Many dreams of the freedom and opportunity that van life offers. You get to pick and choose where to go, what to do, and who to be.
But before you take that plunge and start living the life of a nomad, there are some crucial strategies you should not overlook. Read below for our top camper van interior upgrades that will set you up for a life on the road.
1. A Stowable Bed That Retracts Into the Ceiling
A stowable bed is one of the most innovative interior upgrades of modern van life. Now, instead of having a bulky mattress that takes up half the space of the van, you have a slimline bed that takes up nothing more than the space the mattress itself would have taken up.
This is perfect for anyone wanting to maximize their living space, as the bed can be stowed away during the day and pulled down when you’re ready to sleep. Not only that, but having your bed retract into the ceiling makes the van look tidier, too.
2. Clever Storage Throughout the Van
When it comes to van life, storage is a crucial aspect of attaining an elevated feel. Investing in ways to keep designated places for items like clothing, cookware, flatware, and other daily items can help to organize the van. It can also maximize the limited space.
Storage solutions like wall-mounted pegboards, built-in shelving systems, wooden storage chests, and/or hanging bars can help to maximize the space available to store items in an orderly manner. Also, a visually pleasing and functional side cabinet can hold cookware and spices. If the budget allows, an interior of light plywood paneling can be installed throughout to further accentuate the interior.
3. Solar Panels
Solar panels are becoming a popular upgrade to van life living these days. As people are using their camper vans to explore even more remote corners of the world, solar panels can be a great way to capture your own electricity and don’t rely solely on shore power. These can generate quite a bit of electricity, depending on what type you get, how many of them you install, and the type of battery you use.
With the extra energy, you can charge up your lights, laptop, phone, and appliances. It’s also great for powering LED lighting, a fan, and other small electronics. With the right setup, your camper van can provide hours of comfort and convenience. Be sure to get an experienced technician to install the solar panels on your van, so you don’t risk any unnecessary damage.
4. Fixed Beds
Fixed beds offer a great way to maximize the available space in a camper van. They also provide a comfortable sleeping area. These generally span the length of the van, often utilizing wall-to-wall or corner-to-corner bed frames.
Also, allowing the bed to be elevated at one end to offer more floor space for storage. With careful planning, elevated beds can also provide additional storage underneath or behind the bed, as well as allowing for easy access from either side. It also provides additional privacy, as it is not visible from the outside and can be out of sight from the rest of the van.
5. Swiveling Van Seats up Front
Swiveling van seats up front are a great addition for those who often travel with passengers, use their van living space for entertaining, or take van road trips with friends. These swiveling van seats up front can be connected to a rail system that allows you to turn the seats as needed. Even creating a makeshift bench for an outdoor movie night or for an easy transition to an outdoor kitchen.
With swiveling seats, you can more efficiently make use of the low profile and limited internal space of your camper van. These options also open up possibilities such as a mobile office or extra seating for those long drives across the country. Not to mention, they can be custom fitted to match the style of your van space.
6. Garage in the Back
The garage in the back is one of the best upgrades for converted vans. This new and exciting modification allows users to voluntarily store their gear in an external cargo container affixed to the outside of a van. It also specializes in custom projects that easily integrate into an upgraded van like, custom packages for overlanding, off-road, adventure, and more.
The customizable packages are designed to make van life even more comfortable, with shelving, cabinets, a pantry, and storage that can easily accommodate all the supplies you need for an off-grid adventure. This also allows users to stow their items on the exterior of their van while simultaneously making the interior space appear larger and more luxurious than ever.
7. Access the Cab With a Cut-Through
This unique design features two doors that can be opened together or independently to access the interior of the cab. This is great for privacy and ventilation, and allows you to open and close the van without having to duck down or crawl inside. The cut-through also eliminates the need for a companionway ladder, which can sometimes be bulky and inconvenient.
In addition to increased convenience, this innovative feature is aesthetically pleasing, providing a modern look that sets your van apart from the rest. A great way to enhance the overall aesthetic of your van.
8. Outdoor Shower
Outdoor showers are a great way to upgrade your camper van and take your van life to the next level. They will help you stay clean and refreshed while enjoying the great outdoors. It can also easily be set up with a simple motor home or van conversion.
With a few basic supplies, you can have a great outdoor shower experience in no time. Most installations include a shower pan, plumbing, a mixer connect, and a shower head with your desired features, such as a mist or rainfall setting.
9. Bunk Beds for Kids
Bunk beds for kids can be a great addition to any camper van for those with families. They provide a safe space for children to keep their things, and offer a comfortable place to sleep that won’t take up too much room.
