Best Portable Refrigerators for Camping and Vanlife (2022)

Portable Refrigerators

Living in a van or RV can be as comfortable as living in a house if you have the right tools at your disposal. It makes sense to have access to a refrigerator, it’s convenient and keeps your costs down by giving food a longer shelf life. Most importantly, it will keep your beer cold until it’s time to drink. So, what are your options for a portable fridge in your rig? 

Some people simply use a cooler box with ice. A 12v cooler will plug into your cars cigarette lighter and keep your produce cool. A big portable fridge freezer will have more room but at what cost to your battery or solar power?

We will dive into the icebox and give you all the details about the array of different options so you can decide what is the best portable refrigerator to suit your needs.

Initial Considerations When Picking Your Fridge/Freezer

Decide on what type of portable fridge you need based on a few considerations;

  • The number of people using the fridge.
  • The length of time it will be used and the kind of food you need to keep cool. For example, there is little point running a large power-hungry fridge if you are a solo weekend traveler and prefer to eat out.
  • The space available in your kitchen for the fridge and the average temperature of the places you will be travelling to.
  • Budget. You can go as cheap as a $20 cooler box or as expensive as a $1,000 portable 12v fridge freezer.

Here in Ireland we don’t need a fridge because for most of the year the whole country feels like a fridge! We can store our cooler on the driver’s seat or outside the van at night with no fear of bears. Others may not be so lucky.

So, what are the options for your style of travel, your budget and your rig?

OPTION 1 --- No Fridge

The cons of not having a fridge are pretty obvious… in that you, well, have no fridge. If you choose not to have a portable refrigerator, then most likely you are a weekend warrior who spends time in their van in short bursts rather than living full time on the road. Having no fridge is no big problem for a few days.

Pro’s of having no fridge

  • No drain on your battery or solar panel
  • Let the store worry about refrigeration, buy chilled produce as you need it
  • No fridge takes up no space in your already tiny kitchen.

Con’s of having no fridge

  • Less cold food, less chilled beer
  • More trips to the grocery store
  • More reliance on nearby businesses
  • Limits the kinds of food you can carry
  • Makes having leftovers hard

If you don’t eat a lot of dairy or meat and just need to keep a few beers chilled until the evening, the battery saving option of having no fridge might be for you. You can park near a stream, tie your bottles to a tree and let nature do the work. Or, you could just buy food that doesn’t require much (or any) refrigeration.

For the coffee aficionados among us, there is no need to go without your morning fix just because you have no fridge. Use UHT, powdered milk, or a substitute like soya or oat milk which won’t spoil as quickly. Read all about how to brew the perfect cup of camping coffee here:

OPTION 2 --- Cooler Box & Ice Ice Baby

A really quick solution for overnight trips or short weekends in your campervan or RV, pick up a cooler box, stuff it full of ice and go! Freeze 1 L water bottles in advance of your trip to line the box and keep the food chilled, these can be drinking water to take on hikes when they defrost.

Simple and lightweight when empty, the cooler box can replace a portable fridge for short term. They are not designed to freeze food or keep food frozen, but they will hold a lot of items and keep them cool. They are waterproof and durable enough for the rigors of van life or camping.

Ultimate Budget Option

Coleman Performance Cooler (48 Quart / 63 Beers)

coleman ice box

This ice chest cooler is a frequent sight in campgrounds across the world. It’s simple, functional, and cheap. It has a drain spout located at the bottom. Although this model doesn’t have them, you can find these portable coolers with wheels, which make them easier to transport.

Heavier Duty Cooler

REYLEO Camping Cooler (25-52 Quart / 36-60 Beers)

igloo fridge freezer

This Igloo ice chest really looks the part and promises to keep ice frozen for 3-5 days! This one is leakproof with sturdy latches and very very very durable! I mean, it claims to be virtually indestructible, but I will let you be the judge of that. Van life can be cruel on appliances!

For a more sustainable way to keep your cooler box cold, use these reusable blocks. A great option if you have access to a freezer back home, they can keep food chilled for a couple of days. They are also handy to have around if you need an icepack!

OPTION 3 --- 12v Portable Cooler Fridge

12v portable refrigerators are great for car camping, RV living, van life, off-roading, and even on a boat. These top-loading cooler boxes can be plugged into a cigarette lighter, wired into a 12v or 24v system and some even can be plugged into an everyday 120v or 240v house plug.

Top-loading portable fridges are more energy efficient than their front loading counterparts. This is simply due to the fact that cold air sinks and warm air rises… so when you are digging around within the fridge, the cold air doesn’t escape like it does in a more traditional fridge.

These chest-like refrigerators are also nice because they can be put in spots where other refrigerators cant. A lot of people like to put them under a bench or have them pull out from under their beds.

The Best Dometic Portable Refrigerators

Small Footprint

Dometic CFX3-35 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer (36L / 50 Beers)

dometic cfx 35L portable refrigerator

This tiny cooler fridge is built durable for rugged outdoor use. Like most of these portable fridge/freezers, it can run off of AC or DC making it perfect to toss in your truck, camper, or overlanding vehicle. all of Dometic’s CFX models can be paired with an app on your phone allowing you to monitor and control the temperature settings. Although this fridge doesn’t have dual zone like the one below, it can reach temperatures of -7°F. 

Largest Capacity

Dometic CFX3-95DZ 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer (94L / 133 Beers)

dometic cfx3 electric portable regrigerator

Well, technically there is one size larger than this 94L beast… but it’s only 5 liters larger and doesn’t have a freezer section, so I chose this one. It has all the bell’s and whistles that the other CFX models have, like the bluetooth/wifi connection to their app, ability to run off of AC or DC, and super rugged construction. This one is also a dual section fridge, so you can have both a fridge and a freezer (as opposed to one or the other).

Middle Ground

Dometic CFX3-55IM 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer (55L / 87 Beers)

dometic portable 12v fridge freezer

We think this Dometic 12v portable fridge is a good middle ground. The CFX-55IM is 55 Liters, which should be plenty for most people’s needs. Just like the other CFX models, this has all the same kind of specs. The one difference in this 55IM fridge model is that it has a Rapid Freeze Plate. So even though it’s not a dual-zone fridge/freezer you can still freeze things on the freeze plate. It even can make ice in a matter of hours. 

The Best Alpicool Portable Refrigerators

Small Footprint

Alpicool C20 (21 Quart / 25 Beers)

alpicool portable refrigerator

The Alpicool is another popular name and has a great design and functionality. It looks like a fridge, with 25L capacity and can run as a fridge OR a freezer. The LED control helps you increase or decrease the temperature or change between modes. It runs on 12v/24v, plugs into your cigarette charger port and promises the motor runs quietly. It also comes with an AC adaptor allowing it to run off 120v/240v. A very cool addition to the van kitchen!

Big Boy Dual Temperature

Alpicool T60 Dual Temperature (63 Quart / 78 Beers)

aplicool portable 12v fridge freezer

This is Alpicool’s “big boy” portable 12v fridge freezer. Like most the other models that Alpicool has, this one can be ran off 12v/24v and has an adaptor for 120v/240v. What makes this portable fridge special, however, is not just it’s size… it is dual temperature. This means that it can be both a refrigerator and a freezer at the same time!

The Best ARB Portable Refrigerators

Overall Best ARB Fridge

ARB Fridge/Freezer (50 Quart / 65 Beers)

arb portable fridge

ARB has their standard flagship model that ranges in a variety of sizes from 37 quarts to upwards of 82 quarts. They have the ability to refrigerate or freeze, but not both at the same time on these models. The 50quart model is a nice happy spot and should contain plenty of room for all of your kitchen needs.

Largest Capacity and Dual Zone!

ARB Zero DZ Fridge/Freezer (73 Quart / 108 Beers)

ARB zero portable fridge freezer dual zone

Another line of portable fridge/freezers produced by ARB is the Zero. Like most all of the fridges listed on this article, the Zero can be charged from AC or DC. One bonus this model has is that it contains a USB charger for your phones or other small electronic devices. Unlike the above mentioned ARB model, the Zero does have Dual-Zone (DZ) options, meaning you can run both a fridge AND a freezer at the same time… with the correct model of course.

Other 12v Portable Fridges

Koolatron P25 Portable Electric Cooler (26 Quart / 31 Beers)

koolatron portable fridge

These slim and sturdy Koolatron 24L cooler boxes are made from strong wipe-clean plastic and were designed to fit between the seats of a minivan or into tight cargo spaces. Perfect for picnics, hiking and car camping or anywhere you need to go. The iceless thermoelectric technology keeps cold food colder for longer than an icebox and can even warm up to 57C! Easy to use and with 12V adaptor and strong handle, the Koolatron is a reliable cooler box which won’t take up much room in your mobile kitchen.

OPTION 4 --- The Mini Fridge

Some people do not like top-loading portable fridges. They can be difficult to find things that are buried deep in the bottom. They also can be hard to fit into a stationary home inside a van, boat, RV, or camper. That is where a 12v mini fridge will shine. These mini refrigerators are staples in dorm rooms across the country. 

The Best 12v Mini Fridges for Van Life

Small Footprint

AstroAI Mini Fridge 12v or AC Powered Mini Fridge (4 Liter / 6 Beers)

astroAI mini fridge 12v

These AstroAI mini fridges are countertop sized, they run off your 12V charger and take up little room. Although they are small the inside is fully customizable to make the space work for you and your ingredients. Mini fridges don’t contain any refrigeration fluids or a compressor making them a safer option. I love the black glossy finish; it looks like a fridge should! Fully portable with a carry handle, perfect for a weekend jaunt to the wilderness.

Largest Capacity

SMETA RV Mini Fridge 12v/110v (Various Sizes)

SMETA RV mini fridge

SMETA makes RV Mini Fridges that run off both 12v or 110v. They have a cigarette lighter adaptor for easy use in a vehicle and come in several different sizes ranging from 1 cubic foot to 1.6 cubic feet (that’s 28 – 45 liters). This is the type of portable refrigerator that most people think of when they think of RV or van fridges.

Middle Ground

Dometic CRX1050E AC/DC Portable Mini Fridge (50 Liter / 80 Beers)

dometic portable mini fridge for vanlife

This Dometic 12v/AC portable fridge is a great option for campervans, RV’s, trucks, or any other situation. It has an awesome capacity at 50 Liters. It’s portable, durable, and looks amazing with it’s sleek silver finish. However, this one comes with a hefty price tag.

Refrigeration Considerations

Keeping your fridge or cooler box organized is essential to cut costs and prevent leftovers from spoiling. Use small lunchboxes to separate the produce and decant milk into plastic bottles to prevent spillage. These cool clear milk boxes will ensure you won’t have to deal with leaky cartons OR run out of milk or juice unexpectedly again.
Tidy, empty and rinse out your cooler box regularly to avoid smells. Keep time open to an absolute minimum by deciding what you want before you go get it, no more dawdling in front of the fridge for minutes while you chose between yogurt and cheese strings! Keep your fridge (and the whole kitchen) spotless with these sink organizers. Easily configured to suit your needs, the nonslip drip tray will keep your surfaces clean and hygienic, no matter where you are camping.

If you like to cook in bulk for the carefree days ahead, consider a pack of meal prep freezer boxes to keep your dinners fresh. Stackable and easy to wash, they are lightweight and versatile, perfect for picnics, packed lunches and storing sauces, casseroles or any camping kitchen creations. 

Never throw away leftovers again!

What type of refrigeration are you rocking in your rig? Cooler box, 12V portable fridge or solar powered chest freezer? No fridge and no need for one? Leave a comment below and let us know what works for you and why!

DIY Camper Van Awning – A Simple and Easy Guide

DIY awning for van

Awnings are awesome. Whether you’re looking for shelter from the sun or rain, an awning is a great addition to your camper van. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on one. Yes, you can build your own DIY awning for the fraction of the cost of one of the popular big-brand van awnings,

DIY Awning For Your Van (Brian Sano)

Brian Sano made his DIY van awning for less than $100. It utilizes suction cups, ten poles, a waterproof tarp, and an extendable pole. It might seem overwhelming at first, but if you watch his video you will see how simple it is to build and set-up. Brian also has links to all the parts you need in the description of the video, so check it out.

There are other ways of creating a camper van DIY awning as well. Get creative. If you have build your own awning let us know in the comments below! If you have pictures or a video we’d love to feature it on this very article.

If you arn’t interested in building your own DIY awning, you might want to check out our article about our Favorite Camper Van Awnings.

Best Cassette Toilet | Portable Toilet Reviews

vanlife portable toilet

So, you’ve decided to add a toilet to your campervan and now face the dilemma of figuring out which one to purchase. Maybe you feel a wee bit overwhelmed with the seemingly endless options and overrun with other people’s opinions. Fear not. There are a few steps you can take to help you make a solid decision about where to deposit your solids, pun intended. In this article we will discuss the best cassette toilet options.

Cassette toilets are sometimes referred to as chemical toilets, so we will use that term throughout the article as well.

If you haven’t read it already, head over to our article about the best portable toilet options for your campervan or RV. There we will discuss why you would need a toilet, as well as (nearly) every option available (composting, bucket toilets, shitting in the woods, the she-wee, and a few others). Here, however, we will focus on the best cassette toilets. 

The Best Cassette Toilet Options (at a glance)

A quick little overview of what we think the best cassette toiles are in each category. If you want to know why, you’ll have to read on. 

Best Cassette Toilet Overall

Thetford Porta Potti 365
thetford best cassette toilet

Best Cassette Toilet on a Budget

CamCo Portable Cassette Toilet
best cassette toilet for a budget CamCo

Best Cassette Toilet w/ Small Footprint

Thetford Porta Potti 135
best cassette toilet with small footprint

Best Luxury Cassette Toilet

Thetford Porta Potti White
best cassette toilet luxury

Toilet Talk

What is a Cassette Toilet?

Cassette toilets are fully contained portable toilets that are perfect for RV, marine, camping, and vanlife. Generally, they all work in the same similar fashion.

They usually consist of a waste tank and a fresh tank, of varying sizes. You do your business in the bowl, then flush the water down into the waste tank. Most cassette toilets have a pull-door that opens the waste tank and use either a manual push pump or a electric push-button to flush.

Other functions might be advertised along with the toilets, such as a TP roll holder, waste tank leveler, adjustable seat height, or locking lids.

When considering adding a camping toilet to your rig, the first thing you need to do is measure the space you have available. Size factor could be a dealmaker or a dealbreaker. Some models of portapotties are bigger and bulkier and simply might not fit.

