ESSENTIAL Campervan Accessories to Begin Van Life in 2024

[@StaycationLifestyle]

What are your must have items?

[@lincolndave1966able]

With electric hookup cable, buy the blue or yellow "artic" version. The orange cable ones are awful in low temperatures as they become ridgid. Not only that, it doesn't roll back up very well meaning its unruly to manage as it develops shape memory and generally gets right on your t**ts trying to pack it up or getting it back out (and a 25m length is very heavy). Also check the cable is 2.5mm -16amp. Often manufacturers cheap out and use 1.5mm cable and are only rated around 8amp.

[@RodSayers-u2e]

I have nearly everything you suggested and agree they are very good suggestions. The two additional essentials I have and use are: 1. traction tracks mats. These have proved really useful at wet festivals. 2. The sun shade I slide into my Remo rail. It was under £200 and has different configurations so can be used in bad weather. It stops rain getting in the van but also extends the time you can spend outside.

[@bmm0424]

So I started off watching thinking, is it worth it, I’m now in my 60’s been camping since I was five, had campervans for the last 15 years, I’m not going to learn anything from this. Guess what, great advice just ordered a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm, fantastic advice, thankyou !!!!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@bmm0424 Thank you for letting me know. Glad I helped. Camping has certainly changed in those years

[@barryhargreaves]

A small induction hob that can be used when you are hooked up is extremely useful. A folding ladder to reach the top bed. Insulated blinds for windscreen and side windows, attached by magnets (inside the vehicle). Side panels for awning are nice to have.

[@CarloDidier]

STYYL make lots of things with magnets, from cups to holders for a Starlink antenna. Their stuff sure isn't cheap, but high quality and well thought through.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@CarloDidier Thanks for that, will take a look. SILWY do a range of cups plates glasses etc, but never tried them

[@linz_in_NZ]

Flextail - I have the Tiny Pump its great for small inflatables like a yoga ball, lilo, large inflatable rings and small inflatable boats etc. (Not a paddle board though, you need the bigger one for that) It also deflates which can save a lot of time. Some models have a light built in, which is useful as they are very small and light, plus recharge quickly too. I also have the Atmos which came with 3 sizes of large vacuum bags suitable for clothes, blankets etc, and several ball pump adapters. I realised after I got this that they do vacuum food bags too - these are reusable, freezer safe, so great for taking portions of food with you, plus you can sous vide/boil in the bag with them too. I would recommend both the Tiny Pump and Atmos for travelling and home use too. One must have in the Toolkit essentials - spare fuses

[@angeladawn805]

One of the first things I got was a Jumpstart power-pack - which has Jumpstart cables, but can be used as a flashlight and a USB charger. The glove box has a pair of scissors (to cut seatbelt in the event of a crash,) and a window smasher - again, to facilitate exiting a mangled vehicle

[@jreidz100]

You can use the other end of the headrest to smash the windows, it's meant to be super effective should you be trapped in a body of water

[@iroche1972]

The flextail kit is very good. We use the tiny repeller in the van and tent camping. The pumps are great and the shower is outstanding.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@iroche1972 Great, thanks for letting me know. The inflator for paddleboards is of interest also

[@CampCrafting]

You could probably supplement the fire blanket by keeping a fire retardant wool blanket around, also great for around the camp fire or a ground blanket. 👍

[@richardbarry8399]

We have the Flextail Max Pump Pro 2, it's small but punches above it's weight. We use it for vacuum storage bags & deflating the air bed. The other item we can recommend is the Fire Stick 👍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you, had a few positive comments on their products. I’m also interested in the SUP pump. The Fire Sticks are becoming much more popular

[@gailjohnston9683]

Didn’t know you could buy battery powered carbon monoxide detectors so I’m now on the hunt for one. Thanks so much 😊

[@minibigs5259]

Under blanket for unexpectedly cold nights. "One underneath is worth two on top" ~ Ray Mears

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@minibigs5259 That’s a good idea 👍🏼

[@lisametcalf5808]

My toilet! Changes everything.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Great shout. Certainly is 👍🏼

[@peterjessop1878]

The flex tail stuff is well know in the hiking/wildcamping fraternity, where the mini inflators have become almost essential kit for inflating thermorest mattresses and also acting as a light source inside a tent. I have one and its great.

[@ianjackson88]

Good video 👍

[@lovevans911]

Beer 🍻

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I’m sure for many that will also include wine 😀

[@beckie6441]

After my last trip, definitely a selection of blade fuses and a pair of pliers to fit them. Ecoflow was running low, no sun and then cigarette lighter fuse blew 😬

[@georgehatcher8867]

Brought flex tail pump/light for tent camping. Five star

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That’s good to know. Thank you

[@myplacecalifornia]

I use flax tail very useful for tent packing. (Pump out the air) and as a lighting. You need different accessories for different weather conditions. I show some on my YT that I use. I bought some of them or produced it by myself.

[@paulcarlin6405]

Just started watching the channel, keep up the good work 👍🏻. I’ve currently got the Flex tail shower and the pump with the Lantern built in, I’m currently considering the flex tail repel, which I’ve heard good things about 👍🏻

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you much appreciated. I will be investing in some Flextail products. I’m now convinced 😀

[@richardayres2949]

Fire stick could be a better option to a fire extinguisher as they last much longer.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

They are an option, which many seem to opting for 👍🏼

[@Fe_lix]

Look at independent comparative tests on KZbin of those things. There are lot of cases and type of fires where those stick do nothing, as they don't reduce the temperature of the burning material the fire can restart immediately after use. Counting only on them is dangerous, the only acceptable usage I can see for them is to have more in many different places available to gain time to get to your real fire extinguisher.

