Whether we are exploring National Parks on a long van trip, or thriving off-grid near the National Forest these are the top 3 items for freedom life in a van.
Our top 3: Strawfoot insulated window covers, Wayfind Vans front double bunk system, and last but not least the Fiamma awning.
Insulated Window Covers by Strawfoot
Strawfoot Handmade insulated window covers are one of the products every van should come with. The insulated window covers have superior any-season climate control. Whether the boiling heat of summer, or the frigid cold of winter, these window cover keep the van temperatures more stable. A bonus, they also keep all the bright campsite lights out.
They are extremely easy to use. Plus, Strawfoot is a small family business in Santa Cruz, one we love to support. I’ve written about our window covers a few times. Most recently, how the van is a great ski lodge on wheels, partly because the Strawfoot window covers make it possible. You can read more about why you need insulated window covers to winter camp here.
These window covers are extremely functional. They are breeze to put up and tear down, because they are magnetic. We have a system where it takes us only a few minutes to get them up or down. They are super-foldable and store with ease. Best of all, we have used them for years now and they look like they are brand new. And trust me, we make things look pretty ‘loved’ in this family. Simply put, you won’t regret the purchase. Endless thanks for making van life great in so many ways, Strawfoot!
Front Double Bunk System by Wayfind Vans
Wayfind Vans double bunk system was created by us out of absolute necessity to comfortably fit two growing children in our 22′ van. I honestly cannot comprehend how we would all sleep comfortably without our front double bunk system. When the kids were super little (tiny humans), we could have them sleep in the space under the full size bed. Now, that they are older (adult size) there is no way that would work.
We love our permanent-fixture full size bed in the back, with the easy movable double front twin-bunks. Lots of vans have systems where the big bed isn’t a permanent fixture and it adjusts to create, say, a quadruple mini-bunk area in the back once stopped for the day. I think our fix is a superior system. There is just no other way to get this much spacious sleeping space, 2 twin beds and 1 full bed, in a 22′ van. We could not have a happy freedom life with the too-small ‘RV-style’ mini bunk beds in this Wayfind Van.
The mattress is so important. We can live in the van for months because the front bunk system makes the beds the same twin size you would get in a regular home. For all 3 beds, we use 4.5″ mattresses from Mattress Insider. We’ve been working with them for our custom sizes and needs for a few years. They are a fantastic company.
Awning by Fiamma
Honestly there are so many other things I could say are a must-have upgrade, like the off-road lights, the roof-rack by Owl Vans, the sweet-looking side steps and brush guard by Roam Built, the mega storage custom cabinets by PataVans, the plumbing add-ons we did oursevles after purchase … the list goes on. But I would have to say the new awning makes the cut.
We didn’t have an awning at first. Our van has been pieced together over the course of three years, when we could afford an add on. Van life with kids and pets can get pretty intense in the pouring rain, especially when the dog comes in soaking wet. Ew. It was definitely worth the splurge this year. After having our new Dometic motorized awning’s motor burn out on its first van trip, we replaced it with a manual crank-out Fiamma F45s. No worrying about faculty sensors or electronics that are hard to repair. The Fiamma F45s is super easy to use.
We hope this post inspires others to explore the endless ways van spaces can be customized, to fit any needs, for every adventure, for a life of freedom.