If you are still in the building stage, plan to install a roof vent, like the Maxxair Maxxfan or the Dometic Fantastic Fan. Try to keep your toilet space easily accessible, well ventilated and consider the weight of these shitboxes when they are full. Don’t impede the eventual emptying by having to lift the top section too far up or too far over to separate the top from the bottom.

Some vans have toilets hidden inside box seating which is great until emptying time so if you are building one of these, ensure the toilet slides right out easily, even when full.

Do You Even Need a Portable Cassette Toilet?

There are many options to suit your van and your budget. On one hand, you can easily just shit in the woods. On the other, a fancy John, with a gleaming white ceramic bowl, electrical flush and tank level indicator can be plumbed straight into your RV waterpipes for maximum convenience and minimum contact with effluence.

The pros of the latter option are obvious but what about the cons?

A permanent toilet is fixed in place, requiring a much larger dedicated bathroom space. They have more parts that could break which may be difficult to access or may require a professional to fix.

The problem of where to empty such a toilet remains an issue as well. A cassette toilet (or camping toilet) is a smaller, lighter and more mobile portapotty. What these toilets lack in tank capacity they make up for in ease of use, affordability, mobility and options for emptying.

So if you’re trying to figure out your bathroom situation as you plan your van build, consider a cassette toilet. It is a happy medium between digging a cathole behind a bush and spending a thousand dollars to plumb in a permenant toilet.

So then, what are best cassette toilets for your campervan or RV?

The Dometic Portable Toilet

Dometic is a very common and well-respected name in the RV, campervan, and offroading communities. If you see Dometic’s name you can be pretty certain you are getting a quality product, whatever that product is, and it is no different with their portable toilets.

Dometic’s toilets come with 2.5 or 5-gallon waste tank options and secure side latches to lock the sections together tightly. These thrones are portable, strong, and only way around 3lb when empty. This makes it a perfect cassette toilet option for camping and RV living. 

These toilets do the job of letting you do your job comfortably!

The no frills model is your basic cassette toilet. It has a manual pull lever for emptying the contents of the toilet into the waste tank as well as a push-pump-flush.

The “some frills” model has a few upgrades. Dometic chose to add an electric flush (battery operated) button and has optional upgrade for mountain brackets to secure it into your van conversion build.

Dometic's Best Cassette Toilet Options

No Frills

Dometic Portable Cassette Toilet (301096206)

Dometic 2.5 gallon cassette toilet
  • 2.5 Gallon (9.5L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 2.5 Gallon (9.5L) or 5 Gallon (19L) Waste Water Tank
  • 16.5 x 14.5 x 12.5 inches
  • Squat and simple, no frills

Some Frills

Dometic Cassette Toilet (301097606)

  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) or 5 Gallon (19L) Waste Water Tank
  • 13.5 x 15.5 x 16.5 inches
  • Powerful electric push button flush
  • Optional mounting brackets for secure mount

Camco Cassette Toilets

Camco is another well trusted brand when it comes to anything camping related. Of course, they also make portable camping toilets or else they wouldn’t have made this list.

Their (41541) model cassette toilet boasts of its sturdiness, catering to weights of to up to 330lbs. With much the same features as the toilets above, they also offer drop-in toilet tablets and biodegradable sachets for the waste tank.

Camco's Best Cassette Toilet Options

Large Holding Tank

Camco Portable Travel Toilet (41541)

best cassette toilet for a budget CamCo
  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) or 5.3 Gallon (20L) Waste Water Tank
  • 15.5 inch H x 14 inch W x 16 inch
  • Cheap, heavy-duty with higher weight limit

Small Footprint

Camco Premium Portable Travel Toilet (41545)

camco portable toilet
 
  • 5.3 Gallon (20L) Waste Water Tank
  • 12″ H x 16″ W x 17″ D
  • 11.3 lbs when empty
  • Small footprint
ON SALE!!

At the time of this article, both of these toilets are on sale for 50% off on Amazon. Make sure to check and see if they still are!

SereneLife Chemical Toilets

Want to make your tiny-house-on-wheels even more serene? 

Light a candle, sit back and conduct your business on a SereneLife Portable Toilet System. Complete with a handy carry bag and integrated level indicator, these cassette toilets have a rotating pipe for ease of emptying and the unit looks and feels like a real house toilet. 

The large water reserve tank promises 50+ flushes, is that enough for your relaxing weekend off grid in the boonies? I would certainly hope so!

SereneLife's Best Cassette Toilet

Serene Life Outdoor Portable Toilet
serene Life outdoor portable toilet
  • 3.2 Gallon (12L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 5.3 Gallon (20L) Waste Water Tank
  • 20.90 x 20.50 x 18.60 Inches
  • Comes with its own carrying case

Thetford Portable Cassette Toilet

Thetford is arguably the best-known brand name of portapotty. They invented the cassette toilet we know and love! Ok, perhaps love is a strong word to use in relation to any toilet, it is just a box of poo after all. It does need to be emptied and that is pretty gross, even at the best of times.

Some jobs just must be done, however, and the Thetford cassette toilet makes it easy.

There are many types of Thetford units on the market, and they all come with their own pro’s and con’s. Thetford also has what we consider to be some of the overall best cassette toilet options.

Thetford Cassette Toilets

Thetford Porta Potti 135
best cassette toilet with small footprint

This cassette toilet has the smallest capacity out of the Thetford models. However, it can fit into smaller storage areas because of how squat it is. The toilet has a manual pull valve for the waste tank and a pumper to flush. Plus, it is pretty damn cheap.

  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) Waste Water Tank
  • 12.2″ Height x 13.5″ Width x 15″ Depth
  • Squat and simple
Thetford Porta Potti 345
thetford porta pottie 345 great portable toilet

This cassette toilet is very similar to the porta potti 135 model listed above with one difference. A bigger tank! Bigger is better, right? Also, I realize in this picture it looks like the tank is smaller than the 135… it’s not.

  • 4 Gallon (15L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 3.2 Gallon (12L) Waste Water Tank
  • 13″ height x 15″ width x 16.8″ depth
  • Squat and simple… but slightly bigger (that’s what she said)
FINALLY, OUR FAVORITE (2) PORTABLE CASSETTE TOILETS

Actually, we like both of these toilets. One is more basic, the other more luxurious.

Thetford Porta Potti 365
thetford big boy is the biggest and best portable toilet

Sometimes more frills is not necessarily better, however. This Thetford porta potty has the old standard manual push-pump for flushing as opposed to a battery powered button. Less electronics typically means less that could go wrong. 

  • 4 Gallon (15L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 5.5 Gallon (21L) Waste Water Tank
  • 15.36 x 17.13 x 16.6 inches
  • Easy to dump with it’s swivel dump spout
Thetford Porta Potti White
thetford luxury potty is a great portable toilet option

Now, not all portable cassette toilets are created equal and this is no exception. This Thetford model not only has a unique, slim design that allows it to fit in a variety of spaces, it has an electric flush. That’s right, pop some batteries in this sucker and it will suck your poo right down into the waste water tank. It’s the only model on our list that does this. Want to know something else that’s cool? it has an adjustable seat height… yeah. Crazy, right?

  • 4 Gallon (15L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 5.5 Gallon (21L) Waste Water Tank
  • 17.6″ height x 15.2″ width x 17.7″ depth
  • Adjustable seat height

Dump Your Dumps

Where to Dump Your Dumps

Dumping your cassette toilet is a fairly easy process, even if it is perhaps a little stinky. There are some general rules to consider, however.

Never, ever, ever dump your waste tank into anywhere other than designated areas. This means ABSOLUTELY NO dumping into forests, rivers, streams, holes in the ground, pit toilets, outhouses, sidewalks, street drains, garbage cans… actually it might be a bit easier for me to tell you where you CAN dump it.

Cassette toilets can be dumped in the following places,

  • Porta-Pottis (Like the HoneyBucket kind)
  • Flushable toilets (like at rest stops or your very understanding friend’s house)
  • Septic tanks (make sure you are using a septic tank safe RV waste tank solution)
  • RV dump stations

The Dumping Process

The dumping process is pretty straight-forward. Most waste tanks are attached to the cassette toilet by a pair of latches. Find wherever these latches are located and, well, unlatch them.

Make sure the trap-door lid is tightly shut before attempting to move around the waste tank. Your cassette toilet should have a handle on it somewhere. Use that to carry it to the appropriate dump site.

There should be some sort of swivel-out drainage tube somewhere on that waste tank. Swivel it out, uncap it if it has a lid. If you’re really good you will be able to plug your nose with one hand and dump the sewage with the other.

If you use appropriate chemicals your cassette toilet’s waste tank shouldn’t be terrible but you might want to give it a few good rinses to clean out any leftovers and use a cleaning product from time to time.

Dumping tips

  • Fill the waste tank with water to make dumping easier
  • Pee in your cassette toilet as an alternative to adding water
  • Wear gloves
  • Avoid the splash!

Toilet Cleaning and Maintenance

All cassette and chemical toilets need to be taken care of and cleaned regularly. Refer to the user manual for instructions and add chemicals only where advised. Pink-and-blue toilet chemicals will keep your waste breaking down and your white bowl sparkling.

Cassette Toilet Cleaner

This Elsan brand toilet fluid is eco-friendly, doesn’t generate that chemically sterile smell and comes in larger 2 liter bottles. No excuses for that smell now!

elsan organic toilet cleaning solution

Whatever you do don’t use pure bleach to clean your cassette toilets. In fact, we don’t even recommend using diluted bleach. Bleach can break down your seals causing the possibility of a nasty leak.

If you dump into a septic tank that is even more reason to be weary of bleach. Large amounts of bleach can kill the beneficial bacteria in these systems.

The Best Cassette Toilet Chemicals

Keep your cassette toilet clean with these toilet chemicals, we especially like the environmentally friendly additive which promises to keep your unit odor free without damaging the seals.

Thetford's 3-in-1 Eco Smart

Eco-Friendly

eco smart cassette toilet chemicals

TST Max Cassette Toilet Chemicals

TST max cassette toilet chemical

Thetford Aqua-Kem Toilet Deodorizer

Thetford Aqua-kem

It is important to keep your waste tank clean and smell-free. Definitely use a recommended RV waste tank chemical for your cassette toilet. These products will assist in the breaking down of the poops and the toilet paper, making it easier to dump your dumps. 

 

Winterizing Your Cassette Toilet

If you’re going to be in a cold climate for the winter, cassette toilets run the risk of freezing. This freezing will not only cause the toilet to be unusable at that particular moment, but it can break seals ruining the toilet all-together. 

Look into adding small amounts of environmentally safe anti-freeze to avoid costly repairs.

Toilet Accessories

Privacy Tents for your Camper Toilet

No room for a portapotty in your setup? Maybe you are tent camping for a few days and need the assurance of a toilet available? 

Check out these nifty privacy rooms. Affordable, lightweight and assembled in minutes, a bathroom tent is great for longer trips, larger families and having easy access to a private area can completely transform the camping experience for some.

GreenElephant Pop-up Utility Tent

green elephant pop up portable toilet tent

GigaTent Portable Pop-up Pod

Giga tent portable toilet tent

Extra Cassettes

Staying off grid for a long time and need room for more waste? The beauty of a cassette toilet means you can always carry an extra cassette and double your waste capacity. Make use of very sporadic trips empty the toilet and never get caught short again! 

Consider keeping a large lidded plastic box or a sturdy bag to carry the full one. Accidents can and do happen so keep things well contained for worry free waste management.

Portable Camping Sink

Got the room for a sink but don’t want to drill excess holes in the floor of your rig? Or prefer to have a more simple set up?

Consider one of these portable camping sinks! Fasten it to the floor and fill the reserve with up to 19 liters of fresh water. Use the foot pump for hands free handwashing and the built in towel hanger for extra convenience. It even includes space for a bottle of handsoap or sanitizer. This could be the perfect portable solution for easily accessible drinking water too if space is tight!

SereneLife Portable Camping Sink

portable sink by serenelife

Multi-use Toilet Accessory Buddy

And lastly, I know you’d like to think your shit don’t stink but let’s be honest with each other. We are all vanlifers (or aspiring vanlifers) and we all know the score. Keep a handy set of toilet cleaning implements nearby to tidy up your streaky mess and keep your portapotty bowl sparkling.

This cool portable unit houses a toilet brush, a travel trash bin and extra storage for your roll. Fully waterproof for large scale liquid accidents and with two colors to choose from, this is a functional and hygienic choice to make your small room the best equipped room in your rig!

cassette toilet essentials

RV/Marine Toilet Paper

Using proper toilet paper in your portable cassette toilet will safe you hassle down the road. RV TP is specifically designed to break down quickly with the chemical additives which allows for easier dumping and breakdown after dumping.

We recommend 1-ply if you can stand it, for the above-mentioned reasons, but there is also 2-ply offered as well.

Cassette Toilet Pro's and Con's

Pro's

  • Freedom. Cassette toilets offer you a bit more freedom than relying on public toilet options or even a more permanent RV or composting toilet. Think about it, you can remove the cassette toilet and take it somewhere more private if you have a van full of people!
  • Smell. Since they are contained systems, cassette toilets offer better smell-protection than the old bucket-and-chuckit method
  • No separation of pee and poo. Unlike the bucket method or a composting toilet, you don’t need to sperate your liquids from your solids.
  • Ease of use. These cassette toilets are fairly simple without a ton of frills. This means less things that could go wrong, which is a good thing. In contrast, a composting toilet has an electric fan, multiple chambers, a churner, and a vent port. Jeeze.
  • Cost. These toilets can be found for under $100, which is a pretty good deal to me.

Con's

  • The Smell. I know I listed smell as a positive but cassette toilets can still start to stink if they arn’t taken care of properly. Make sure to clean and dump your toilet frequently. 
  • Spillage. Yuck. It will most likely happen to you at SOME point during your adventures. When you are having to empty your cassette toilet manually, you are bound to have some accidents.
  • Space. I don’t know if I’d count this as a con, strictly speaking. It’s more of something you just have to be aware about. These toilets do take up space in an already tiny environment.

7 Cassette Toilet Tips

1) Dump Frequently

Dump frequently, whenever you get the chance, even if you don’t really need to. This will help reduce smell and keep your toilet empty for when you need it most.

Also, you never really know when you are going to find a proper place to dump your cassette toilet, so keeping it as empty as possible is best practice.

