The Versatile Van Life: How To Make Your Van Your Own

camper van with back doors open and bed inside

With the right vehicle, you can unlock the opportunity to connect with a community of travelers and go wherever you want, whenever you want! And when you make your van your own, you can feel at home no matter where you go. Follow these steps to live the versatile van life of your most adventurous dreams.

Do Your Research

When planning your next van adventure, don’t forget to do your research. Consider more than just the destination; consider the journey. The climate, environment, and distance you travel can all have an impact on your van setup. From electric power installation to wheel and suspension selection, there are many elements to consider before you hit the gas pedal. Customize your van effectively so it’s livable and versatile for the traveling you have in mind.

Be Prepared & Have A Plan

If you’re a free spirit, you’re probably tempted to throw caution to the wind when it comes to your travel plans. However, when you choose to travel by van, you should consider the kind of van life you hope to live. Do you want a relaxing getaway or an exhilarating adventure? Before you embark on your van journey, be sure to address the following questions:

  • How will you eat throughout your traveling? Do you need to install a refrigerator or stove in your van?
  • Will you be comfortable no matter the climate? Does your van have enough insulation or heat to keep you warm and/or air conditioning to keep you cool?
  • How much will you need to pack and prepare? Do you need external racks for storage?

Products That Suit Your Needs

Luckily, you found us, and we have an encyclopedia of van life knowledge to share with you, along with all the van gear you could possibly dream of. Our store holds the answers to all your questions. But each traveller should consider each product carefully to provide for their individual needs.

Chances are you fit at least one of the below criteria. So follow along and get to work to create the best van life for you!

For The Young Adventure-seekers On A Month-long Road Trip

  1. Cargo Carrier
back of mercedes sprinter camper van with cargo and spare tire

Storage is extra important for the long-term traveller. This Owl Vans Sherpa can hold almost anything and for any season: from skis and coolers to gas and generators. With this exterior model, you won’t be wasting any indoor space that could be better used for beds, seating, and dining

2. Privacy Curtains

interior of front of van with green and blue window coverings

Keep your van comfortable while keeping the tourists away. Escape to your own private hotel room when you put up privacy curtains. No matter if you’re visiting the Grand Tetons or the Grand Canyon, these curtains will help you adjust to each climate with the insulating technology—keeping the frigid cold or blistering heat to a minimum while enjoying the comfort of your camper van.

3. Power Station

wooden cabinetry in back of van with blue power boxes inside

The FreedomVanGo Power-in-a-Box system provides reliable power for every situation. The hassle-free system is made to last any off-roading adventure with no gasoline required, no toxic emissions, and no noise during operation. Monitor output, charge on the go, and rest assured that this system is as close to bullet-proof as you can get. 

As a secondary option for short trips or limited use, the Goal Zero Yeti system is a good choice. You can charge your Goal Zero system with ease with the FreedomVanGo Yeti Integration Kit.

4. Wheels For Off-road And Street Use

front side angle of camper van with big tires

You’re travelling across the country and you need durable wheels to transport you seamlessly from dirt to pavement. Some wheels just aren’t optimized for both, so make sure you pick the right model for you. This is the Black Rhino Journey Wheel, which is catered to heavy off-road and street use.

For The Retired Couple Crossing Items Off Their Bucket List

  1. Roof Mount Awning
campervan with open door and person sitting inside with awning above, background of brown rock formations

After a long day of hiking, all you want to do is relax in the open air. Do that under an awning to protect you from the elements. Whether it’s the harsh sunlight or a nasty desert storm, an awning will keep you enjoying the great outdoors while not feeling threatened by it. Its aluminum build makes it impressively light and extremely durable to last through all of your travels.

2. Cooktop/Sink Combination

stainless steel sink and two burner stove top

Clean and cook all in one place. The 2-burner, propane-powered electric cooktop pairs well with the durable stainless steel sink, to make your van experience convenient. This product is cost-efficient too, burning 33% less propane than other models while delivering higher temperatures. Even better, after use, you can free up more counter space by folding down its attached glass lid. 

3. Goal Zero Yeti

power box in back of van with wires attached

The Goal Zero Yeti system is a simple, effective power solution that you can rely on for weekend trips, overnighters, and day trips. Depending on your configuration, this system should be enough to power your fridge, charge small electronics, and more.

4. Replacement Leaf Springs

leaf springs

If you’ll be using your van often, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality suspension system. Over time, stock springs sag, which causes your van to ride lower in the back and become less versatile. Keep riding high with great suspension that will last you for the long haul.