[@JamboLinnman]

I went for a fire stick

[@andrewsmith7636]

Bought a flex tail last year, small light ish but works very well, bought it because my wife is fighting cancer and we went to Venice, this was a great addition and helped her relax, iv got a new T6.1 which i use for work, but we would love to use it as a day/ camper van with a drive away tent, what’s the biggest and best tent ? And what and who would sort the inside for me, help 🙈

[@suewheeler5795]

I have a checklist for summer, winter, off grid and on grid for my packing. Different things needed for different seasons. I use Sea to Summit pans, plates, bowls. Helinox style chairs. Whilst I have a rainbow screen, I've just bought some wanderbug blinds. They are absolutely brilliant. Which dash cam is that please? As mine wouldn't necessarily kick in when it's parked

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That’s a good ideas. The packing list will be different for different occasions. Mine is a Thinkware T700. I have used their products for years and also liked them. There are lots of options at different price points from other brands, it’s “parking mode” that you would need

[@cammy9r]

Last night I discovered that a bug zapper is essential, I didn't have one though. Will have one tomorrow.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@cammy9r 🤣 Learnt the hard way eh. I’m hoping someone comments on the Flextail, could be of interest to me

[@cammy9r]

@@StaycationLifestyle Yes, it appears that's the only way I know to learn. Only a couple of hours away from home so home I went. Never have I seen so many wee midges inside a van 100's of them. Had I stayed I may well have been drained of blood. I just bought a zapper similar to the one you showed so fingers crossed it works well.

[@keithRobinson-s7c]

Nice Video, there was somethings you forgot, spare bulbs and fuses, As for insects we always take vitamin B tablets or marmite does the same thing, we also use old dried coffee grains which we place in a small metal dish and set it alight and let it smoulder like a jos stick, that keeps wasps and othe insects away when sitting outside,

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you and some great suggestions there. Vitamin B tablets will keep most things away, they are awful 🤣.

[@stevezodiac491]

We must have a deluxe van gas detector. It even beeps when I fart !

[@NorthernAnt]

If you don’t have gas installed do you need any kind of alarm in the van? I’m just having an additional battery for lights etc …

[@StaycationLifestyle]

A smoke detector would be recommended as you would be sleeping in there. A fire could start in the engine bay or from the leisure battery. A carbon monoxide alarm will be needed for any heating or cooking. They are so cheap and last 10 years, it’s a real easy/cheap addition

[@NorthernAnt]

@@StaycationLifestyle thank you

[@NorthernAnt]

Just subscribed

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. Much appreciated 👍🏼

[@passkat]

Hi loving your videos,I'm new to this community but would you recommend the 4motion or just standard front wheel drive? I mainly just use on everyday roads If bought on the t6 model is there a away of turning off to save fuel? Tia

[@StaycationLifestyle]

The cost of a 4Motion can be much higher as they are currently in demand. That kind of gives you the answer that they are worth it. However it would totally depend on your use purpose whether you would benefit from it. If your often going to be on loose surfaces, sand, mud, snow, wet grass or maybe towing, then you could benefit

[@watto7728]

Is it possible to get a soft closing sliding door so everyone else on site is not subjected to the wooosh bang door slamming...

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It is a pain 🤣 Aftermarket electric doors are, but expensive. It’s a good point actually. Electric tailgate is cheaper or use front doors

[@dazzler_84]

Great video, thank you for sharing, I find these accessory videos and product recommendations super helpful.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. Glad you found it useful

[@clivemillington8452]

Mobile toilet 👍👍👍👍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@clivemillington8452 It’s in the drawer next to the hookup cable 🤣 I knew i had missed it when editing.

[@FredFox-m9v]

My gas alarm must be a deluxe model, it beeps when I fart !

[@StaycationLifestyle]

😂

[@EdwardHumphries-g3o]

Great video again. What options are available or good purchases to make a kombi sleep 2 adults and 1 child, without the pop top ,and still have a living area and cooking facilities (preferably cooking outside the van) a lot of vans I see have the side kitchen and rock and roll bed but that’s not wanted. Thanks.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@EdwardHumphries-g3o Thank you. There are several options for a Kombi. Did you see my video with the Slidepod? That’s one option. That could also be with the bunk bed on front seats. There are also things like the Van Furniture system or Ply Guys. A roof tent is becoming extremely popular, with lots of options. The easiest would be a driveway awning. That would provide sleeping for everyone and a lot more outdoor space. Add a cooking stove like a Cadac or similar and you have everything you need

[@BRADLEY856]

EPIRB+medical kit

[@colinwoodward1479]

My essentials are beans

[@woody42069]

I have a California and it doesn’t have a fire extinguisher or smoke alarm that I’m aware of.

[@kwaiG]

Flextail, do not waste your time and money 💩💩

[@Edward-uf8mi]

Awful presentation of an otherwise informative piece..Needs a more relaxed and less awkward presenter.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@Edward-uf8mi plenty of other channels available to watch. I apologise for being awkward and I am working on a few things. However it was free to watch so I don’t feel too guilty. Glad you found it informative 👍🏼