2) Keep lid closed when opening valve

Whenever you open the waste tank valve-door, keep the lid of the toilet closed. These tanks sometimes build up pressure, especially at altitudes, and can spray right up into your face if you are not careful.

3) Check the waste valve before using the toilet

For the same reasoning as above, it is best to check and see if that waste water tank on your cassette toilet is pressurized before actually using the toilet. Start by opening the valve just ever-so-slightly with the lid closed. 

Be especially cautious if you have gone up in elevation.

4) Keep the cassette toilet clean

Keeping the cassette toilet clean will help prevent bad odors from building up in your tank. These toilets are sealed units, but they can still build up a foul smell if not taken care of and cleaned properly.

Again, avoid bleach and use designated RV cassette toilet cleaning solutions.

5) Ventilate

Crack the windows before you poop! Especially if you live in your van with a partner. It’s just good etiquette. In fact, if you have a RV roof vent fan, put that sucker on exhaust mode to help suck out the smell.

6) Use less toilet paper

Use less toilet paper, and the proper toilet paper. The less toilet paper in the waste tank the easier your cassette toilet will be to dump. Big wads of poorly dissolvable TP can clog the dump spout and make your life miserable!

7) Whenever possible, use something else

One of the easiest and most simple ways to keep your cassette toilet clean and your van smell free is to use something else to go to the bathroom. Whether this is a public bathroom, your friend’s place, or digging a cathole when you’re out boondocking; all these things are more pleasant than dumping a cassette toilet’s waste tank.

In Conclusion

STILL not convinced you need a cassette toilet in your RV or campervan? STILL unsure of the benefits of an easily accessible, easily emptied portapotty in your rig? Check out some other toileting options here: 

Toilet Talk: The Best Portable Toilet Options for Vanlife, RV, or Camping

portable toilet with @ditchingconventional

Where do you poo? What is the best portable toilet option for vanlife or RV living? Should I take a toilet camping? SO MANY QUESTIONS!! Well, hopefully we can get down to the dirty details and answer your questions in our article, “Toilet Talk: The Best Portable Toilet Options for Vanlife, Camping, or RV Living

Does a bear shit in the woods? Yes. But, that doesn’t mean YOU have to. I mean, that is the whole point of getting a camper toilet, right?  

Converting your van into a home-on-wheels means making yourself as comfortable as possible. Replicating the essential parts of a house, like the kitchen and bathroom, will make your transition to vanlife a smooth one as well as make going to the bathroom a smooth operation 

Everybody poops, sometimes even multiple times a day, so be prepared to deal with it. Proper planning prevents piss poor performance. Who wants to waste time on the road searching for facilities when you could be relaxing, lounging around your campervan and enjoying the sights outside your windows? 

Of course, there is the environment to consider too. As vanlifers, our everyday efforts to minimize our impact on the earth and reduce the level of waste we produce matters. Luckily, there are many different bathroom setups available to suit every situation and budget, and we’ve picked out some favorites for the best portable toilet in each category.

Also, because cassette toilets are so commonly used, and there are so many, we did a seperate review of the best cassette toilets that you can find here:

Best Portable Toilet Options (at a glance)

Best Cassette Toilet (Chemical Toilet)

Thetfort Porta Potti 365

thetford is the best portable cassette toilet

Thetfort is the best known brand when it comes to cassette toilets, and for good reason.

Best Composting Toilet

Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Nature's head is the best portable composting toilet

If you decide that you must absolutely have a composting toilet, than Nature’s Head is the leading brand, but it comes at a price.

Best Bucket Toilet

Reliance Luggable Loo 5-Gallon

Luggable loo best portable toilet bucket toilet

Luggable Loo is simple, cheap, and effective.

Best Alternative Way to Take a Dump

Use a public bathroom! 

public bathroom instead of a portable toilet

When in doubt, you can always squeeze one out in a public bathroom, or a really understanding friend’s house.

What We Will Cover

We will cover basic poo etiquette and why it is important to separate your 1’s from your 2’s. We will go over the best portable toilets (cassette, composting, and bucket toilets) as well as other toileting options. Maybe most importantly, we will go into the dirty details about how to dispose of your waste.

Use this table of contents to skip around, if you’re so inclined.

Table of Contents

Toilet Talk: An Easier Way to Pee

The best way to extend the life of your camper or RV toilet might be to separate the liquids (which are easily discarded) from the solids (which are not).

Go outside and write your name in the snow or water the flowers when nature calls. Or, if that is impossible, use a wide mouthed vessel with a tightly sealed lid.   

This doesn’t just go for men. Women can purchase a she-wee, or a similar female urinal product. They are cheap, comfortable, easy to use and can provide a certain amount of ease-of-mind in an emergency. Perfect for stealth camping in the city or driveway surfing in suburbia. 

Best Female Urinals

Sunany’s Female Urinal

shewee urinal

The most common female urinal “design” made out of a collapsible silicone material allowing you to pee while standing up.

The Tinkle Belle Female Urinal

female urinal device the Tinkle Belle

This design is partly rigid which allows women to not only pee while standing up, but also while fully clothed. 

The She Wee Female Urinal

she wee female urinal

The she-wee is a fully rigid design which, again, allows women to pee while standing and fully clothed.

Empty your collected urine regularly and discreetly–down a drain, or onto grass, or under the cover of darkness. Small amounts of urine will not hurt the environment. In fact, a thirsty tree will appreciate the nitrogen!  

Keep a USB charged headlamp hanging by your van door for night-time excursions, because–safety first… and two hands are better than one for a job like this. 

So, pee is easy peasy, but what are your options for number two? 

The Wild Poo

Wherever possible, be like the bear and conduct your business outside!  

If you are lucky enough to park up in mostly secluded spots like leafy forests and sparse mountainsides, pooping-al-fresco is a great option. Take a hand trowel, go well off the beaten path, dig a hole and deposit your load. Cover up the mess and leave absolutely no trace 

For bonus eco-friendly points, use freshly fallen leaves to wipe, provided of course they are not poison ivy. That could lead to an embarrassing visit to the E.R.  

Check out this handy multi-tool and folding shovel. It’s perfect for digging shitholes, fits neatly in your backpack and so very useful in so many situations. It even has a hatchet in case you run into those aforementioned bears. 

IUNIO Multi-Use Shovel Tool

folding shovel multitool is a good option instead of a camping toilet

The she-wee is a fully rigid design which, again, allows women to pee while standing and fully clothed.

The Free Poo

By far the best, most eco-friendly, most satisfying way to drop anchor is into someone else’s pre-plumbed, sparkling white, pristine ceramic bowl. Use a friend or relatives house, a campground, a gas station restroom, a playground toilet or any business you have just paid to patronize 

Remember if you don’t bring it into the van, you won’t have to take it out again; this applies especially to poo. Use an app to find public toilets nearby, time your movements to coincide with the available facilities and don’t be afraid to ask. Using someone else’s toilet can extend the life of yours immeasurably, not to mention reduce the smell inside your campervan or RV

Carry a small washbag with a toilet roll, biodegradable wipes and hand sanitizer in your backpack, just in case. 

The Buck-it and Chuck-it Method & Best Portable Bucket Toilets

bucket portable toilet by @theunraveledroad
Photo credit: @theunraveledroad

Best Bucket Toilets

Reliance Luggable Loo 5-Gallon

Luggable loo best portable toilet bucket toilet

Luggable Loo is simple, cheap, and effective. It’s the cheapest pre-made bucket toilet and there’s not to much more to say on the matter 🙂

Reliance Luggable Loo 5-Gallon

camco bucket portable toilet

Luggable Loo is simple, cheap, and effective. It’s the cheapest pre-made bucket toilet and there’s not to much more to say on the matter 🙂

Use these buckets lined with a plastic bag, bag up the results and dispose of it as soon as humanly possible into a dedicated dog poo bin. Some like to line the bag with straw, pet bedding or even kitty litter to absorb the liquids, and hopefully the aroma, but this setup should be used for emergencies only.  

Now their isn’t much to these portable bucket toilets. In fact, you could probably save a couple bucks by making your own.

A makeshift, DIY portable toilet for your campervan is a quick fix if you are caught in a pinch but not to be considered a long-term solution, for health and hygiene reasons, not to mention the potential smell in a small living area. 

DIY portable toilet by @my_hikes_log
Photo credit: @my_hikes_log
DIY portable toilet by @itsjennyfromtheblog
Photo credit: @itsjennyfromtheblog

The ‘bucket and chuck it’ method could get expensive, it certainly costs the planet in plastic and let’s face it, you might be living in a van, but hovering over a bucket every day squeezing one out? You’re better than that. 

This van is your castle…

You deserve a throne. 

The Cassette Toilet (The Best Portable Toilet)

Sometimes also called portapotties, chemical toilets, cassette toilet, portable toilets, or known by one of the first brand names of Thetford, these plastic portable toilets devices are an ideal solution for vanlife or those living in an RV.

With a relatively small footprint, they take up little space in your van conversion, are easy to use and straightforward to empty. They look and feel like an ordinary toilet and sitting on one of these is far from unpleasant. 

The top tank is filled with water for flushing. Use a few sheets of cheap, 1 ply toilet roll which dissolves easily in the tank. A little drawer-pull releases the waste into the cassette below and closing the shutter again keeps everything sealed until the cassette is full.  

There are chemical products available which when poured into the waste tank will break down the contents biologically, these are often referred to as Pink (for rinsing and scent) and Blue (for breakdown).  

So what are the best portable toilets? Check out the list below!

portable toilet with @ditchingconventional
Photo Credit: @DitchingConventional

Best Cassette Toilet (Overall)

Thetfort Porta Potti 365

thetford is the best portable cassette toilet

Thetfort is often the name that comes to mind when pondering about the best portable toilet, as I often do.

  • 4 Gallon (15L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 5.5 Gallon (21L) Waste Water Tank
  • 15.36 x 17.13 x 16.6 inches
  • Easy to dump with it’s swivel dump spout

Best Cassette Toilet on a Budget

CamCo Portable Toilet 5.3 Gallon

best portable budget cassette toilet camco

This one comes in at about half the price of the other toilets on this list, which makes it our budget option for best portable toilet.

  • 2.5 Gallon (9.5L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 5.3 Gallon (20L) Waste Water Tank
  • 15.5 inch H x 14 inch W x 16 inch
  • Solid, sturdy construction

Best Cassette Toilets with the Smallest Footprint

Thetfort Porta-Potti White

best portable toilet withs mall footprint Thetfort

This toilet is sleek and is designed unlike other portable toilets. It is more narrow then most, allowing you to fit it into awkward places. Plus it even has an adjustable seat height. It does require batteries for it’s electric flush, however.

  • 4 Gallon (15L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 5.5 Gallon (21L) Waste Water Tank
  • 17.6″ height x 15.2″ width x 17.7″ depth
  • Adjustable seat height

Thetfort Porta Potti 135

thetford best portable toilet small footprint

A little bit more squat than the above portable toilet, and with less of a capacity, this is the shortest of the cassette toilets. 

  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) Fresh Water Capacity
  • 2.6 Gallon (9.5L) Waste Water Tank
  • 12.2″ Height x 13.5″ Width x 15″ Depth
  • Squat and simple

Emptying A Cassette Toilet 

When the time has come to empty your portable toilet, simply lift the top box off, take out the cassette and open the screw top lid, press the valve release button, avert your eyes and pour out the contents. Wear latex gloves if you are squeamish and stand back from the hole to avoid any nasty splash back 

Never, ever, ever empty the cassette anywhere that is not a dedicated disposal point or sewage system. 

Ever.  

Camping toilets are portable, affordable and can last many years if taken care of correctly. Using bleach or harsh chemicals to clean the unit may erode the seals which keep it airtight, the flush button requires manual ‘pumping’ and the drawer mechanisms can be flimsy as molded plastic tends to be so be gentle with the moving parts. Wash all elements of your camping toilet regularly in warm soapy water. 

Look after your chemical camper toilet and it will look after you when you need it most! 

Best chemicals for your portable toilet

portable toilet cleaning solution
chemical toilet cleaning solution
portable toilet TST packets

The Composting Toilet

A lot of people do not find chemical toilets or portable cassette toilets appealing and so they want to opt towards a composting toilet.

Often seen as the ultimate aspiration of vanlife facilities, composting toilets come with advantages and disadvantages.  

Composting is great for the environment when all the steps are carried out correctly. Venting is required to keep constant airflow throughout the tank and to activate the composting cycle which will involve cutting holes into your van walls. Many use coconut fiber cores as a medium to absorb the waste which comes at a price. 

Some require electricity to power a small fan and to flush which is another huge consideration; what happens when your battery runs low?  

Composting toilets are only useful if you have access to the next step in the process (a stage 2 compost pile), otherwise the waste produced is no more eco-friendly than the chemical toilet above and may be more troublesome to discard in the end.  

Compost toilets can be expensive to install and maintain. Consider your options and where you will empty one before you make your decision! 

Best Portable Toilet for Composting

Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Nature's head is the best portable composting toilet

If you decide that you must absolutely have a composting toilet, than Nature’s Head is the leading brand, but it comes at a price.

Emptying Your Composting Toilet

So how do you empty your composting toilet, then?

There might be a bit of a controversy on this subject. As stated previously, a composting camper toilet wont actually fully compost your poo unless it can be transferred to a stage 2 compost pile. 

Without one, your poo still carries all the possible diseases and problems that it would have if you didn’t attempt to compost it. This means you can’t just toss the “compost” in the woods, or use it for gardening, or leave it on your friend’s gas.

You could dig a cathole, backpacker style, to deposit your waste into… but a 7inch cathole is hard enough to dig for one poop, let alone a week’s worth or more, so that isn’t practical.

You obviously can’t dump it in a normal toilet, like you’d be able to do with a cassette camper toilet.

And whatever you do, please don’t dump it in a pit toilet at a national, state, or city park. It might seem like a good idea at first, but this puts an unnecessary strain on an already strained and tight budgeted parks system.

So that pretty much just leaves you with two options. 

  1. Dump it in a stage 2 composting system.
  2. Take the compost, put it in a plastic bag, and toss it in the garbage.

Now, the second option isn’t illegal, but it sure seems like it defeats the eco-friendly purpose of a composting toilet.

