First 17 things to buy for VAN LIFE road trips

I've bought a lot of things to help my road trips go a bit smoother over the past couple years, but I could not live without the stuff on this list. This stuff isn't necessarily for van life road trips only, if you're doing long days on the road over and over again most of this stuff is for you.
** Time Stamps & Affiliate Links **
00:00 Intro
00:27 Car Stereo | Kenwood DMX 77067 www.crutchfiel...
02:14 Phone Mount | iOttie Easy One Touch 5 amzn.to/34kTvmE
02:43 Cable Management | Cable organizer clips amzn.to/3HAhDA1
03:19 Drinkware | YETI Rambler 30 oz amzn.to/3LbYPt7
03:58 Binoculars | Vanguard Endeavor amzn.to/3oPVRBd
04:28 Altimeter | Sun Company AltiLINQ amzn.to/3gqfL0P
04:58 Thermometer | First Alert CO detector (new version) amzn.to/3osuRHq
05:26 Bag of Cash | Microfiber pouch amzn.to/3HJJuxC
06:19 Pepper Spray | Mace Magnum 3 amzn.to/3LgBHtq
07:08 Sunglasses | Eddie Bauer from Costco, good luck
07:47 Laundry Bag
08:11 Clothesline | Portable travel clothesline amzn.to/3gqd0wD
08:43 Broom without a handle
08:54 Portable Vacuum | Black & Decker Flex amzn.to/34mZuHt
08:58 Spray bottle
09:19 Urinary Catchment | Hydroflask Wide Mouth 32 oz amzn.to/3ota6vu
10:10 Dongle thing | Phone holder bed gooseneck mount amzn.to/3L7wdkG

[@judevenalian5008]

I have a challenge for you... go into walmart and buy one of their Ozark Trails tumblers for about $10 and see if the Yeti is worth the extra money.

[@bkxc]

Haha, I used one for quite a while, the top on it is lame!

[@judevenalian5008]

@@bkxc the gen 1 lid or the gen 2 lid?

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Wet clothes suggestion? A bungee cord and the roof. Did this on the bike. Never lost anything, and they dry easily even if it's really under a bungee net.

[@henrikstilling]

When you first talked about getting a van, I was a bit sceptical. You were travelling all over the world, and you could off course not bring the van overseas. Then COVID hit and you have to look back now and realise how extremely fortunate it was that you had just aquired the van. That must be your best investment ever ;-)

[@matt_m126]

Goodr sunglasses are awesome, polarized and cheap for driving. I have multiple pairs for the exact reason you stated. I still wear Oakleys for riding though.

[@inMotionOutdoors]

Instead of the small can of pepper spray I recommend bear spray which shoot way further and stronger of a stream.

[@clestoncoxii7506]

Wasp/hornet spray works great too. As an added plus for self defense, it's flammable.

[@inMotionOutdoors]

@@clestoncoxii7506 hahah yes but that is a neurotoxin and might blind someone lol

[@BikeSleepRepeat]

Feb 3rd 2020, it really has been 2 years since you washed the van 😂 That hydro flask part had me laughing 🤣

[@amiramz]

"go drive somewhere new..." lololoolol !! cheers bro!

[@M14Jeep]

I installed an actual airplane altimeter in my Jeep a few years ago when I moved to Colorado, great decision!

[@tylergamester2179]

An Altimeter. Huh. I suddenly really want one. Thanks!

[@Magoo71]

Another BKXC video worth watching! Thanks for the tips! Keep the rubber-side down!

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Nice list. Thanks.

[@ritaweygint4038]

These are all great suggestions! I really want the Kenwood Stereo upgrade UGH! HATE the junk unit in my ProMaster City! We shall see… As a female, I have to pass on the pee jug, though. Sacrificing a little extra space for a small Porta-Potti is worth that trade off 💕

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

This is going to sound gross, but pee is actually pretty much sterile. In the navy, they teach you that you could drink it if you're stuck in the ocean (can't drink sea salt). And I'd hold out for Bose. Never run out of volume there. Lol.

[@rt-ik7ik]

Interesting. Just don t mix up the Yeti and the hydroflask lol.

[@rickputnam8816]

If I might make a suggestion concerning the Hydro Flask, I would posit that using a 32 oz Nalgene would be a better alternative. The mouth is the same size, but with the Nalgene, unlike the Hydro Flask, when you add to it or fill it, it is uninsulated. Therefore, if you wrap a rag around it, you can put it into your sleeping bag to pre-warm it for you.

[@pistonffist7053]

you can also clearly see how much pee is in the container so you don't overflow

[@dertythegrower]

Cheers. I lived this in a honda van, ha. Broke my collarbone and all(i know you as mtbk guy know) metal collarbone here. Be safe my guy ha.

