two categories:
- Built-in gadgets: These are the life-savers that are built in during a VW camper van conversion.
- Camper van gadgets that you can add in post-conversion: These are the extra bits and pieces that can be added whenever you need them!
The Best Campervan Gadgets
Ready?
Here is our list of the 27 Best Campervan gadgets!
Built-in Campervan Gadgets
First off, let’s delve into the world of built-in gadgets. These are the ones that we incorporate during the van conversion process. You could say they’re the unsung heroes of camper van living.
Even if you’ve already got a van, you might want to consider adding these in yourself, and if you’re in the process of buying, look for a van with these gadgets already built-in.
So, let’s get to it and unveil the first 9 gadgets…
1. Pop-top roof
The pop-top roof is an absolute game-changer.
This innovative feature offers additional height, allowing you to stand upright in your van – a true blessing during bad weather when you need to stay inside. Not only does it make moving around more comfortable, but it also ensures you don’t feel confined or claustrophobic.
Our pop-top roofs also come equipped with an extra bed, providing sleeping space for up to two more people. Perfect for family outings or group adventures.
2. Power Station
In our tech era, staying connected is vital, even while on the move. USB ports and plug sockets keep electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops powered up without any hassle.
Whether it’s streaming music, checking emails, or watching films, you shouldn’t need to worry about your device’s battery life.
Our camper vans also come with a power management system, that allows you to measure and track the battery life of your camper van’s leisure battery.
3. Front and rear parking sensors
Driving a campervan can be quite an adjustment, especially when it comes to parking.
Enter front and rear parking sensors, your secret weapon for navigating tight parking spots.
Campervans don’t have rearview mirrors, which makes gauging distance while parking rather challenging.
Parking sensors make manoeuvring in compact spaces like car parks, campsites or wooded areas a breeze. Whether you’re driving a short wheel based or long wheel based model, these sensors will ensure your experience is hassle-free.
4. Swivel passenger seat
The swivel passenger seat is a gem of a gadget that turns your campervan into a communal living space.
Designed to rotate into the living area of the camper, this seat expands your seating area and allows for face-to-face interaction. Perfect for unwinding, playing a game of cards, or sharing a meal.
And the best part? They’re incredibly user-friendly. A few simple manoeuvres, and your campervan morphs into an even more comfortable and versatile living space.
5. Collapsible crash-tested bed
The collapsible crash-tested bed is the epitome of functionality. Acting as a belted seat during your travels, it can transform into a comfortable bed whenever needed.
These beds not only look great but also promise a good night’s sleep. Designed for comfort and support, they ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day’s adventures.
If you’re fitting one retrospectively, make sure that it’s crash-tested for guaranteed safety.
6. Insulated blinds
Insulated blinds are a road tripper’s best friend. They offer two valuable benefits: ensuring privacy and regulating temperature.
On your travels, you might find yourself in busy campsites, where privacy may be a concern. Insulated blinds allow you to create a secure, private space effortlessly.
Another fantastic advantage of insulated blinds is their knack for keeping a comfortable interior temperature, regardless of the weather. They help keep the heat out on hot summer days and retain warmth on chilly nights, promoting energy efficiency.
And let’s not forget their design too. You can choose colours and designs to suit your style, adding a personal touch that makes your camper van feel like a home away from home.
7. Cruise Control
Long road trip lovers will love having cruise control.
This often overlooked campervan gadget adds ease and comfort to long journeys – the type that camper vans were built to go on.
Long drives can become monotonous, leading to tiredness and aching legs or joints. Cruise control takes away the need to continually adjust speed, allowing drivers to relax and keep their attention on the road ahead.
8. Space-Saving Camper Van Cupboards
Talk about a van life game-changer.
We know space is a luxury in a camper van, and cupboards should be custom-built to leverage every inch available.
With smart design, they allow you to stash your essentials neatly and efficiently, offering the storage space you need for a comfortable, fun road trip.
9. Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
No road trip is complete without great music and connected maps.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are handy gadgets that sync smartphone to camper van, making navigation, music, and more, really easy.
Their standout feature? Live maps for navigation. Get directions on your screen, ditching the need for a separate GPS device, as well as help avoiding traffic.
For the safety-conscious, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer hands-free calling too.
Add-On Gadgets for Campervans
So, those are our 9 built-in gadgets, let’s move onto our add-ons.
These are gadgets that stand alone and can be purchased after conversion
Remember, space is at a premium in your van, so every gadget must prove its worth.
10. Folding Camping Chairs
Let’s start with an essential.
Folding camping chairs are a must-have for any camper van owner who enjoys the great outdoors. Their compact design and easy storage make them an excellent choice for maximising space on your travels.
Folding camping chairs allow you to enjoy your surroundings, whether you’re gathering around a campfire, watching a sunset, or unwinding with a good book.
They’re also handy for a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to picnicking.
11. Handheld Hoover
A handheld hoover is vital for a clean and tidy camper van.
It’s a small, portable device that can easily be stored and used to tidy up any spills or messes.
When spending a prolonged period in your camper van, you don’t want to to live in mess, or find crumbs in your bed. A handy gadget like this prevents all that.
Handheld hoovers are designed with space-saving in mind, making them a practical choice for maximising room on the road.
Many of these handheld hoovers can be charged up with USB ports too!
12. Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitos can be a real pain in the summer months, especially when you’re camping near water.
Mosquito repellent, whether that be a candle, electric swatter, spray or other gadget, is crucial when the sun is out.
Insect bites can really ruin a nice weekend break, especially if you’re taking children away with you.
Be sure to pack something that can repel annoying bugs on your next camping trip.