RV & Van Toilet Do's and Don'ts

  • DO separate liquids from solids for easy disposal 
  • DON’T dispose of a chemical toilet anywhere but a designated point!
  • DO use the cheapest toilet roll (or RV/Marine TP) you can find, it dissolves easily to prevent clogging. 
  • DON’T be afraid to ask to use the facilities of a business you are patronizing 
  • DO keep your portapotty area well ventilated to prevent smells and wash all parts regularly 
  • DON’T use bleach to clean a camper portable toilet 
  • DO be the bear and go outside when feasible. 

And Finally...

Like everything in life, living in a van is trial and error. Toilet habits are different and vary wildly from person to person. Try to find the easiest, cheapest, most eco-friendly solution that suits you, your lifestyle and your van.  

Outside of using public restrooms and digging a cathole when you’re out in nature, we think that cassette toilets are the best portable toilet you can use.

Whether you live fulltime in your rig or just enjoy a jaunt in the countryside as a weekend warrior, having the right facilities onboard can make all the difference. Nobody wants to pack up and leave when they’re parked in paradise and halfway through the first of many cups of coffee, just to relieve their bowels.  

Arm yourself with the necessary tools to make your movements as easy, efficient, smell-free, and low impact as possible. Shit happens, so be prepared! 

What is your preferred method for taking a dump? Let us know in the comments below!

So, now that you got the portable toilet part down, what about the shower?

Best Chinese Diesel Heaters (and Other Van Heating Options)

best chinese diesel heaters featured image

Well, it’s getting to be that time of year again… you know, the cold time. But just because it is cold, doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There are many ways to heat up your campervan or RV and one of the most popular options are these chinese diesel heaters everyone keeps talking about. 

What is the deal with these diesel heaters and are they a good fit for your camper van? 

It’s no suprise that having a heat source of some kind is essential for van life if you plan on being anywhere that has even a semblence of a winter. There are typically propane, diesel, and electric heat source options.

We recently updated this article for the 2021-2022 winter and we’ll focus on diesel heaters, but touch on other heater options as well. In this most recent update, we’ve added the following to this article:

  • Updated the 6 best chinese diesel heaters to make sure they truly reflect what we believe to be the best available.
  • Included the two most popular chinese diesel heaters according to what people like you are purchasing.
  • Added our thoughts on the Propex HeatSource2000 after two cold winters using it.

We hope you find this article beneficial.

Let’s start with simply explaining what Chinese diesel heaters are and why they started to become so dang popular. Winter is coming, after all…

A Brief History of Diesel Heaters

Diesel heaters have been around for quite a while and are a popular choice of a heat source in marine, RV, camper van, and workshop communities. Traditionally, these heaters were only produced by a handful of European companies (mostly German) and sold at only select dealers, at a fairly high premium. 

These diesel heaters were (and still are) a popular choice in van life, but it was common for these heaters to sell for over $1,000. Regardless of their price, they still remained very prevelant… mainly because they were the only diesel heater options. 

Chinese Diesel Heaters, Where Did They Come From?

In recent years, however, Chinese companies began to produce their own, significantly cheaper, versions of these diesel heaters. At first, these heaters were known to have significant issues in regards to breaking, missing and mislabeled parts. They also took a long time to ship and arrive in the Western world.

Although they still might not be perfect, these Chinese diesel heaters have come a long way and gained a massive amount of support in the camper van communities. They often prove to be comparable on nearly every level as their European counterparts, and for a fraction of the cost. These suckers go for about $125-$175, have far faster shipping times through Amazon, and, even though the customer support might be lacking, they have a bustling grassroots community of people prepared to assist you with any repairs or maintenance.

Did you know? 

You don’t have to have a diesel vehicle to run a diesel heater? They often come with their own mini gas-tank. 

Now, these Chinese diesel heaters might not be for everyone. In fact, I didn’t even go with one for my van build (more on what I did go with, and why I wish I hadn’t, at the end). If you think these heaters might be for you, we picked 5 reliable choices for our best Chinese diesel heaters.

The Best Chinese Diesel Heaters

3KW Happybuy Diesel Heater

happybuy 3kw chinese diesel heater and parts

Heater power: 3KW

Fuel consumption: 0.1-0.35(1/H)

Motor weight: 4.5kg/9.9LBS

Happybuy is a popular branding for these Chinese diesel heaters. This heater comes in at 3,000 watts instead of the typical 5,000 or 8,000 watts for roughly the same price. The benefit of this is obviously the lower electrical power draw and fuel consumption. 3KW should be perfectly suited to a small place like a camper van.

8KW Wayska Diesel Heater

Wayska Chinese Diesel Heater 8KW

Heater power: 8KW

Fuel consumption: 0.2-0.5

Motor weight: 7.8kg/17.4LBS

If you’re looking for a very powerful diesel heater, this Wayska is a 8,000 watt model. Obviously, this will consume more power but it will also (in theory) heat faster than the other models and are great for bigger RV’s and workshops. This particular diesel heater has very good ratings AND is part of Amazon Prime for quick delivery. This one also has a 15L tank, where the others on our list have 10L.

*** There has been reports that some of the 8KW heaters are simply 5KW models that have been adjusted to pump out a bit more heat. 

5KW 12v Diesel Heater WITH SILENCER

5KW 12v diesel heater

Heater power: 5KW

Fuel consumption: 0.64

Motor weight: 8.1kg/18LBS

It’s no secret that diesel heaters (or many heaters for that matter) can be extremely noisy. There are a lot of aftermarket “silencers” available to help quiet them down, so why not get a model that already comes with one like this 5kw option.

5KW maXpeedingrods 12v Diesel Air Heater

chinese diesel heater most popular on amazon

Heater power: 5KW

Fuel consumption: unknown

Motor weight: 7.53kg/16.6LBS

This one, as far as we can find, is the highest rated diesel heater on Amazon. 4.5 stars with over 1200 ratings. That alone earns it a place on our list, but really… who is coming up with these branding names? maXpeedingrods. What does that even mean?

The Most Popular Chinese Diesel Heaters

The following two heaters are by and far the most popular models according to the analytics of what people are buying through our affiliate links.

5KW Happybuy Diesel Heater

happybuy 5KW chinese diesel heater and parts

Heater power: 5KW

Fuel consumption: 0.11-0.51(1/H)

Motor weight: 4.5kg/9.9LBS

Happybuy is a popular branding of these diesel heaters and comes with very good reviews overall. The set-up should be simple enough (video below on installation) and the shipping is estimated around 1 week. At around $150, this is an affordable option. 5kw might be a bit on the more powerful side when it comes to heating a van, however.

2KW Superfastracing Diesel Heater

superfastracing 2kw chinese diesel heater and parts

Heater power: 2KW

Fuel consumption: N/A

Motor weight: 7kg/15.6lbs

Want something with even LESS power draw and fuel consumption? This 2KW model is for you. A bonus is that it is available through Amazon Prime so that shipping will be much quicker. If you want or need something quick this chinese diesel heater is for you. Bonus points for the name of the brand. Superfastracing… 

Troubleshooting and Common Problems With Chinese Diesel Heaters

Now, there are some issues with these chinese diesel heaters. Will touch on each of these problems below.

  1. Broken or mislabled parts
  2. Noise
  3. Tuning and adjusting for high altitude

Broken or mislabled parts on Chinese diesel heaters

One of the most common complaints is broken or mislabled parts. Also, sometimes the directions that come with the heaters are poorly written and hard to follow. Add to that the fact that if you do have any broken or faulty parts it is not likely that you can just find easy replacements or send it in for a quick repair. You might think “why would I get a Chinese diesel heater in the first place?”

Well, luckily these heaters are still a very good option as a heat source for your van, RV, or work-shop. The particular issues and problems with broken or mislabled parts are becoming less common as these heaters become MORE common. Plus, since you can buy like 8 of these for the price of just one of the expensive European models, it almost becomes a no-brainer.

Now, I won’t claim to be an expert at fixing or repairing these Chinese diesel heaters, but as the folks over at RVdaily.com stated,

“there is a huge online community of owners who have posted lots of supporting material on the internet, including a vast number of YouTube videos detailing the installation process as well as troubleshooting problems”

“The Chinese Diesel Air Heater – Troubleshooting and Parts Sales Facebook group is by far the most popular with over 25,000 (now 45k) members across the world. They have developed an extensive array of documents in their files section that anyone installing one of these heaters will find extremely useful when researching what heaters to buy and how to get them working successfully.”

This online Facebook group that they mentioned is AMAZING. These people are dedicated to fixing, repairing, and troubleshooting the massive variety of Chinese diesel heaters.

Noise With Diesel Heaters

It’s no secret that diesel heaters can be noisy. In fact, propane heaters can be noisy too.

If you end up getting one of the “name-brand” European models of heaters located later in this post, you can often find a specifically made muffler or silencer for them. However, if you go the Chinese diesel heater route that might not be the case.

Luckily, there are aftermarket mufflers found easily enough. Or you can always get one that already comes with a muffler/silencer.

Tuning and Adjusting for High Altitude

If you plan on spending any time up in the mountains or, say, Colorado… you will need to adjust your Chinese diesel heater for high altitude. 

There are a ton of videos and online resources that show you how to do this. Check out the video located in the next section about installing a Chinese diesel heater because it also goes into detail about how to tune them.

There are a lot more of them out there, but we feel like the one’s we listed are the best Chinese diesel heaters available and are pretty confident that if you go with one of the 5 listed above, you shouldn’t have any issues with missing or mislabeled parts. 

Installing Your Chinese Diesel Heater

***Check to make sure your diesel heaters can be tuned for high altitude or are compatible with high altitude kits.

Installation for a chinese diesel heater might be slightly different depending on model, but should all follow a pretty similar plan. 

They all should have a plastic fuel container, an exhaust tube, and intake and output vents. Also, they should come with all the parts that you need to wire them and some have electronic digital displays. Some might need a high-altitude adaptor if you are going to be in, well… high-altitude, so check the specs on that.

This video goes over installation and tuning your chinese diesel heater for high-altitude:

Other Diesel Heaters For Van Life

Now, all that being said, there are other diesel heater options for your van, RV, boar, or workshop. We hinted at them up above, but they are the Webasto and Eberspacher. These are the big names in the diesel heating world. 

Both companies have been around for a while, both are German made, and both are considered reliable options for heating your camper van. 

Just like their Chinese counterparts, they arn’t perfect. At least they are made by established companies where you will find some sembelance of customer support.

As mentioned above, these heaters are expensive to buy and expensive to repair and can usually only be found at certified licensed dealers. 

Other Diesel Heaters For Your Van

Not into the chinese diesel heaters? Check out these models that started the whole craze, the European Diesel Heaters.

Webasto 2KW-4KW

webasto european diesel heater

Heater power: 2-4KW

Fuel consumption: 0.12 – 0.24 liters per hour

Motor weight: 2.74kg/6.04lbs

This is a very popular european 12v diesel heater. It’s a very reputable brand but can be difficult to find in the states. Only certified dealers sell them. If you’re in Europe you shouldn’t have any issue. Otherwise, check with van builders or semi truck suppliers. An extra bonus, they have a 2 year warranty. The downside; it’s expensive.

0.85KW - 2.2KW Eberspacher Esbar Airtronic 12v Diesel Heater

eberspacher esbar european german heater

Heater power: 0.85-2.2KW

Fuel consumption: N/A

Motor weight: 6.7kg/14.72lbs

Wow. This one is the most expensive heater on the list but it comes with the works. It’s self regulating, comes with a remote, has a digital display. Also, it has a remarkably low power draw compared to even some of the Chinese diesel heaters. You can get the optional high-altitude kit with this one.

Best Propane Heater

Okay, so what if you don’t want a diesel heater? Maybe you want to get a propane heater like the Propex HS2000? There’s nothing wrong with that.

Propane heaters are great and propane is cheap. Their main issue is the propane tank itself, and where to store it

We wont go into super detail about propane heaters, because we think they deserve their own post, but these two are our favorites and what we view as the best propane heaters available.

Propex HS 2000 (HeatSource 2000)

propex hs2000 propane heater

The Propex HS2000 is a propane heating unit that is fairly simple to install. Propane burns “wet” but the nice thing about the heatsource 2000 is that it vents everything outside so you won’t have the condensation issues you might otherwise have with other heater options. This is definitely the best vented propane heater for your RV or van.

The one bad thing is that it can be hard to find one. They are often sold out online but can be found at local custom van suppliers.

Mr. Buddy Propane Heater (indoor safe model only)

mr buddy indoor safe propane heater

Mr. Buddy heaters are very popular options. They now have an indoor safe model which, technically, should be safe to use in a van. We wouldn’t recommend any other version and still suggest opening a window if you are going to run one of these.

Also, since these don’t vent anything outside the van, the condensation of the wet burning propane might be a problem.

Pro’s are that it is cheap and easy to use (no installation required).

Now, I’ve had a Propex HeatSource2000 in my van over two very cold winters. I spent one winter in Colorado and one in Missouri. Normally, the heater worked great. On the coldest nights of the year, the Propex struggled a bit. For a couple days there the temperature got to -20 Fahrenheit and the heater struggled to keep the van in the 40’s! Part of that might be insulation, or wind blowing underneath the van, sucking out the heat. Part of it just might be because the Propex Heatsource isn’t the best. Find out more in my upcoming full review of the HeatSource2000.

Final, but important, thoughts...

Whatever you decide to go with, don’t forget a good Carbon Monoxide detector. You can get a nice battery powered one and stick it up in your sleeping area.

If you’re running any sort of propane in your van, it is also important to get a proper propane detector.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

carbon monoxide detector for chinese diesel heaters

Propane Detector

propane detector for propane heating systems

I ended up going with the Propex HS2000 for my van build. I love it, it’s a great heater. It keeps me warm and toasty. All that being said, it cost a small fortune. I could have gotten several of the diesel heaters listed in this article for the price of my propex, and not have to deal with having propane in my van!

However, hindsight is 20/20 and the show must go on!

A good heater is only as good as your insulation. Make sure you check out our article about van insulation,

van insulation
William Grubb

A Comprehensive Guide To Van Insulation

What is the best way to go about your van insulation?  Well… that is going to be an ever-ongoing debate within the vanlife community and

A Comprehensive Guide To Van Insulation

van insulation

What is the best way to go about your van insulation? 

Well… that is going to be an ever-ongoing debate within the vanlife community and van builders alike. We won’t claim to know everything about van insulation. However, we hope you can find this guide useful in deciding how to insulate your cargo van. 

