Are you thinking of taking a road trip in your campervan?
Don’t get caught unprepared. A road trip will give you the chance to travel for hours on end. You’ll have all the comforts of home with you. All you have to do is gather your supplies and information.
Sounds like a plan? Great!
But how do you prepare a campervan for a long road trip? It’s not just as easy as hopping inside and hitting the road. If you aren’t fully prepared, you’ll have a disastrous road trip on your hands.
Here’s a guide on how to prepare your campervan for a long road trip!
Prepare Your Campervan With Custom Van Conversion
To prepare your campervan for a long road trip, custom van conversion is the key to maximizing its utility and convenience. First, inspect and repair the campervan’s systems, such as:
- electrical
- plumbing
- safety systems
Replace any broken or worn parts and perform any necessary maintenance. Customize the campervan to meet your needs by outfitting it with the right accessories, such as:
- custom seating
- storage space
- other comforts
Make sure to research the available options before buying to ensure the best results. With all of this done, you’ll be ready to head out on your adventure with confidence.
Go for a Drive Test and Check for Maintenance Issues
Before a long road trip, it is important to test your campervan to ensure it is running properly. Start by setting aside a couple of hours to go for a drive. Test the:
- acceleration
- brakes
- steering
- suspension
- tire pressure
Get familiar with how the van handles, so you can avoid any surprises during your travels. In addition to a drive test, it is also important to check for maintenance issues. Make sure all lights, windshield wipers, and fluid levels are at their optimal levels. Pay attention to strange noises or smells and have them looked at by your mechanic if needed.
Make sure to properly inflate the tires and check them for wear and tear. The engine should be inspected for any damage or issues, and all parts are properly lubricated and in good working order.
Finally, take any necessary documentation with you. This can include all warranty information for any repairs, insurance papers, and registration papers. By taking the time to test and inspect your campervan, you will be prepared for a successful road trip.
Make Sure Your Fog Lights Are Prepared
Fog lights are important for a long road trip in a campervan, especially if you’re traveling in bad weather. Ensure your fog lights are in great condition before you set out on your journey. Check that the bulbs are working and that the lenses are clean.
You should also check for any corrosion or wear and tear on the parts, and replace them if necessary. Ensure that your fog lights are properly aligned with the road, and make sure all of your campervan’s outside lights are functioning correctly.
If possible, check the bulbs with a multimeter or other appropriate electronic testing device. Have the electrical wiring inspected to make sure it’s in good condition overall, and get your campervan serviced according to its manufacturer’s guidelines so it’s prepped for safe travel.
Load Your Sleeping Essentials
When you’re gearing up to take a long road trip in your campervan, it’s essential to make sure you have everything you need to rest and sleep comfortably. Begin by making sure the bed and furniture are clean and all the bedding, pillows, and blankets are in good condition.
Lay out your bedding and find the best spots to store your stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows. In addition, bring a few layers of sheets and blankets to your bedding. Consider purchasing an inflatable mattress or a sleeping bag for an extra cushion.
A few changes of comfortable clothes and shoes for sleeping can also come in handy. Finally, don’t forget to pack a few eye masks, earplugs, and white noise machines if you are looking to get a great night’s sleep after a long day on the road.
Load Your Cooking Essentials
When preparing for a long road trip in your campervan, it is important to load your cooking essentials and cooking sets for the journey. Before you start packing, it is important to consider what type of cuisine you would like to create and what type of cooking gear you’ll need for the job.
Start by packing basic items such as a cutting board, knives, cooking pans, pot and lids, and utensils. Remember to bring all of the food that you need for your planned dishes. Depending on your cooking plans, you may want to bring a stove, an oven, a barbecue, and condiments.
Taking the time to properly prepare your cooking essentials and cooking sets will ensure that you have all the items necessary to cook delicious meals throughout your road trip.
Pack the Right Kind of Food
It is important to purchase items that will not spoil easily and can provide good nutrition whilst on the road. It is also important to consider the type of food you want to eat and how it may last over an extended period.
Non-perishable items such as canned goods, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, cereal, and protein bars make for good traveling snacks. Pack a variety of produce such as oranges, apples, and bananas. For meals, prepare quick-cooking foods such as macaroni and cheese, pasta, and instant rice.
Purchase enough food items to last for the duration of your road trip. When shopping for food items for your campervan, remember to buy in bulk and keep to a budget to save time and money along the way.