[@dertythegrower]

Great advice and thinks most people do not think about (especially big city toll booths)

[@SpokesmanMTB]

- CarPlay - Check! - Upgraded stereo - Check! - Magnetic phone mount - Check! - Short cable (no dangle) - Check! - Yeti tumbler - Check! (Mine is the coffee cup) - Binoculars - (Still need to get this item) - Altimeter - Check! (Hey Siri, what's my elevation?) - Thermometer - Check! - Cash cache - Check! - Pepper Spray - (Really? Yikes!) I have none of this. - Sunglasses - Damn, you got me here. I need to buy! - Laundry bag - Check! (mesh bag, hangs off bike to dry while driving!) - Clothesline - Check! (See previous) - Sweeper - no need, honestly - Spray/towel - Check! - Pee bottle - I usually just stop, but I have used a disposable water bottle - Check! - Articulating arm - no need, but SUPER COOL

[@omichelini]

HEy, @Hollywood, look at that premium acting right there!! I think we have an uncut gem in this channel! Hahah, love it Brian!

[@_CrankZilla]

Yeah .. sunglasses and watches. I'm always losing or breaking them 🤣

[@HazelnutAdventures]

Thanks for the video. I will continue to watch and learn for our own big tour to Turkey. It goes from Germany via Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran to Turkey to our HOME.

[@MichaelSchneiderTexas]

Stay forever Stoked!

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

+1 on the Yeti 👍🎉

[@StephenShreds]

underated bino transition!

[@netposerx]

I would add some kind of water filter to this list. I purchased a rectangle Brita from Lowes in Brevard since finding water is easy but finding good water is much harder. Also use a laundry detergent bottle for pee. It has a wide opening and holds more than your Hydroflask and costs nothing.

[@razmtb5028]

awesome!

[@TheCrashingDad]

For a second at 10:43 I thought it was the Hydroflask! 🤣

[@takozamtbtrailscout7106]

A mountain biker, KZbinr, Businessman and now a COMEDIAN?!! When does it stop?!! 😂😂😂

[@DaveElby]

I lost count of the amount of nods I gave the car stereo segment. We have a Fiat Ducato 2010 based motorhome so a very similar cab and I am trying desperately to bin the ancient head unit but it also runs part of the motorhome TV sounds, it's truly terrible. Problem is prices just now are through the roof so thanks for that unit recommendation. I also want to fill the cab doors with Dynamat sound proofing as well. So it sounds less van, more car.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

How is it trying to find a mechanic when you're out? I find they can be like a foreign country under the hood. Lol Try the Bose if you can. It's Excellent. Never regretted a Bose item. Beautifully made inside, very sturdy, excellent sound. I've had components last 30 years, and longer if you have a good electronics repair guy, they'll go forever. Should mention, an old, refurbished pre-1997 JBL, old Bose, old AR, B & O (Bang and Olufsen), etc, will always top new stuff. Components are much better made, and its much cheaper to refurbished.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Never broken/lost a pair of sunglasses. They go in the bag or on my face.

[@JJDynomite]

With the big opening on top... LOL

[@inMotionOutdoors]

Also for peeing, use a wide mouth laundry detergent bottle. My grandpa who is a pilot uses that trick.

[@JohnBooth]

doesnt his plane have the relief tube that dumps it out under the plane? that little backwards horn on the underside of the plane.

[@davekuss]

This is a video where I would like to have the discount counter back, I wonder what it is for this one. I liked the style, and most of the tips

[@BrianVaughn]

Need to tag Hydro flask in this one.

[@MayhemJRA]

I found one of those unicorns with built in wireless charging so good

[@sergeygrikorian6965]

Brian : i think im good with my stuff Also Brian 10 seconds earlier : yeets the sunglasses from the bag

[@mtb_8796]

Gotta get the binoculars for sure

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

"Buy once, cry once." Lol

[@jeremysweeten2792]

Caribou!?!?!?!? Brian, those are elk!! WTH, Man???? Wild America

[@glenn309]

I don't wish you harm ..but it would've been incredibly funny if that pepper spray set off while you were struggling to grab it 😂😂

[@kevinpeters8372]

I love the sunglasses tip since I’ve destroyed many pairs in my life. Problem is I now have prescription so it’s not so easy. Would love any tips on that front. Great video man. Very informed and useful🤘🏻

[@pistonffist7053]

get one of those eye glass holders you put around your neck. keep you from losing them or sitting on them

[@pow9th]

Instead of regular pepper spray, you might want to have some bear spray, especially since you're out in the woods a lot. You can use it against annoying bipeds in emergency as well. And you might want to mark that Hydroflask with a big "DO NOT DRINK" label. You never know when you have a thirsty guest around.