Campervan Insulation

Insulating a van is one of the most important aspects of your build. In fact, insulation is an important aspect of building any area as a space for living.

Living in a van is a lot like living outside—you’re at the whim of the elements. With proper van insulation you will be more comfortable inside your home-on-wheels no matter what’s going on outside.

There is so much information out there regarding what is the best way to insulate a van… and it’s daunting to sift through. From materials and R-values to types of heat transfer and whether or not you should use a vapor barrier, we have you covered.

Let's Talk About Heat

van insulation heating up

This is where we need to begin. Whether you’re trying to keep heat in or out of your campervan you need to understand the basics behind heat transfers.

Heat will transfer in or out of a material (ie: your van’s exterior) in three ways—radiation, conduction, and convection.

  • Radiation is the transfer of heat through the atmosphere. This is the warmth you feel from the sun. Heat radiation will pummel the windows of your van on a hot day, and it’s easy to feel the effects; we’ve all been inside a car sitting in a parking lot on a warm summer day. Radiated heat comes through the windows, so the simplest solution to keeping this heat out is to use reflective window coverings that repel the radiated heat. The opposite can be done as well; you can use reflective surfaces inside your vehicle to conduct the radiated heat when it’s cold outside.
  • Conduction is heat transferred through a surface—this is what happens when the walls of your vehicle warm up due to radiated heat. The heat transfers from the outside to the inside, warming the interior of your van. When choosing how to insulate a van you need to account for the areas where conduction will take place. Insulating these areas, the walls of your van, will cut down on the transfer of heat in or out through your van’s walls.
  • Convection is when hot air rises and cool air falls inside an enclosed space. Insulating your ceiling, and blowing hot air out through a roof top fan will cut down on convection inside of your camper van.

These three forms of heat transfer can never be nullified, but with proper insulation you can drastically slow the transfer of heat through your van. Simply put, the R-value of your insulating material stands for resistance, as in how well that material resists heat transfer.

Where To Put Your Van Insulation

This may seem obvious, but there are nuances to where you should put your van insulation.

Of course, the walls and ceiling are most important, but if you’re planning on camping or living in your van in a colder climate you should definitely consider adding van floor insulation as well.

All of this also depends on the type of campervan you are insulating — do you have a cargo van with no windows, or is yours a passenger type van?

For those with cargo vans and the like, the choice is simple: you want to insulate everything. If you have a lot of windows, you may consider covering some of them permanently and insulting the van that way.

This all comes down to personal preference and the overall plan you have for your van.

Check out our article on camper van floor plans if you need help getting started with a plan.

If you know what you want and where you’re going to be staying, the choice of what to insulate will start to become clear. In general, the more insulation, the better your temperature control inside your home on wheels will be.

Vapor Barriers

Perhaps now is the best time to talk about vapor barriers and whether or not you need one.

A vapor barrier, like this one,  essentially acts as a physical barrier that prevents moisture or condensation from getting into the insulation behind your vehicle’s panels.

not a fan of vapor barriers for van insulation

Moisture can cause nasty things like mold and rust, but not all insulation materials will absorb moisture from the air, and some even act as their own vapor barrier. If you’re using a moisture absorbing insulation then you may want to put up a vapor barrier to keep it dry but keep in mind that this is very difficult to accomplish and is not a permanent solution. 

The idea behind a vapor barrier in regards to campervan insulation is to physically block the water molecules from being able to reach the van’s insulation. This is much easier said than done, as really no vapor barrier is going to be perfect in a van build. Also, an imperfect vapor barrier might even prevent the moisture that does get to the insulation from evaporating… trapping it and causing those nasty mold problems that everyone dreads. 

We recommended against using insulation that needs a vapor barrier. The best way to prevent moisture from collecting within or around your van insulation is making sure that you have plenty of airflow within your camper van. If air flows well it can reduce or negate the need for a vapor barrier… and air flow is much easier to accomplish.

Camper Van Insulation Materials

Choosing the correct insulation material for your van conversion is one of the most important factors when you set about insulating your van. Different materials work well in different spaces and familiarizing yourself with the types of material and how they relate to the inside of your van will help you decide what is the best way to insulate your cargo van.

There are a myriad of choices and considerations when it comes to choosing the materials for your van’s insulation. Logically, your best choices are going to be ones that have a high R-value, are within your budget, and are resistant to mold and mildew so they don’t lead to a moldy rusty nightmare in your living space.

Here are some of the most common insulation materials people choose when insulating a van, their pros and cons, and also their recommended usefulness.

Foam Board Insulation

Foam boards are quick and easy to install, have high R-values, resist moisture, and are affordable and easy to find.

These are the squared off foam boards that you see in any big hardware store. Typically, one side of a foam board is covered in a reflective material that can be used to dispel radiated heat if you install them with a small air gap between the board and your van’s walls. However, double sided reflective foam boards (or even no reflective material at all) can be found.

That being said, you need to take time to minimize the chance for moisture to get between the board and the van’s wall. This could cause mold, mildew, and perhaps worst of all, rust.

Foam boards come in a range of thicknesses (which effects the R-Value) and are rigid but the thinner ones can be bent slightly. They work best against flat walls, or as van floor insulation as they compress well. These qualities are shared by all foam boards, but not all foam boards are created equal.

van insulation

Polyisocyanute (Polyiso)

Polyisocyanute (Polyiso) foam is often thought of as a good choice when it comes to insulating your van in an environmentally friendly manner. The production process used in polyiso foam does not include harmful emissions. An added benefit is that polyiso foam has the highest R-value per inch out of all foam boards, but this comes at a slightly higher cost than other foam boards. 

Polyiso is still an affordable option and relatively easy to find locally. While it is easy to install, you should be sure not to leave any pockets of air between your insulation and the van’s walls. This can create a trap for moisture that would otherwise be repelled by the moisture resistant polyiso.

Pro's

  • Good for flat walls or van floor insulation
  • Cheap and readily available
  • High R-value
  • Environmentally friendly

Con's

  • Does not work well in very curved or tight spaces (doors)
  • Can squeak during driving due to rubbing on the van’s surface
  • Can possibly trap moisture between the foam boards and the van’s wall.

XPS Foam Boards or Extruded Polystyrene

XPS Foam Boards or Extruded Polystyrene is another option for those who wish to use foam for their camper van insulation. 

Unlike polyiso foam, XPS is manufactured in a way that releases hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the atmosphere. HFCs are industrial chemicals whose gas byproducts contribute to climate breakdown. Some manufacturers are moving away from using HFCs as their blowing agent in foam construction, and hopefully this will phase it out in several years. Check the manufacturer’s safety data sheet (MSDS) to see if the foam you’re considering uses HFCs. 

XPS foam is a bit cheaper than polyiso foam, but has a slightly lower R-value. If you’re going for the most budget friendly van insulation then this would be a decent choice, but we see no other reason to use XPS foam in your van build. For just a little more money you can have a higher R-value, and less environmental concerns, by using Polyiso foamboards instead.

Pro's

  • Good for flat walls and van floor insulation

  • Easy to use and readily available

  • Budget friendly

Con's

  • Does not work well in very curved or tight spaces (doors)
  • Less environmentally friendly if it uses HFCs
  • Lower R-value than polyiso 
  • Can squeak during driving due to rubbing on the van’s surface
  • Can possibly trap moisture between the foam boards and the van’s wall.

Expanded Polystyrene Boards (EPS foam boards)

Expanded Polystyrene Boards or EPS are the white, Styrofoam like packaging boards used as disposable cooler or in refrigerated packaging.

These boards are some of the lightest insulation you can find as they’re made from 98% air. They’re common in construction just like the other foam boards we have listed here. Again, their rigidity makes them well suited for the same spaces in a van: flat walls and van floor insulation. These can be bought as insulation in any big box hardware store, but have lower R-values than the other foam boards we’ve discussed here. 

They also are less water resistant due to their non-closed cell construction and can lead to mold and mildew problems in a van. However, they are the cheapest of the foam boards, making them a very budget-friendly option for your campervan insulation.

Pro's

  • Cheapest foam board, 

  • Easy to use and readily available

  • “Greener” than XPS foam (no HFCs)

Con's

  • Does not work well in very curved or tight spaces (doors)
  • Can absorb moisture
  • Lower R-value than polyiso 
  • Can squeak during driving due to rubbing on the van’s surface

Batt Insulation For Vans

Batt insulation is a pre-cut roll of insulating material. Batts and rolls can be made from various materials, each with their own properties, benefits, and cons.

The main advantage of batt insulation is the ease of installation—simply unroll your insulation and place it where it needs to go.

Depending on the type of batt you choose for your campervan insulation, you’ll have to pay attention to a few important factors.

Batts work best along walls, ceilings, floors, and some can even be compressed or ripped to fit and stuffed into the smaller and harder to reach spaces in your van, like the ribs and doors. Some batt insulation materials are water resistant while others might hold onto moisture. Keep this in mind when choosing insulation for your van.

Sheep’s Wool

sheep's wool van insulation
Sheep’s Wool insulation is considered one of the best in terms of cargo van insulation.  Havelock Wool is the leading provider of sheep’s wool insulation.

It has several key advantages over other batt insulations including that it’s non-toxic and water resistant. This makes for a super easy install, as you won’t need to wear protective clothing or worry about hazardous particles living behind the panels of your van. Its water resistance keeps the wool from absorbing condensation and keeps your van dry.

Wool has a relatively good R-value of 3.6 per inch of thickness, making it comparable to the foam boards mentioned previously. It’s perhaps the easiest insulation to work with and indeed one of the most environmentally friendly (hell, it’s compostable).

Sheep’s wool insulation does come at a higher price, however, and (for now) can only be purchased on the internet.  Wool can be purchased in both batts and loose forms, making it ideal for any surface inside of your camper van, from behind door panels to the ceiling.  Wool batts have the additional benefit of providing more sound-deadening than other forms of insulation. This is a nice way to reduce road noise in your van.

Pro’s

  • Repels moisture​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Non-toxic and compostable​​​​​​​​​​
  • Easy to install​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • Good R-value​

Con’s

  • More costly than other insulation
  • harder to find locally
van insulation sheeps wool

Credit: justavanride

Rock Wool

Rock Wool, or mineral wool, is made from Basalt and recycled steel slag.

This material compound is water resistant but vapor permeable. This means that water vapor in the air can pass through it. This aspect is ideal when it comes to insulating a small living space that contains condensation.

Unlike sheep wool, rock wool can be dangerous to install unless you take the proper precautions. A mask, eye protection, and gloves are highly reccomended to make sure you don’t get fibers inside your body or on your skin.

It has an R value of 3.0 – 3.3 per inch and like other batt insulations can be used in nearly every part of your van.

Pro’s

  • Water resistant and vapor permeable.
  • Easy to find at nearly any hardware store
  • Good R-value

Con’s

  • Must wear protection when installing

Recycled Denim Batts

Recycled Denim batts have many of the same qualities as sheep’s wool—they are easy to work with, non-toxic, biodegradable, and have a solid R-value of 3.5 per inch.

Denim is cheaper and easier to find than wool batts, but this comes at a cost for van lifers… denim absorbs water.

If you choose to go with denim for your camper van insulation you’re either going to need to create a vapor barrier or make absolute sure that your insulation will be able to dry itself out.

For this reason, we can’t recommend using recycled denim unless you’re planning on being in a dry environment most of the time and also have excellent airflow inside your van.

This doesn’t mean that denim doesn’t have its uses; I personally chose recycled denim for reinsulating my Volkswagen Vanagon as my van has two roof vents, many windows, and I spend my time in sunny California.

Pro’s

  • Non-toxic
  • Easy to find
  • Easy to install
  • Afordable
  • Good R-Value

Con’s

  • Absorbs moisture

Fiberglass Batts

Fiberglass Batts are made of… well, fiberglass. That means that you won’t want the microscopic particles getting into your lungs or eyes while installing them. This also means that they’re cheaper to buy than other forms of batt insulation and produce relatively the same R-values, 2.9-3.8 to be exact,
depending on the density of the material.

Fiberglass batts can be found at nearly any big box home improvement store. The nature of the material does not allow it to absorb moisture, but it does hold moisture between the fibers. This can lead to, you guessed it, mold, mildew, and rust.

If you’re considering fiberglass insulation for your van insulation, know that you will need personal protective equipment during your installation. You should also seriously consider a vapor barrier unless you’ve got a well ventilated van in a dry environment.

For these reasons, we can’t recommend fiberglass insulation in vans despite its affordability and availability.

Pro’s

  • Affordable
  • Easy to find
  • Good R-Value

Con’s

  • Contains hazardous materials
  • Traps moisture
  • Must be installed with protective equipment (masks and gloves)

Spray Foam Insulation

spray foam van insulation

Spray foam insulation can vary widely in price, hazardousness, and effectiveness. Spray foam
comes in two categories, open cell and closed cell.

The difference between the two is the difference in the distance between insulating particles.

Closed cell is denser, more rigid, and has a higher R-value than open cell. Closed cell insulates with an R-value range of 6.5-7 while open cell is more comparable to batt insulation with an R-value of 3.3-3.8.

The quality of the insulation is also reflected in the price, as open cell is considerably cheaper than closed cell spray foam. Even so, spray foam will cost more per square foot than the other forms of insulation and also requires a more detailed installation than batts or foam panels.

Closed cell and open cell insulation both have the advantage of filling in any and all gaps inside your van conversion. Spray foam is by far the most effective insulation in terms of fully coating the interior of your
van, and has the added benefit of providing excellent sound deadening. Closed cell insulation will weigh
more than open cell, but also acts as its own vapor barrier.

Many professional builders use spray foam as their primary van insulation. 

Pro’s

  • Highly effective
  • Easy to find
  • Good R-Value
  • Fills any space

Con’s

  • Requires careful installation
  • Very expensive
spray foam insulation for a van

If you’re going to go the spray foam route for your van insulation, you will need a lot of it. You might find the best bulk deal online versus in a hardware store.

Should You Insulate Your Van's Floor?

van floor insulation

This question comes up often, whether you are doing a Sprinter van insulation or turning your cargo van into a weekend warrior rig. The answer is relative to what your needs are.

Are you staying in a particularly cold climate or are you trying to keep your van temperature down in hot weather?

If the answer is the former, you may want to consider adding in van floor insulation. No one likes stepping on a cold floor first thing in the morning. Also, the cold air blowing underneath your camper van can pull away the heat inside the van. If you’re in a snowy area, I’ve seen people pack snow against the side of the van to prevent this from happening.