Have an Emergency Kit
It is important to prepare your campervan for a long road trip by creating an emergency kit. The emergency kit should include essential items such as:
- a spare tire
- flashlights
- a first aid kit
- a fire extinguisher
- spare batteries
- a multi-tool
- a tire pressure gauge
- jumper cables
- flares
Additionally, ensure you have all the proper HVAC equipment and spare parts, in case you need to replace something on the journey. And when talking about what should be inside your first-aid kit, it should include a first-aid kit with a variety of medical supplies, like:
- band-aids
- antiseptics
- antihistamines
- painkillers
Burn ointment and insect repellent are also useful items to include.
Bring Extra Water for Everyone
No campervan adventure is complete without plenty of fresh water! Before embarking on a long road trip, it’s important to make sure that your campervan has an adequate water supply. Ensure that the water tank is topped up, and then bring extra containers filled with fresh drinking water.
Bring enough to last for the entire trip – you never know when you’ll end up stranded in the middle of the desert! Pack some water filters and purification tablets, too. That way, you can safely drink water from any available sources.
Additionally, storage containers and water bottles are great for making sure everyone can stay hydrated. It’s always better to have extra water, just in case. So remember to bring enough to last everyone on your road trip with plenty to spare!
Invest in a Backup Solar Supply
A solar power kit will provide your campervan with an energy source that doesn’t require regular refueling and can be used in remote areas with no access to traditional fuel sources. By using solar power, you can ensure that you have electricity for your needs, such as lighting and charging devices.
You won’t have to worry about running out of fuel or not being able to make it to a gas station. Additionally, solar power is often cheaper than traditional fuel sources, so it can save you money in the long run. With a reliable backup solar supply, you can feel confident that your campervan will be prepared for both the long and short trips you plan.
Never Load Unnecessary Items
When preparing for a long road trip in a campervan, it’s important to remember to never load unnecessary items. Keeping your weight to a minimum saves gas and helps keep your campervan in good running order. Consider what is necessary for your trip such as:
- food
- cookware
- camping equipment
- clothes
- sleeping bags
- towels
If possible, it’s best to store items in insulated tubs or storage bins to maximize storage space. Finally, be sure to properly secure all loose items, such as furniture or equipment. Keeping the weight of your camper to a minimum by not packing unnecessary items can make your road trip much smoother and more enjoyable.
Plan Your Route and Don’t Forget a Map
Long road trips require careful planning, and your campervan is no exception. Utilize an online route planner to assess the roads and conditions ahead, and be sure to print a paper copy of your route before you leave.
Know which route your camper can handle and adjust your route accordingly. Areas with heavy mud, rocks, and groves of trees should be avoided. Packing your campervan can be made easy by using the building blocks of “the packing triangle”.
Finally, don’t forget to bring along a trusty map. Knowing where you are at all times is paramount to a peaceful and successful journey.
Gas Up
When preparing your campervan for a long road trip, one of the most important items to check off on your list is ensuring you have plenty of gas. Before leaving, check the gas gauge and refuel your vehicle as needed. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to pay more for fuel stops along highways than when using in-town filling stations.
Make sure to top up the gas tank just before your leave and it’s wise to take a few liters of spare gas in a designated gas can in the event you need an emergency fill-up.
Before you hit the open road, make sure you have enough fuel to get you through the entire journey. This will ensure you don’t end up stranded with an empty tank.
Bring Extra Cash
Preparing your campervan for a long road trip requires having enough money to cover any surprises that could arise along the way. When packing for the trip, be sure to bring extra cash for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and more.
An important tip would be to create a budget before the trip, to help keep track of your spending. Be sure to bring enough cash to cover extra fuel, meals, tolls, and unexpected repairs.
Check Your Camper’s HVAC System
It is essential to check your campervan’s HVAC system before a long road trip. You should have it inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it is working properly and running efficiently. Make sure to check for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure the filter is clean.
Replace any parts that may need it and check the coolant levels. Make sure all the seals and doors are secured, the vents are clear and the thermostat is balanced. Finally, double-check that the power connections are secure, the settings are correct, and the operation and safety controls are set.
Taking these precautions will ensure that your HVAC system is running properly for a long road trip.
Your Campervan for a Long Road Trip Should Be Fully Functional
Your road trip will run smoother with a fully functional campervan. A road trip should be comfortable and enjoyable, and the right campervan will make it much more likely. Do your research today and book your dream campervan for your next trip.
For more reads aside from this vacation planning through campervan essentials, visit our blog.