10. Table and Chairs for Working and Eating
One essential of van upgrades includes adding a table and chairs. Not only are they perfect for dining and enjoying snacks, but they can also be used as a workspace to get things done. Placing a foldable table in the center of the van can be secured using furniture straps to keep it in place while driving.
Find a pair of lightweight chairs to match the style of the van and enjoy having a meal or working on the road. For additional comfort, cushions for the chairs can be used and stored when not in use. With a reliable table and chairs, the inside of a camper van can provide a comfortable and organized place to work and relax.
11. Install a Toilet
Installing a toilet in a camper van is one of the most important upgrades to consider. Choosing the right size and having the right amount of space will ensure comfort, convenience, and safety. The type of toilet installed must also fit the space and desired purpose, whether portable or full-size.
A good plumbing system is also necessary so that greywater is stored in a holding tank and waste is disposed of safely and hygienically. With adequate insulation, vents, and an exhaust fan, odors will also be managed effectively.
12. Consider a Van-Friendly Furnace
If you’re looking to upgrade your camper van and make winter camping a more enjoyable experience, consider a van-friendly furnace. These are specifically designed for camper vans, providing heat and a cozy atmosphere during your travels. With adjustable settings, you can make sure you stay comfortable without overheating.
Not only does this furnace give you control and safety, but it also adds to the elevated feel of your van life. The installation of a van-friendly furnace has the capacity to transform your van into a warm and inviting place all year round, making winter van life an experience you can look forward to.
13. Expand the Menu With an Oven
One type of upgrade that can help expand living space and make food preparation easier is to install an oven. This equipment can be built-in and allow the van to become a tiny kitchen while providing the cook with the ability to prepare restaurant-quality dishes.
Installing an oven can be a difficult process, however, which is why it is important to hire a professional to get the job done right. It is also essential to ensure the oven is properly ventilated, as poor ventilation can result in toxic fumes entering the van and creating a dangerous environment for inhabitants.
14. Charming Porthole Windows
One of the most charming and eye-catching interior upgrades is the addition of porthole windows. These beautiful circular windows add character, charm, and style to any vehicle while also providing natural ventilation and letting in daylight so you can fully appreciate your view.
Porthole windows are also a great way to bring the outdoors- indoors and enhance your van’s traditional nautical theme. Installing these windows can be a relatively easy project; however, for those who may not have the DIY know-how, there are professional installers available to get the job done.
15. Beautifully Painted Geometric Flooring
One of the highlights of elevated van camper life is the beautiful and unique geometric flooring. This type of flooring adds visual interest and textural depth to the interior of your van and creates a memorable, one-of-a-kind living space.
It comes in a variety of colors, material, and shapes that adds an element of surprise and delight to your camper. Vinyl or laminate flooring is an excellent option for high-traffic spaces where you need more durability.
16. Illuminate Your Van Life With a Skylight
Skylights add real depth, natural light, and airflow to your van. Installing a roof skylight also increases the headroom and makes the van more livable as you create your home on wheels. Also, a skylight helps improve climate control, reduces condensation, and reduces the need to run lights or fans during the day.
Skylights provide clear sight lines, diffused light, improved airflow, and a connection with the world outside the van. From a design perspective, skylights add a unique and interesting element to the van’s interior.
17. Consider Getting a Roof Deck
It can be a great idea to consider getting a roof deck for your camper van. Not only does it provide more usable outdoor space but it also helps with the disorienting sense of claustrophobia that can come with living in a van. The space is great for outdoor dining al fresco, stargazing, relaxing in the sun, and storing important items like bicycles and kayaks.
The roof deck also provides excellent protection from the elements, and it can be used to help reduce road noise and carry extra items that would otherwise create clutter and disorganization in the van. It’s a great upgrade option to make the van feel much more luxurious and at home.
18. Seating That Converts Into Bedding
This upgrade not only saves space, but offers flexibility, convenience, and comfort as well. Seats with many reclining positions offer comfortable support for the back and legs and the ability to recline flat for sleeping.
19. Extendable Kitchen for Outdoor Cooking
This useful feature allows for maximum interior space within the van without compromising the amenities of a kitchen. Through a pull-out counter experience, the eating area within the camper van can be twice the size when extended outdoors.
20. Flip Down the Table
This feature allows for a more versatile dining and living area. Its unique design enables you to set up your dinner table and enjoy your meals, play games, do some work, and do whatever else you want to do.
Upgrade Your Camper Van Interior Today
The sky is the limit when it comes to camper van interior upgrades. With so many inspiring ideas, it can be hard to know which ones to pick.
Take your time to plan every aspect of the upgrades that best suit your lifestyle, and don’t forget to have a little fun while you do it! So what are you waiting for? Start upgrading your camper van!
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