If you’re spending most of your time in warm or temperate weather, however, you can save some cash and skip the van floor insulation. The choice is entirely yours.

For floor insulation, foam boards work best for van floor insulation but remember they will cut down on your headroom in an already small space.

Other Things To Consider When Doing Your Van Insulation

The obvious things to insulate permanently are your walls and ceiling. But don’t forget that your
windshield and other windows are BIG factors when it comes to heat transfer.

Anyone who lives in a warm or hot place knows the importance of putting up a reflective screen in the summer time, and of course the same concept applies to a van.

To fully insulate your vehicle you should be covering not just the windshield but all the windows. It’s easy and just take a little work to cut custom window coverings out of materials like Reflectix.

reflectix works good for van window insulation

If you have a larger van, such as a Sprinter or Ford Transit, it is also worth considering building a partial wall to separate the cab from the cabin of your van. This of course costs money and adds weight, but if those aren’t of concern then you can add another wall of insulation and use thick blackout curtains to fill the doorway when you need to.

A black out curtain works well regardless of you having a partition or not and is a good thing to add to your van to create separation, insulation, and privacy in your vehicle.

Do you have fan’s or skylights installed in your van? Consider cutting out inserts made out of foam boards to shove in the fan during the winter. What good is ceiling insulation if you are going to have 14″x14″ gaps that the hot air can escape from?

Don't Forget The Heater

All this talk of van insulation is a mute point if you don’t have a source of heat

Chinese Diesel Heater

best chinese diesel heater

Diesel heaters seem to be all the rage right now. You don’t even have to have a diesel vehicle in order to imploy one of these bad boys.

The nice thing about about diesel heaters is they burn dry heat, which is nice to reduce moisture and humidity within the camper van. There are many different models out there but they all work on the same principles.  

Propex Heatsource2000 (Propane)

propex hs2000 propane heater

The Propex Heatsource 2000 is a propane heating unit that is fairly simple to install. Propane burns “wet” but the nice thing about the heatsource 2000 is that it vents everything outside so you won’t have the condinsation issues you might otherwise have with other heater options.

The one bad thing is that it can be hard to find one. They are often sold out online but can be found at local custom van suppliers.

Mr. Buddy Heater (Propane)

mr buddy heater is a propane heater option

Mr. Buddy heaters are very popular options. They now have an indoor safe model which, technically, should be safe to use in a van. We wouldn’t recommend any other version.

Also, since these don’t vent anything outside the van, the condensation of the wet burning propane might be a problem.

Pro’s are that it is cheap and easy to use (no installation required).

Final Thoughts On Van Insulation

In the end, how you do your camper van insulation is entirely up to your own wants and needs.

Most people don’t opt for a full on spray foam job despite its effectiveness and instead use a combination of materials.

By combining materials you can effective and affordably insulate your van to your heart’s content. The most effective insulation jobs cover the majority, if not all, of the ceiling, floor, and walls.

What you plan on doing and where you plan on staying in your van should act as your basic guide to insulation as well as the layout of your camper.

We hope this guide offers a good basis to provide you with the knowledge to go forward in your camper van build!

Now that you have your insulation done, you’ll have to keep your baby warm! Check out this post about those Chinese Diesel Heaters all the kids are talking about.

15 Public Shower Options Near You

public shower

Whether you are taking a road trip, living out of your car, or exploring the country in your camper van, you will eventually need a shower. There are a ton (well 15 to be exact) public shower options near you… some might just take a little creativity. Others, a little money. However, there are a few free shower options on the list.

1) Shower at large, nation-wide gym chains

chain gyms are a good place to shower cheap

Gym’s may be the most reliable and common ways to find a public shower on the road.

I have a membership to Planet Fitness. For 20$ / month I have access to unlimited showers, massage beds, tanning booths (although I’ll pass on that)… and even those weight things. Not only that! You can bring one guest every day… for FREE. Now I just need to find a friend.

Many of these gyms can be found all over the country, which makes them perfect for van life or showering while on road trips. Some of them even offer free passes. The most popular big nationwide gyms are:

Although they are far from free, the money spent on a gym might be worth it to get a reliable way to shower on the road.

Also, if you have a YMCA near you, they offer financial aid on memberships. So that is yet another gym option.

2) Campground showers

Many established campgrounds have showers available. Although, they might not be free to the public. This means that you might have to spend money on a campsite overnight or talk to the campground host to see if they will let you take a free shower…

You never know unless you ask.

Then again, I’m sure there are people that don’t ask and just do. Although I don’t avocate that.

3) Smaller local gyms

Local and regional gyms are another way to find a free shower. Many of these smaller chain gyms offer trial passes just like the larger ones.

Obviously, you wouldn’t want to head straight to the showers. Take the opportunity to get a work-out in. And if you are going to be in the area for a while, consider actually signing up and supporting the smaller guys.

cute cat showers for free

4) Truck stops

Truck stops are a great way to find a public shower. Although they won’t be free, these showers are often some of the cleanest you will find. 

Seriously, I was blown away at how well taken care of these showers are. And they arn’t just for truckers. 

If you haven’t checked out a truck stop yet, go do it… bring a date! Make a night out of it!

Seriously though, truck stops really try to take care of their customers. Not only will you find spotless showers, many of these places have restaurants, stores, laundry services, WIFI, massage chairs, and TV theatre rooms. They will even let you stay the night for free! Just call to make sure it’s okay.

Hint: Many truckers have free shower passes for these places. I’ve been told they are often more than happy to give you one if you ask. 

Some of the most popular names in the truck stop world are:

  • Loves
  • Pilot Travel Center
  • Little America

5) Get a portable shower

There are a TON of different portable showers available. Many of these are solar shower bags. They are cheap, effective, and easy to use, making them great options for showering on the road.

Check out our list of 8 of the Best Portable Solar Showers

When I’m not showering at Planet Fitness, I’m usually using my solar shower bag. I hang it on the side of my campervan if it’s sunny, letting the sun heat up the water.

If it’s not sunny, I simply boil a bit of water with my jet boil or on my stove-top and add it to my shower bag.

If a gravity-fed solar shower doesn’t appeal to you, they also have pump showers. These tanks can be filled like mentioned above and you can pressurize the tank with a hand/foot pump.

The beauty of your own portable shower is that you can bathe any time, any place… well, maybe not ANY place.

Here are some of our top choices for a portable solar shower bag:

6) Free showers at the beach!

If you are near a public beach, chances are you will be near a free shower. These are usually used for washing off sand and salt water, and they don’t cost a cent!

Next time your #vanlife adventures take you to the beach, keep these showers in mind! 

Just make sure you are respectful to those around you, it is public after-all.

7) Public swimming pool showers

Do a quick google search and see if there is a community pool near you. Where there is a public pool, there’s also a public shower. 

Community swimming pools are an easy and inexpensive way to get a shower if you aren’t trying to shower every day (because day passes do begin to add up).

8) Boat marinas' public showers

Boat marinas are a great option to find a cheap public shower if you are traveling along the coast. I’ve showered in my fair share of boat marinas on my campervan travels. The cleanliness can be hit or miss, depending on the area. Overall, however, they tend to be pretty clean.

They are coin operated and cost anywhere from 50 cents to a couple of bucks, so keep some coins handy.

9) Hostels

hostels are a good place to sleep overnight

I’ve stayed at many hostels around the world and some of them actually offer their shower services for a small fee. You can even get towels and soap!

If you are sick of sleeping in your van or car, you can always get a bed there as well.

Hostels can be ridiculously cheap depending on where you are. In Japan, I was staying at $15/night hostels and they were remarkably clean.

However, in the States you might be spending a bit more.

10) Get a room in an AirBnB

If you are on the road or living out of your van, perhaps springing for a one night Airbnb stay won’t be a terrible idea. If not for the comfort, then for the private shower.

The beauty of living the van life is that it affords you the freedom to splurge every now and then. 

Airbnb doesn’t even have to be that expensive! Depending on where you are, you could potentially find a cheap room to rent for the night.

Not only would you get a nice hot shower, you would get a nice warm bed.

11) Spring for a motel room

Just like above, but maybe you want a bit more privacy. Motel’s can range in price greatly but if you want a private room and a private shower after a long road trip then perhaps spending a bit of money won’t be such a bad thing.

12) Bathe in a river or lake

free public bath lake or river

What did we do before we had nice warm showers? We jumped in the river of course!

I mean, if you’re already going to be living in a van down by the river, might as well bathe in one too! 

Disclaimer: Be super careful about introducing chemical products to the water source. Even a small amount of environmentally friendly soap can cause damage to the natural organisms.

13) Bike wash shower

Yes! I said it. If it’s good enough for my mountain bike, Stumpy, then it’s good enough for me!

Some mountain bike parks and trails have a little bike wash station to rinse off your muddy bike. Why not turn it into a make-shift public shower. 

Be warned, it will be cold!

And don’t hog it for those who need it!

14) Baby wipe baths

Music festival goers around the globe know that baby wipes arn’t just for babies. In fact, most of them arn’t even marketed as body wipes or shower wipes.

I spent a large portion of my 20’s going to music festivals. I’ve gotten very accustomed to baby wipe showers

Yes, I still call them showers.

I always keep a pack of baby wipes around on road trips… and I have many packs in my van. I use them almost daily.

15) Sink baths (like a bird bath!)

bird bath shower public shower

I saved the best for last. If you can’t find a shower, just take a sink bath somewhere. Better than being stinky, right?

Conclusion

The moral of the story is this: 

Don’t let the worry of finding a public shower and staying hygenic on your road trip hold you back. If you are hesitant about committing to the “van life” because you don’t know where you will shower, rest assured there are many-many options. 

If you thought of any public shower options that we didn’t list, please let us know in the comment section below!

Now that you have some places to take a shower, check out your different camper van toilet options below:

Camper Van Floor Plans – Designing the Layout

Table of Contents

By the time you move into your van you will have already conquered one of vanlife’s greatest challenges.

Fitting an entire home into less than 80 square feet.

Even an Ikea designer would struggle with camper van floor plans. However, with careful consideration and creativity, you can create a van layout to suit your needs.

But you must first identify your needs.

camper van layout
camper van finished
Credit: @van.der.trieb

Vehicle Choice

This article covers key things to think about when considering different camper van floor plans, or designing your own.

Going through them first might give you a better idea of what your vehicle needs are. Then you can buy a vehicle that accommodates the conversion van layout you have in mind.

On the other hand, you can also buy the vehicle first and make your layout work.

Since we’re talking about van layouts, let’s focus on van size considerations.

Check out our post “The Best Vans To Live In”

Full time or part time

Full time and part time van dwellers have different needs. 

As a full timer, I wanted as many amenities as possible since my van is my home. But a part timer might be okay with making more sacrifices for a weekend or a few weeks. Overall, part timers can usually get away with a smaller van or more open floor plan than a full timer.

Number of vanmates

If you’re solo or a duo, almost any sized van can work depending on your needs. 

Three or more people require a lot more space. First and foremost, they need a safe and legal place to sit while traveling. Additionally, everyone needs a place to relax, eat and sleep. Therefore, an extended or extra-long van is best your option for large groups. Mercedes Sprinters offer the longest conversion vans out there.

Additional considerations

Do you want to stand up in your van? If the answer’s yes, a high top is in your future. The high-top Transit is one of the tallest cargo vans available.

Do you have a lot of stuff to store? Is a roomy van a must? If so, then a long wheelbase van is a good option.

Are big items coming with you? High tops also allow for more storage as well.

How we chose our van

Mercedes sprinter van life
@markthegreenvan

Ever since vanlife was a twinkle in my eye, I wanted a Sprinter. 

But what size?

Unlike the Promaster, they’re not wide enough to fit a bed crosswise. Additionally, we wanted our bed platform to be permanent, forming a garage. To have enough space for the lengthwise bed, kitchen, and seating, we settled on the extended body.

My husband didn’t care if he could stand in the van, so could we pull off a low-top?

Nope!

Because we wanted ample storage under the bed and the ability to sit up while in bed, the high-top won. Our needs chose our van size for us.

Camper Van Floor Plan Considerations

van life camper van layout
Credit: @vanventurous

Windows

There are two major advantages to having windows in your van.

Natural light and ventilation.

However, there are also disadvantages. First, if you want to take advantage of the windows, you can’t build over them (duh!). This also means you can’t insulate them. Thus, they limit your camper van layout (but window covers do a decent job at providing some insulation).

Second, if your van doesn’t come with windows, you can’t put one in anywhere you want. The “ribs” of the van provide structural support. As a result, it’s wisest to put windows between the ribs.

Lastly, windows make your van so not stealthy.

Storage

Most of a van build revolves around storage. So it makes sense that you would need to consider it when looking at camper van floor plans.

You need space for food, kitchen supplies, toiletries, clothes, leisure battery, water, your hobby stuff and more. Take advantage of the space created by other parts of the build. For instance, a bench seat is also a fine storage box. Even the space under a step can be used. The space above the cab makes a fine attic for additional storage.

Mountain bike van life storage
@i.be.colin Mountain Bike Storage

Another popular solution is a fixed platform bed. It creates a large storage space underneath commonly referred to as the garage. This setup is great if you have larger items to store. For instance, mountain bikers usually have a garage because it’s the best bike storage solution.

Bed (zzzz)

Speaking of beds, is a fixed platform bed more your thing, or do you want a multipurpose convertible bed?

As previously mentioned, fixed platform allows for extra storage. Additionally, your bed is always ready when you are. However, it takes away floor space.

Van life platform bed
Credit: @i.be.colin
 

Convertible beds are a great option if you need ample workspace or space to entertain. They allow you to maximize seating while still providing a place to sleep.

An extending bed is a bench seat with a slide out extension that creates a bed platform.

A table bed is another popular option. The telescoping table leg lowers the table to the level of the bench seats, creating a large bed. For both options, the seat cushions double as a mattress. There are many other creative possibilities out there as well.

Seating/Table

The table bed covered above is one seating/table option. It’s a bed and it allows you to sit face-to-face. Seating arrangements might not seem like a big deal, but what about when you’re playing poker to pass the time?

My husband and I opted for face-to-face seats. We wanted to play games without contorting ourselves to hide our hands. But a bench seat might suit your needs better.

A table isn’t a necessity, but it makes eating, working, and playing games so much easier. However, unlike a bench seat, you can’t use the space under your table for storage. To maximize space, you have a few table choices.

van life table
@i.be.colin ‘s table drops down into another single bed.