13. Absorbent drying mat
An absorbent drying mat is an essential gadget for any camper van owner who wants to keep their vehicle clean and tidy.
After using your camper van sink to wash up, a drying mat allows you to easily dry your dishes, preventing water from spilling or leaving behind marks.
A drying mat is also easy to pack away when not in use, making it a practical and convenient solution for those looking to maximise their space.
14. Bike Rack
Are you the outdoors or active type?
The UK offers some of the world’s greatest bike routes, through areas of outstanding natural beauty, parks, coastlines and more…
…so why wouldn’t you want to take your bike on your next camping adventure?
A bike rack is a great addition to your campervan, allowing you to get off the road and onto the cycle routes around your next campsite.
15. Wireless travel router
Staying connected on the road is essential, and a wireless travel router is the perfect camper van gadget to achieve this.
These wireless routers use mobile signal, like 3g, 4g, or 5g, to connect to the internet, on a different data plan to your phone.
This means you can set up a wifi signal in your vehicle without consuming your phone’s data.
This gadget is among the best accessories to have in your campervan if you’re a remote worker who is enjoying a flexible lifestyle, or if you’re away with the family and the kids need occupying!
16. Fairy lights
Fairy lights are a fun gadget to add some extra charm and homeliness to your vehicle. These lights are perfect for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere, and also serve a practical purpose when parked up at night.
They add a touch of personality and style to your camper van, making it feel more like home, and by wrapping them around the outside of your camper van, they help you locate your van in the dark and make it easier to spot from a distance.
This is especially important when returning late at night.
17. LED headlamp
LED headlamps are a camping essential and can make a huge difference in remote areas.
They are a practical and versatile gadget that is perfect for a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and camping. With their bright and reliable light, LED headlamps can help you to safely navigate trails, set up camp, or search for items outside of your camper van after dark.
LED headlamps are portable, small and easy-to-use. With their long battery life, LED headlamps can provide hours of reliable light, ensuring that you’re always prepared for any situation.
18. Inflatable Kayak
When it comes to having fun and outdoor adventures, there are few better gadgets than an inflatable kayak.
This versatile and portable watercraft is easy to store and transport.
Just remember to get yourself a foot, hand or electric pump too!
Kayaks are an exciting way to explore lakes, rivers, and seas (on a calm day), allowing you to get up close and personal with nature.
After all, isn’t adventure and exploration what it’s all about!
19. Collapsible pans
Collapsible pans are a cool campervan gadget, providing a practical and space-saving solution for cooking in a small space.
With their collapsible design, these pans can be easily stowed away, making them an ideal addition to your gear for cooking inside and BBQs outside.
20. Drone
Capture stunning aerial views of your surroundings and take breathtaking photos and videos of your road trip experience with a drone.
Some memories are well worth keeping for a lifetime, and a drone will give you a completely new perspective on them.
Fly over beautiful scenery, create shots soaring out across the beach or hover above as your family make memories together.
And as with many of the gadgets on this list, drones are small and lightweight too – so you won’t need to worry about space.
21. Hammock
A hammock is a fun and practical gadget that can easily be set up between trees or attached to your van, providing a relaxing spot after a long day on the road.
Be sure to choose a hammock that doesn’t come with a stand included though, as these can take up a lot of precious storage space.
22. Folding table
A folding table is an essential gadget for your camper, providing you and your group with a surface for eating, working, or playing games outside.
A great luxury camper van conversion should come with a collapsible table built in, but on occasion, you might need another one to enjoy in the great outdoors.
If possible try to find a table with an adjustable height so you can use it for eating, working or playing games with the family.
23. Portable Speaker
Portable speakers can come with a bad rap in campsites, especially when they’re in the wrong hands, so let’s make sure yours are the right ones.
A portable bluetooth speaker that can be charged by USB is a great addition to your campervan trips…just make sure you don’t upset the neighbours.
Keep the volume down at night, and be respectable wherever possible.
Use your speaker to listen to podcasts, live radio or music.
24. Welcome Mat
A welcome mat isn’t exactly a gadget, but it definitely adds a touch of homeliness and fun to your adventures.
Park up at your next campsite, slide open your living space doors, and drop your welcome mat outside, for everyone to see.
Yes, it’s not as practical as some of the other gadgets on this campervan accessories list, but it’s fun and will add some value to your travels!
25. Magnetic holders
Magnetic holders are one of the most practical gadgets for your campervan kitchen, providing a convenient solution to keep your utensils, keys, spices and other small items organised and easily accessible.
Rather than taking up storage space, magnetic holders add to it.
26. E-reader
An E-reader like an Amazon Kindle will give you access to a vast library of books without taking up any space.
With its lightweight and compact design, an E-reader can be easily stored and carried around, allowing you to enjoy all of your favourite books and novels wherever you go.
A book is one of the great things that can help you relax and unwind after a long day on the road, making it an essential accessory for any camper van owner.
27. Magnetic Chessboard or Travel Scrabble
Arguments incoming…
Magnetic chess and Travel Scrabble are fun games, providing hours of entertainment while taking up minimal space in your vehicle.
With their magnetic pieces and durable construction, games like this can find a permanent home in your camper van.
Our Top 27 Camper Van Gadgets
So there you have it, from the gadgets that are built-in, to those that can be added any time, that is our complete list of 27 camper van gadgets.
The first 9 featured gadgets on our list are installed in all of our luxury camper van conversions, and if you’d like to find out more about them, check out our ready to go stock now, or contact us to find out more about how you can build your own.
Just remember, space is everything. Consider your next camper van accessories and gadgets carefully, and consider how they’ll fit into your adventures and van before buying them!
If you’re short on ideas about your next camper van trip, subscribe to our blog for updates, or check in on our other posts now.