[@denniskh]

+1 on using bear spray against annoying bipeds. They sometimes really get in the way, and it's a good alternative to running them over.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@denniskh Yeah, you'd mess up your ride...

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I could also agree w marking stuff, too. Tho you learn to ignore it. After 3 days, you'll start to make dumb mistakes, like grabbing the wrong pump at the gas station, because they're on the same pump...and putting diesel into a gas engine. Do not recommend. Slow and dirty till you get it all out. If you're in the middle of nowhere, there won't be anyone to drain the tank. So...if it's just a bit, thinning is the best choice.

[@rogerd9405]

Dude... I don't know how smart that was to admit you travel around with a bag of cash then show where you stash it.

[@mrpercussive]

Hahahahaha! That Yeti tumbler!!! I stole my girlfriend's for my drive back from the east coast 🤣

[@ToddNZMTB]

My heart raced at the altimeter

[@kellyfulton9238]

Elk Brian, not cariboo gotta call you on that.

[@vincedavis5326]

Great video BK! I have to ask; did you film this van video in your driveway? NBD if you did, dang funny and a lot of great information!

[@danaljon3523]

Do more van video please!

[@aboutdawntoday]

Carrying mace and pepper spray are not legal in many states unlike hornet/wasp spray that shoots 25 feet .

[@NickyP902]

Can't believe a car audio shop couldn't install a double din 😳

[@scottbates5099]

We have a ton of Yeti cups and they are great. But the customer service sucks.

[@rodrigorubio2317]

Brian, espero que no confundas la botella roja con la negra.....

[@johntanchin2545]

note to self: brian's hydroflasks don't contain refreshing beverages.

[@JJcRoocan]

Miss the "my friends..." what happened to it?

[@raymondochoa2841]

Where can I get the sticky cable holders?

[@judevenalian5008]

As far as sunglasses go I found a few pair recently for about $10 each on sale at Dick's outlet down from $39... I work construction and go through glasses like crazy.... I will never spend more than $10 again.

[@outsider1733]

Elk!

[@aaronkaklamanos9615]

What phone mount it this?????

[@ROBinJVILLE]

do u regret the dark color or nah

[@slowmobius2136]

So what makes the yeti cup so good?

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

The endorsement? Lol

[@pistonffist7053]

@@JohnBooth 'far better than you'....that was harsh

[@JohnBooth]

@@pistonffist7053 my reply didn't make much sense either, thanks for calling that out. I didn't mean what I had said. I was trying to say endorsed celebrities make money when you buy over priced cups

[@passageweather]

What is EYERSTOKE?

[@masonjohnson5583]

How are the aluminum wheels going?

[@EstebanRapido]

0:25 I miss my Mazda3.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

When did the GF --> Wife upgrade happen? Congratz.

[@jmc112485]

If you carry pepper spray you should be familiar with its effects and how you will react.

[@eprohoda]

Hi! good ~fellow~ )

[@christucker9120]

Can you PLEASE put a Trail One or BKXC sticker on that Rambler!!!??

[@propwash66]

I carry three cans of bear 🐻 spray

[@GHinWI]

@10:45…I thought he accidentally drank from the pee cup

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

CO2 detector goes DOWN, by the floor. Don't know how one buys a smoke alarm/CO2 detector. Where does THAT go?? Buy 2 if you want to see the temp. They're cheap.

[@pcdude2394]

Dude Matt Foley would kill to have your van down by the river. I’d carry a pistol just in case I accidentally camp on some moonshiner’s ground.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

A +$40 pee bottle. Come on man, LOL.

[@MrFabiancontreras]

I want to ask you if you have an extra frame that you sell me I have a regular mountain bike but I want to build a new one with suspension in the center let me know please we can do business and also I would have a new bike I love doing what you do of course not professional but i do please let me know how i contact you thank you

[@judevenalian5008]

Only $1.75 for a toll...? You must not have crossed into Delaware...

[@ltdanyj]

TMI time- "pee bottle": The 32 ounce monster energy drink with the screw on cap.

[@youngballer1085]

[@StephenShreds]

first

[@BMOutdoorz]

Just be careful where you go with the pepper spray, it’s illegal to have in Canada so if you go there don’t bring it

[@andrewj4752]

But we can have all the bear spray we want, and it's three times as potent..

[@maggiemoore5500]

Love the channel and this was a good video. But I call BS on vagina-owners being able to easily pee in that hydroflask

[@garrettgibson8835]

Was the pee jug thing a joke?

[@quikkyle601]

Not at all

[@wheatthinbecker]

That’s an expensive piss bottle

[@quikkyle601]

Id recommend you look up info on the #vanlife pee funnel. I think it would help ya out