Our van, Doris
Doris is a '22 Winnebago Revel that we've outfitted to support our life on the road. As you read through this, please remember that everyone’s personal preferences and average trip length are different. We will be living out of the van for 12-15 months, so we definitely prioritized storage and living space comfort. For example, I’m a bit of a “princess” when it comes to sleep comfort, so we splurged on the mattress. For others, that’s a crazy extravagance. Also, since we’ll be living in it for so long, storage was also a priority that we had which might be irrelevant for you if your focus is weekend trips. To each their own.
INSIDE THE VAN
Things we really like
(1) MoFi Cellular Router – Randy’s a big fan of this. Combined with a T-mobile SIM card and unlimited data plan we have internet access and wifi for all our devices almost EVERYWHERE we go.
(2) Showtime curtain – WAY WAY easier than the shades that came with the van.
(3) CA Vans mattress – WAY WAY more comfortable than the mattress that cames with the van.
(4) GLSS 2.0 with microwave – It basically DOUBLES the usable space inside the van and gives us a lovely spot to hang out and play games in after sunset
(5) Bed Step – A “must have” for Joan getting in and out of the bed at night.
Things we kinda like
(6) WeatherTech mats – for the front seats
(7) CA Vans “Jenna” table – Replaces the oval one that came with the van. We love the way it folds up small when we aren’t using it.
(8) Clausen Hardwoods Products – We have (1) the drawer extensions, (2) the cutting board for the sink, (3) the cargo net for shoes, and (4) extra pantry shelves.
They're all great products, but not "game changers".
Things we could do without
(9) WeBoost – It’s nice to have that boost for our cell signals in case we need it, but honestly we could live with out it. The TMobile signal on the MoFi router has been PLENTY strong.
Outside the Van
Things we really like
(1) Van Compass Suspension 4.3 – This was by far the single most expensive modification that we did, but it fundamentally changed the feel of the van. It’s SO much more responsive now and SO much less squirrelly on the highway. A definite must.
(2) Owl Vans Large Boxes – We needed storage for all our outside stuff and these definitely met that need. If your thought is that we overbought on storage space, I could definitely agree with that. But, as Joan says, “I’d rather be lookin’ at it than lookin’ for it”.
In one box we put (1) our Big Agnes chairs (2) our Big Agnes Tables, (3) our BioLite fire pit & firewood, (4) two rugs for outside. In the other box we store (1) our electrical hookups and supressors, (2) our water hoses and filters, (3) the tool kit, and (4) a jump starter/emergency battery, (5) Happy Camper (for the toilet) and a lot of of other odds and ends. And we still have some room to spare!
Things we kinda like
(3) Rear Bumper Step – This was a definite extravagance that we bought from Owl, but I have to admit that I do like the size and width of it. Especially with the GLSS we definitely needed one, but there are a million different designs on the market. Definitely not sure it was worth the price, but I do like it.
(4) Big Agnes Chairs & Tables (here or here). These chairs are a little bit complicated to assemble, but we’re getting better and quicker about it. The little table especially is incredibly solid. The best part about all of these? They take up VERY little space in the owl boxes.
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(5) Owl vans side ladder: We definitely need this to get to the roof and the Thule boxes (because we had to remove the stock ladder to make room for the boxes on the back). However, boy is it expensive.
Things we could do without
Nothing yet . . .
Knicknacks & Cooking items
Things we really like
(1) Hodel Tea Kettle – Easy and small to store. Heats very quickly. RJ’s only wish is that it had a temperature setting.
(2) Felt Boxes for storage – We put these in the bathroom / closet. They fit perfectly, don’t rattle and keep a lot of stuff. It also helps that RJ built an extra shelf for the very top position.
(3) AeroPress Coffee maker – Very small and works like a champ. Joan is a big fan.
(4) BioLite rechargeable lights – Great gifts from friends. They recharge in the electronics cabinet during the day and we hang them around the van for light at night. Multiple colors too, if that’s your thing.
Things we kinda like
(5) Magma Induction pans – This was a great gift from mom & dad. Not sure how many choices there are for induction pans, but these work just fine and sure pack up super small to save cabinet space.
(6) 40ft String of “Fairy Lights” – Got this idea from the Gnar Wagon folks. Strung them around the ceiling of the van, plugged into a USB outlet. Great ambience.
(7) Target Bamboo Shelf unit – Another of the many recommendations from the facebook group. Can’t beat the price at $14 and the width is perfect for the upper cabinets.
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Things we could do without
Nothing yet . . .