For The Single Middle-aged Nomad

  1. Cooling System
large white air conditioner on top of van next to solar panel

Do you plan to live in your van full-time? If so, you’ll need the best cooling system to combat against mother nature in the summer months. We recommend the Nomadic Cooling 4000. It employs the best technology of its kind and comes fully equipped with a remote, a control panel thermostat, and all the nuts and bolts to DIY it out. The best part is that it’s completely battery operated, meaning you don’t have to waste energy by connecting the system to the van’s motor.

  1. Storage Panels
storage board attached to back door of camper van with pouches

Make the most of every inch of your van with rear door storage panels. You can attach pouches of all kinds (available for purchase at our online store), open the doors for easy access to all your gear, and maximize your use of the van’s interior. 

  1. Solar Panels
black solar panels

Recharge with the light of the sun. Solar panels act as a never ending source of energy. You can easily connect other batteries or devices to recharge them at your convenience. We suggest one built with a strong aluminum frame to withstand any conditions you may come across on your nomadic adventure. 

  1. Powerful Wheels For The Off-road
black rhino wheel

You’re living a lifestyle that allows you to take the road less travelled. Do that with the right wheels for the off-road. Be prepared for any road conditions, whether it’s dirt, snow, or rock with heavy-duty wheels—and do it with style. These Black Rhino Destroyers sport a new look that will separate your van from the rest. Remember, your van is your home. Deck it out as you please.  

For The Family Of National Park Tourists

  1. State-of-the-art Bike Rack
back of blue campervan with spare tire, cargo box and bike above attached to bike rack

Bikes are a must for any camping trip, especially when you’re taking your kids on the adventure of a lifetime. It’s exceptionally easy to attach and remove your bikes from this rack with the capability of mounting the bikes higher or lower on the rear doors. Its strong aluminum frame can hold up to 150 pounds—perfect for adult and kid bikes.

  1. Floorliner
interior of vehicle with floor protectors

Kids get messy. You can expect crumbs and spills to build up over a week of living out of your van. That’s where floor liners come in. They will protect your van’s floor from anything sticky or messy. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and don’t waste time cleaning when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. 

  1. Storage Box For Your Bike Rack
open cargo box attached to back of campervan with spare tire next to it

You need all the storage you can get with little ones coming along for the ride. You’ve already got the bike rack, so the perfect addition is a storage box. You can use it for anything you want, but we recommend using it to store and protect your generator or batteries. 

  1. Wheels For Off-roading
black rhino wheel

Touring the great state of Utah, otherwise known as Mars for its red rock formations and sandy grounds? Or escaping up the Rocky Mountains for the beautiful winter wonderland vistas? You’ll need wheels to safely get you from one place to another. Invest in a durable set of wheels specifically crafted for the off-road and you won’t have to worry.

Everyone’s Essentials

  1. Adjustable Roof Rack
adjustable mercedes sprinter roof rack on top of campervan with lights on the front, a solar panel, and cooling system on the back

Our Adjustable Roof Rack is the only one of its kind, specifically designed for Mercedes Sprinter vans. We created it to maximize the use of your roof. You can attach solar panels, air conditioners, lights, awnings, and more to its durable, stainless steel frame. There’s really no accessory you can’t attach with the crossbars and mount brackets it comes with. We’ll help you hook it up.

  1. Bedslide
interior of campervan from the back with bedslide on bottom and a bed loft with white cabinetry in front

Built to maximize storage and minimize hassle, the bedslide fits perfectly between wheel well cabinets. It can lock at several different positions for safety and convenience and can easily hold up to 1000 lbs when evenly distributed. We used it to load 30 cases of water for hurricane relief and still had room for more. This is a great product for an extended van life adventure, like long term camping or road-tripping, when you need extra room for supplies.

  1. Powered Cooler
black dometic cooler box

Keep your food fresh for longer with a powered cooler. With these advanced styles, you have the ability to cool and freeze by manually setting its temperature. It can freeze below -7 degrees celsius, making ice in just a couple of hours. We recommend one that uses advanced technology to retain cool air and minimize power consumption.

Can We Help You Plan For Your Van Life?

Lack of research can result in inadequate information when planning your next traveling experience. Design your ideal lifestyle and van traveling plans with plenty of options for all your needs. Shop our online store or visit our blog to learn more about must-have products before beginning your van life!

To learn more about FreedomVanGo, fill out our contact form or give us a call at (904) 932-0866.

Ready to roll? Let us help you get on the road!

Our team is available to help you choose the best solution for your next van build project. Schedule a call with one of our builders.