A swivel table leg gives you a table when you need it. When it’s not needed the tabletop swings over a seat or removed and stowed.

A platform bed allows for a slide-out table. The disadvantage of a slide-out table is the space it takes up in the garage.

A fold-up or fold-down table could also work for your camper van layout.

Kitchen

Is a kitchen necessary?

This goes back to full time and part time needs. A part timer might not care about a kitchen, but it could be a must-have for a full timer.

If a kitchen is a must, do you want it inside or outside the van? Outdoor pull-out kitchens save floor space. But they take up storage space. Additionally, outdoor cooking leaves you at the mercy of mother nature.

Camper van kitchen mess
@i.be.colin is a messy cook


Stove

What kind of stove/oven do you want? Do you want one permanently installed or removable? Induction, propane, isobutane, or marine alcohol?

Your choice affects your batter capacity or storage space for fuel. I chose a removable stove/oven combo because in the summer I’d rather cook outside instead of heating up the van. I went with propane to conserve batter power.

However, I also had to find a place for the propane tank.

Refrigerator

What are you going to do for a refrigerator? There are a ton of options available.

12v portable “chest” style fridges are the most effecient and are easy to build around. Many people still opt for a front loading 12v refrigerator, like a “dorm-style” fridge.

Hell, some people just go with an ice-box and fill it with ice every few days and some others don’t use a fridge at all! 

Learn more about your 12v portable vanlife refrigerator options here: “Best Portable Refrigerators for Camping and Vanlife

Sink

Is a sink essential? What size?

A larger sink pulls double duty, giving you enough room to wash dishes. It also serves as a bathroom sink. Come to think of it, you can also do your laundry in a larger sink!

On the other hand, a smaller sink isn’t good for much more than brushing teeth.

And don’t forget about the grey water tank! It needs to be easy to access and close to the sink.

You also might want to consider vent fan placement in relation to the stove and sink. This helps with ventilating steam and heat.

Counterspace

How much counterspace do you need?

Luckily, there are plenty of space saving ways to maximize counterspace. A sink cover is an easy way to gain more space. An adjustable height table doubles as a counter. A folding shelf countertop is another option that takes up minimal space. Another folding option is a hinged countertop over the stove. That’s what I have in my van. It gives me the extra space I need until it’s time to cook.

Toilet

Do you want to drop a deuce without leaving the van?

Van life toilet
Credit: @i.be.colin

If you’re thinking emergencies only, an empty grocery bag takes up the least amount of space.

Half kidding.

However, a composting or chemical toilet is a more practical, long-term solution. My husband and I opted for a composting toilet. He often awakens in the middle of the night with the urge to poo.

If you ask me, a toilet is only necessary for number two. Guys come with the equipment to pee in a bottle. And girls are one pee funnel away from doing the same.

Shower

A membership to a nationwide gym provides easy access to showers. Although this used to be a reliable way for a vanlifer to shower, COVID-19 changed that.

Therefore, you might want to consider your van showering options.

An indoor shower is the ultimate luxury, but it takes up precious space. The Sprinter and Transit are longer van options that give you extra space for a shower. Also, if you plan to have a toilet, an indoor shower is great place to put it (called a wet room).

Some ingenious vanlifers have come up with space saving indoor shower solutions. A Vintage Rolling Stone uses two showers curtains, a hula hoop and plastic tub as a shower stall. It’s cheap, light, and easy to stash.

Indoor showers are great, but outdoor showers are another viable option. Some folks set up the back of their van as an outdoor shower. A shower curtain hanging between the doors offers privacy.

As far as the shower itself, you have many options. A large PVC pipe painted black and mounted on the van roof makes a great solar shower.

I use a black water bladder as my solar shower.

Check out our post “The 8 Best Solar Showers For Van Life”

For a fancy outdoor shower, you can get a portable hot water heater with a showerhead attachment.

Some folks even use garden spray tanks as a makeshift shower.

And don’t forget about bathing in a cool mountain stream or river!

(Just be cautious. Even environmentally friendly soap can damage the environment)

Support systems

The main support systems are electrical and water. So is propane if you use it for cooking, heating, and/or a hot water heater.

How many batteries do you need room for? What about the rest of your electrical setup?

Do you want a large water tank, or smaller water jugs?

Do you plan to use a 20-pound propane tank or the smaller camping ones?

All these things need a place to call their own in your van layout. Their placement is crucial as well because you need access to all of them. Some need easier access than others. Also, their location determines how far you need to run wires, plumbing and hoses.

Phew! That’s a lot to consider when designing your camper van floor plan.

Laying It All Out

These next couple things might seem super obvious, but I’m putting them out there anyway.

Van life Campervan layout

Van sliding doors are wide and you don’t need that whole doorway to get in and out of your van. Therefore, your floor plan can spill into the sliding doorway.

Do you care about access between the cab and living area? If not, you can build a wall behind the cab, giving you more options for your van layout.

Also, don’t forget about insulation, walls, flooring, and ceiling cover. All these things take away from the overall dimensions of your space. Make sure to account for them before you start working on your layout.

Weight distribution

As if coming up with a camper van floor plan wasn’t hard enough with limited space. You also
need to consider weight distribution.

If you’re too heavy on one side, it affects your handling and tire wear. Therefore, try to keep things as even as possible. The goal is to keep the heavy stuff between the axels and as close to the floor as possible.

Additionally, it’s not your water, batteries, and Olympic weight set that tip the scale.

Odds are your building materials will far outweigh any of your cargo.

Multipurpose

Anyone who has ever been backpacking knows the key to saving weight and space. That key is having multipurpose gear.

The same applies to a van conversion.

For example, one of my seats houses the composting toilet. These are the kinds of things that save space and give you more flexibility with your camper van floor plan.

Software

I’m not knocking good old-fashioned pen and paper when planning your van layout…

But software makes the 3D portion of the planning a lot easier. If you know how to use AutoCAD, you’re ahead of most of us. Go do your thang!

Van life floorplan sketchbook
@i.be.colin ‘s sketch up floor plan

Another great option is SketchUp. It’s a web application that is free to use. However, there is a paid version available for more advanced users. I hear it’s easy to learn, and I’ve seen some amazing 3D van layouts created with it.

However, for simpletons like me, drag-and-drop software is the way to go.

After struggling with SketchUp, I discovered Sweet Home 3D. It’s made for the interior design of homes, but it worked well enough for my Sprinter van conversion floor plan.

Additionally, you can use it online or download it to your computer – for free.

Vanspace 3D

If you’re looking for van-specific software, vanspace 3D has you covered. A one-time fee gives you access for one year. You can download it to your computer or use the light version online. It comes with over 20 common vans and features a drag-and-drop system.

That being said, many people have commented about how glitchy the program is. However, check it out for yourself!

Testing It Out

Making a camper van floor plan on paper or with software is great and all, but will it work in practice? 

That is to say, once it’s built out will your van layout be comfortable to live in. One of the reasons I liked Sweet Home 3D is it has a “virtual visit” view, as does vanspace 3D. It sticks a virtual visitor in your space and allows you to see it through the visitor’s eyes. 

van life van layout
Credit: @truependoustravels

 

A more realistic option is using cardboard to make a mockup of your proposed layout. If that sounds like too much work, a little masking tape on the van floor outlining your layout works well too.

Get To Work!

As you can see, there are many things to consider when designing camper van floor plans and layouts. 

Now you should have a good idea of you need to comfortable and happy in your van. This should give you an idea of what size van you need. Now it’s time to get to work and create a camper van floor plan!

Best Vans To Live In – A Guide To Picking A Conversion Van

van life table

Why would anybody want to live in a van anyway? Well, with both housing prices and rent on the rise all over the world and with wages not keeping up, people are becoming drawn to alternative housing solutions.

Enter stage left — #vanlife

One of the first things you need to start van life is… a van. Obvious, I know. But with so many different options, which are the best vans to live in? What is the best van for conversion? More importantly, you should be asking which van is best for you?

There are two parts to finding the best van for you. First, what does your van need to be a home?

If you haven’t already, check out Camper Van Floor Plans – Designing The Layout.

It will help you determine what features and amenities you want your home on wheels to have. Then you can move onto the second part. Which van best accommodates your needs.

If you decide to buy a used van instead of new, check out this great little guide that we put together.

buying a used van infographic

Now it’s time to talk about vans! I’ll cover eight of the best vans to live in, as well as three bonus vehicles. First, I’ll give you a vehicle overview. Then I’ll get into some of the more technical details if possible.

Dodge Promaster

Dodge promaster van conversion

The Promaster is the widest of the vans I’ll cover today, coming in at 73” (interior). With this bad boy, you can fit a bed crosswise. That’s a major space saver.

Additionally, it has one of the “squarest” interiors. While you might not appreciate that right now, you will once you start building.

Starting in 2019, new Promasters are only available with a gas engine. However, you can buy an older used diesel.

The Promasters give you three body types to choose from: regular, extended, and long body. These give you an interior length of about 106”, 126” and 140” respectively. The regular body come with a 136” wheelbase, and the longer bodies come with a 159” wheelbase. As far as roofs go, only the standard comes with a low top and give you 64” of height. The high top gives you 74” of height.

Although the Promaster is one of the most affordable vans on the list, that comes with a price. Many folks complain about how uncomfortable the seats are. They say the seats almost force you to stand while sitting.

In addition, Car and Driver reported poor steering and handling. Also, all Promasters come with front wheel drive. This is an advantage in most vehicles when you need traction. However, in a camper van, much of the weight is over the rear axle, so be cautious of your weight distribution or the front wheel drive wont help you much.

Regardless of their drawbacks, Dodge Promasters are constantly listed as one of the best vans to convert into a camper van. Often listed alongside our next contender…

Mercedes Sprinter

mercedes sprinter van

This is the only newer van out there with a 4×4 option. Therefore, the Mercedes Sprinter van is a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. Also, if you need a long van with a lot of space, this is the conversion van for you. 

However, unlike the Promaster, Sprinters are curvy beasts. But that still doesn’t stop it from being a popular van for conversion. You’ll still get 69” across the widest part of the van. 

If you want a diesel, the Sprinter is a great choice. And if you don’t, in 2018 Mercedes started producing them with gas engines, as well as the diesel. All Sprinters are rear wheel drive.

The Sprinter is available in three different bodies: standard, extended, and extra long. The interior lengths are 123”, 165” and 180” respectively. The standard comes on a 144” wheelbase, the longer bodies come on a 170” wheelbase. They also come with three different heights: low (standard only), high, and super high. This gives you an interior height of 64”, 75” and 87” respectively.

Sprinters get great fuel economy, and they handle well. They also hold their resale value. The biggest disadvantage of the Sprinter is cost. Not only are the upfront costs steep, repairs and maintenance on the diesel engines are also expensive. Also, some of the older models are known to have rust issues.

Ford Econoline

ford econoline camper van

For over 50 years Ford produced the Econoline before replacing it with the Transit. There are many used ones out there in great shape for a good price.

Because Ford made them for over 50 years, it’s hard to give detailed specs about the Econoline. There are too many to list! But I can tell you Ford made them in both gas and diesel. I can also tell you there’s only one wheelbase option with two different lengths.

Additionally, you only get one roof height option, and it’s a low top. Unless a pop-up or extended roof was added after-market. 

ford econoline camper van with pop up roof

All that being said, the Ford Econoline is a very popular choice making it one of the best vans for conversion. Due to it’s low price entry point and how common they are.

If you head over to the Van Focused Facebook Group, you will find many Ford Econoline van enthusiests.

Ford Transit

ford transit van conversion

In 2014 the Transit replaced the Econoline. Therefore, they are newer to the US market. However, they’re quickly becoming a popular van among van lifers. 

Like the Sprinter, Transits offer a width of 69”. However, they are squarer than the Sprinter. Although the Transit has both a gas and diesel option, the diesels are harder to find. In 2020 the Transit offered an all-wheel drive option, but before that they were all rear wheel drive.

The Transit is available in three different bodies: regular, long, and extended length. The interior lengths are 106”, 124” and 154” respectively. The regular body has a 130” wheelbase, and the longer bodies have a 148” wheelbase. The Transit comes in three different roof heights: low, medium, and high, giving you an interior height of 48”, 70” and 77” respectively. Both the low and long body are available with a low roof.

Although Transits are becoming popular, their recent introduction to the US market has two disadvantages.

  1. Their long-term reliability is unknown.
  2. Used ones are harder to find.

On a side note, if you go for the extended length body, keep in mind it has a long rear overhang.

Chevy Express

If you want engine options, the Express give them to you with four different engines to choose from. You can pick from one diesel or three gas engines, two of which are V8s. 

If you’re looking for additional fuel options, The Express has you covered. Starting in 2017 one of the V8s not only runs on gas, it can also run on propane or natural gas. 

All Expresses are rear wheel drive.

As far as length goes, you have two options. The standard 135” wheelbase gets you 124”. The 155” wheelbase gets you 146”. There is only one roof height available with an interior height of 48”. One of the advantages of the Express is the side door is available in either a sliding door or hinged doors. The hinged door is advantageous. Unlike the sliding door, you can build features onto it, like storage. Additionally, older models are very affordable.

chevy express camper van

The Express is also quite popular among van conversion companies. During the conversion process, a high roof is added for more headroom. If like the Express but long for a high top, look for one that’s already converted. On the other hand, you could always add a high top yourself!

Nissan NV

This guy isn’t super popular in the van life community (yet), but the NV has its place. They are more a “live out of” than “live in” van because of their size. 

The good news is, they come with 120V outlets in the cab, and some trims also have them in the back. The NV’s width is like that of a Sprinter or Transit at 70”. They come in rear wheel drive and gas engines only.

The NV doesn’t give you a lot of size options. There’s only one body with an interior length of 120” on a 146” wheelbase. However, you do have a low and high roof option. The low roof gives you 56” of interior height. The high roof gives you 77” of interior height, which is impressive considering the size.

Because they are smaller than the other cargo vans, the NV gets great fuel economy. Additionally, you can get a V8 engine.

Mitsubishi Delica

mitsubishi delica

The Mitsubishi Delica is a super popular van in Japan and was also sold under different names in Australia (Starwagon), New Zealand and parts of Europe (L300/L400). 

What these vans lack in size, they more than make up for it cool points. These 4×4 off-road machines also make pretty awesome vanlife conversions too… if you can get used to the small size. 

They can be found in both gas and diesel, and what you’d probably want to look for is the 3rd or 4th generation Delica in the USA… where they are beginning to become more prevalent thanks to the export influx of used vans coming from Japan.

Volkswagen Vans

Living in a VW Bus or Westy means living life in the slow lane. Like they maybe go the speed limit kind of slow.

Although they can make it up a steep grade, it’ll be chugging along well under the speed limit.

Some folks like the Bus and Westy because they’re easy to work on. It’s good thing too because they require a lot of maintenance and repairs.

Because of their popularity, these sexy little vans not only cost you a pretty penny to maintain, but also to buy.

The Bus

vw bus van

This is the quintessential van life vehicle. Many folks fantasize about cruising the country in an old school V-Dub. These iconic vehicles are great conversation starters, instantly making you a hit wherever you go.

However, if you’re leaning towards a Bus, it’s likely because of the looks. So, I’ll spare you a lot of tech specs and get to the nitty gritty.

If you plan to spend time in colder climates, the VW Bus isn’t the best choice. They’re hard to insulate and many Bus van lifers complain of not keeping warm in the winter.

Also, because of their size, your storage is limited. But there are quite a few buses out there with pop tops for extra headroom.

On the plus side, the Bus has good ground clearance and can handle itself well off-road.

If you’re going for street cred, the VW Bus will always be considered one of the best vans to live in. But if comfort is more you’re thing, meet the Westfalia.

Westy/Vanagon

vw westfalia camper van

Like the Bus, the Westy is another classic, head-turning VW.

Unlike the Bus, Westies come pre-built with everything you need – stove, fridge, bed, sink and a couch that converts into a bed.

Additionally, they come with a pop top that houses a spare bed! The clever layout and design of the Westy maximizes space. However, some find the storage limited and opt for a roof top cargo box. 

That wraps up the list of the best vans for conversion and to live in. But wait, there’s other options. 

Non-Vans

Truck Camper

truck camper or van life

If you’re not super worried about space and want way more vehicle options, a truck camper is a great choice. You can slide a camper into almost any pickup truck that can handle the load.

Additionally, you can find trucks that already have a camper installed. And if you’re into off-roading, a truck camper might suit your needs better than a Sprinter.

The campers themselves give you a lot of options. You can get a basic one or splurge for a mini top-of-line RV-like camper. There are even pop top campers that give you more headroom.

However, there are always disadvantages. Truck campers are not stealthy. Additionally, pickup trucks tend to have not-so-good fuel economy.

Whether you plan on part-time or full-time vehicle living, a truck camper has a distinct advantage. You can setup the camper itself off the truck. If you’re a part timer, this means you can use the truck without the camper as a daily driver. And if you’re a full timer, you can setup the camper at your campsite and take only the truck to explore. Something to think about…

Skoolie

skoolie bus life or van life

#buslife give you a whole lot more room than #vanlife.

You’re also not short on options when considering a bus. From school buses to shuttle buses, there are many sizes to choose from. They also come in gas or diesel. And the diesels are known for their longevity – up to a million miles!

The biggest downside to a bus is fuel economy.

Also, the longer buses are a lot harder to maneuver than the longest van. Moreover, that long buses leave you more prone to high centering if you hit a back road.

Class B RV

class b rv or van life

From the outside, it’s hard to tell a Class B apart from a regular cargo van conversion.

But on the inside, they have all the luxuries of an RV squished into the space of a cargo van. And I don’t mean to say “squished” like it’s a bad thing.

The interiors are equally impressive as a Class C RV but with more efficient use of space.

The typical Class B comes with a toilet (flush, not composting), shower, fridge, stove, air conditioning, and heat. They’re basically a swankier version of a self-converted camper van.

All this goodness comes at a high price though. A newer used Class B will run you between $75k to over $100k. It is possible to find an older one closer to $50-$60k. However, you don’t have to waste any time building it out. You are road ready as soon as they hand you the keys.

Which are the best vans to live in?

Whew! That’s a lot of options! Whether you want a lot of space, a powerful engine or a head turner, there’s a van or vehicle out there that’s best for you. Didn’t see anything on the list that seemed like a good fit? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options I didn’t cover that.

Remember, you can turn almost any vehicle into home on wheels

5 Best Van Awnings For Your Campervan (2022)

Van awning for van life

So you’re thinking about getting a van awning?

We all understand that van life means occupying a small space that allows you to see the world in a new and exciting manner. 

For many, this means doubling down and trading possessions for experiences and new adventures. There’s excitement to the notion of traveling the world living out of a campervan and seeing new places.There’s also the reality that your home is now limited to the space inside your vehicle. 

But it doesn’t have to be. 

By having a van awning you can expand your living space while camping, at the beach, at a park, or anywhere it allows… even a Walmart parking lot! (Just kidding, don’t do that)

Heading off the grid for a long period? Are you a weekend warrior who likes to camp and hike in the desert?  Do you go to the beach often? 

Wherever your van takes you it’s nice to enjoy additional space, shade, and shelter. 

A van awning can allow you to utilize your camper van’s space to its fullest potential and maximize your enjoyment of van life.  Van awnings are perfect for both those who are setting up to camp for a week or for a night—they are quick and simple to set up and stow away on the outside of your vehicle maintaining a low profile

Many companies produce awnings for overland or 4×4 use and these translate well to van life whether you’re a serious off roader or a weekend camper.

These are all excellent reasons to buy a van awning, but some van lifers may find that it just isn’t for them.  If you’re planning on mostly stealth camping in urban areas or getting into van life on a strict budget you may want to hold off on buying a camper van awning.

If you’re ready to expand your van’s capabilities then dive in, we’re going to check out a few popular roof rack awning choices for all budgets and needs and help you decide which one is the best van awning.

Tuff Stuff Overland Rooftop Awning - 4.5’ x 6’ and 6.5' x 8'

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Simple use and installation 
  • UV Protection
  • Shade wall and other upgrades

Cons:

  • The (4.5′ x 6′) size is small, good for only 1-2 people
  • Can pool water in the rain

Tuff Stuff specializes in overland equipment from roof racks to winches and offers this simple roof rack awning at a budget price. 

Like most of the awnings we’re looking at, the Tuff Stuff Rooftop Awning mounts to your existing roof rack with the provided L-brackets.  This allows for a simple and quick installation and doesn’t require you to have anything but whatever roof rack you’re already rolling with. 

The 4.5′ x 6′ sized awning provides nice shade coverage for one or two people and a small table around the doorway that you’re mounting it over.  The advantage of having a smaller awning like this is that you can mount it either over the side door of your van or over the tailgate.  You could even combine this smaller tailgate sized awning with an addition awning mounted on the side of your vehicle. 

The small size also makes it ideal as a car awning.  

Note that Tuff Stuff also offers a slightly larger roof rack awning, measuring 6.5’ x 8’, that is constructed out of the same materials and functions in the same manner. This provides quite a bit more room.

Tuff Stuff uses four aluminum poles to support the awning which is made from waterproof 280 gram polyester/cotton.  This polycotton is treated with a waterproofing material that sheds rain water and provides a durable and UV protected covering from the elements.  The lightweight poles can be tethered with guide ropes to help the awning withstand light guests of wind. 

Like most of these van awnings, this one is easy to set up and you can go from turning off your engine to sipping on your favorite beverage in the shade in a matter of minutes.

What about upgrades?

If you want to upgrade your Tuff Stuff Awning you’ve got options.  

The company sells a shade wall that also measure 4.5’ x 6’ as well as LEDs for lighting up your campsite.  The awning with the shade wall can fit together inside the awning driving cover making for an easy set up and break down.  These standard upgrades allow you to make the most out of the Tuff Stuff’s small size.

If you expect to be in more extreme environments often beware that the Tuff Stuff Overland Rooftop Awning doesn’t hold up to winds over 20mph and needs to have rainwater manually pushed off to prevent it from welling in the center and breaking the support poles.  The roof rack awning cover itself is tough though and keeps the awning safe while driving. 

Despite its small size and lightweight design the Tuff Stuff Rooftop Awning packs a punch for the price.  This camper van awning works well for those who are looking for just a little bit of extra room outside their van, a weekend warrior who enjoys a shaded campsite, or those on a smaller budget. 

Smittybilt Awning – 6.5’ x 6.5’

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Simple use and installation
  • UV Protection

Cons:

  • Small size, good for 1-2 people
  • Pools water in the rain
  • No shade wall

Smittybilt has been producing off-road products geared for Jeep drivers for over 50 years. It offers another choice when it comes to a simple roof rack awning for a lower price.

This awning is very similar to the Tuff Stuff Overland awning in that it’s made of the same 280g polycotton and uses four aluminum poles to extend and support itself.  It also mounts to most roof racks and is solid as a camper van awning.

After checking out the Tuff Stuff awning we found that this awning doesn’t differ much except for it’s size.  You can expect the same easy set up and breakdown as well as enough shade for a couple of people, though of course the larger size of the Smittybilt provides more a bit more room.   It’s got UV protection, and is durable enough for all but the most extreme off roaders. 

The awning is good in the same situations as the others, from the campsite to the beach.

However, it also suffers from the same issues when it comes to wind and rain as most roof rack awnings.  It sits horizontal to the ground and can pool up rainwater. The stakes and guide ropes that Smittybilt provides offer some stability but in the end this awning isn’t designed to hold up in extreme winds.  

If you’re looking for a little more shade, or perhaps want to combine an awning over your van’s rear doors with one that covers the side doors, then this Smittybilt awning is a solid choice for your van conversion.

Thule Hideaway Awning – 10.7’ x 8’

Pros:

  • Rain runs off awning
  • Telescoping legs and crank winder
  • Highly durable construction
  • Large coverage
  • Many options for upgrades

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heavier than other options

Now we’re getting into the world of big and expensive camper van awnings.  

These are the awnings you see on the $100,000 4×4 Sprinters, the awnings that make you envy not only the van they’re attached to but also the shade they provide. 

But why would you want to spend five times more for a Thule Hideaway

Thule has been making vehicle accessory and storage products since WWII and is regarded as one of the most rugged and reliable brands on the planet.  If you haven’t heard of them or seen their products then you haven’t been paying attention on any major road.  The popularity of Thule is due to the reliability and build quality of their products.

Like the other options we’ve explored, the Thule Hideaway Awning mounts to most standard roof racks but it differs in many respects. 

  • Thule has designed an awning that unfolds itself and can be opened by one person in a manner of seconds.  This, of course, is handy in nearly every situation. 
  • The awning stores away in a well-constructed metal box, not a zippered canvas or PVC cover like other options.  This provides the durability that will make your awning investment last much longer. 
  • The telescoping legs mean you can set up the awning at an angle so that rain runs off the front, no need to deal with pooling water.

Thule also offers many upgrades, from guy lines to help the roof rack awning withstand higher winds to full on tent attachments; you can completely customize your awning.  All of this of course comes at an additional cost.

However, if you’re serious about the time you spend on your “front porch” then considering a Thule Hideaway Awning is worth your time. 

It should be noted though, that more durable construction and higher quality materials do not make your awning more structurally sound in high winds.  At the end of the day, a wind over 20mph will treat any van or car awning like a horizontal sail.  It’s important with any awning to tie it down properly or to refrain from using it in high winds.

Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning – 118 sq ft of coverage

Pros:

  • The largest awning available
  • Durable construction
  • Comes with stakes and guys ropes for wind
  • High quality material
  • Options to mount on left or right side of vehicle

Cons:

  • More complex set up and break down
  • Only fits on Rhino-Rack roof racks

Do you want your camper van awning to provide the most shade and outdoor space possible?  Then invest in a Rhino-Rack system. 

Rhino-Rack’s Batwing Awning only comes with mounts that will attach it to an already installed Rhino-Rack roof rack so be aware that if you want the coverage the Batwing provides you’ll need to buy into Rhino-Rack’s proprietary system.  If you do though, you’ll be blessed by a massive amount of shelter outside of your vehicle. 

The awning unfolds not only along the side of your vehicle, but around the rear where it reattaches to the Rhino-Rack roof rack.  This set up is solid and well thought out. 

While it doesn’t have telescoping legs or a crank like the Thule awning, the design is such that it can be set up or broken down easily by one person in a matter of minutes. 

Like the other awnings, the Rhino-Rack Batwing is made from high quality waterproof and UV resistant materials.  The awning’s legs are sturdy, adjustable, and lightweight.  Provided with the kit are pegs that function like tent stakes, further securing your van awning for the winds. 

Rhino-Rack claims that the awning can withstand a 2 meter block of water (think a six foot wave falling from the sky) so you know the awning is tough enough for even heavy rainstorms.  This is important and makes the Rhino-Rack Batwing an excellent choice for those looking for a van roof rack awning for overlanding or extended time off the grid. 

Nothing beats the Rhino-Rack Batwing in terms of sheer ground coverage.

ARB Awning – 8.2’ x 8.2’ (other sizes offered as well)

Pros:

  • Great value
  • Telescoping legs
  • High quality material
  • Large covering

Cons:  

  • Some complain of mounting issues
Van conversion arb awning
Van awning for van life

ARB is a powerhouse in the off-roading 4×4 world. They designed this awning for use in the Australian outback… 

which means it does that job of shade coverage very well. 

The awning functions wonderfully and provides a large shaded area for an affordable price range price. 

The advantage of using the ARB system is the telescoping legs that allow for height adjustments to prevent rain from pooling.  This feature sets it apart from the Tuff Stuff and Smittybuilt awnings, despite its similar appearance to these two awnings. 

This camper van awning comes with pegs and guy ropes to secure the legs and provides the same UV protection.  

ARB also provides optional LED lights with the awning and offers upgrades such as shade walls.  If you’re looking for a simple and affordable awning for your camper van life and live or travel in a rainy climate, this is the perfect awning for you. 

Want more details on the ARB awning, stay tuned because…

Full review of the ARB Awning coming soon!

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a camper van awning or are simply pondering the idea of van life, these are all solid van awning choices.  With the extra space and shade that an awning provides, everyone from the full time van lifer to the campground newbie can benefit from the addition of a van awning.

It is hard to pick the best van awning out of these five.

However, Colin is a firm believer in the ARB Awning and is working on a full review of it. He thinks that the ARB is the best van awning, what are your thoughts? 

Let us know what your favorite van awning is in the comment section so we can add it to the list. 

Want a cheaper option? Check out this DIY van awning!