Anyone who has been away in a ‘van before will know what a difference having the right items to hand will have. Load a motorhome with those must-haves and you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable trip. However, if you’ve set off without the right items, you could quickly find yourself having a completely different touring experience.
With that in mind, I’m going to share my 15 absolute must-haves for any motorhome trip. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill accessories, however; we all know the importance of these essentials. Instead, these are those special items that turn a good tour into a really great and memorable tour when you’re pitched up at one of the best campervan sites.
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1 A corkscrew
I do love a glass of red wine. I’m no connoisseur, but a glass of something full-bodied, with a fine view to enjoy while you’re savouring it, is always a holiday highlight for me, so a reliable corkscrew is vital. Trust me, you really don’t want to be that person struggling to open a bottle with a knife or reaching into your motorhome tool kit for a screwdriver – I’ve been there.
2 coffee machine
For coffee lovers, a Nespresso machine is a luxury worth making space to accommodate. It’s quick and easy, and it gives you a barista-quality brew without having to leave your motorhome.
That makes the perfect start to any day and is an absolute non-negotiable in my books.
3 Solbio
Time to talk about the less glamorous side of motorhoming – the toilet. Solbio is a 100% natural toilet fluid that keeps everything fresh without the need for nasty chemicals. It’s eco-friendly and does the job just as well as the harsher stuff. Plus, it makes the toilet smell lovely, always something you want when choosing the best motorhome toilet chemical. You’ll thank yourself for packing this one.
4 GasStop
Safety first, folks! GasStop is a truly brilliant little device that shuts off the gas supply in the event of a leak. It’s very easy to install and provides peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday, rather than worrying about what might go wrong.
5 Portable power pack
This is quite simply a game-changer. The best portable power station for van life lets you have 12V or 240V, wherever you are. I use mine to run my coffee machine and recharge my laptop.
We have a PowerOak 2000W unit, but there are always plenty of great offers online. We also have an inverter that runs off our lithium battery.
6 Crocs
I know that Crocs can be a bit of a Marmite item – people either love them or hate them. But in a motorhome, they’re a godsend. Easy to slip on and off, they’re perfect for early morning or late night trips to the facilities in wet grass, or just lounging around your pitch. Practical, comfortable, waterproof – what more do you need?
7 Falcon 4G Combo
Let’s face it, we’re living in a connected world. Having reliable access to the internet in a motorhome is crucial if you need to check the weather, stay in touch with family, or stream your favourite show. There are no holes to drill to fit this: just lick and stick to the window. We run ours off the 12V accessory port used for the TV. I keep an EE and a Vodafone SIM in the ’van and use whichever has the best connection.
8 Estarli EBikes
For those who like to explore beyond the confines of the campsite, an electric bike is just perfect. They’re often compact enough to store easily, but powerful enough to tackle hills and rough terrain.
Whether cycling into town for supplies or just taking in the scenery, our Estarli folding ebikes are a fantastic addition to any trip. They have made cycling fun again for us, and we plan our days to include a bike ride.
9 Phase 10 – No TV Required!
Sometimes, it’s nice to disconnect from screens altogether. That’s where Phase 10 comes in. This is my favourite card game – easy to pick up but hard to put down. Whether playing with family or new friends you’ve met on the road, it’s a great way to unwind without needing a TV.
10 Crespo Chairs
Comfort is key when you’re relaxing, and our Crespo chairs are the gold standard. These chairs are lightweight, fold very flat and are incredibly comfortable. Plus, they fit perfectly on their side under the bed in our Adria Twin. With a six-year warranty, these chairs have your back – literally!
Browse Amazon’s Crespo camping chairs range on Amazon now.
11 ddipp Robe
Often referred to as a Beach Robe, we use ours for walking to and from the shower block. Ours have enormous pockets for shower gel and shampoo. There is something immensely liberating about walking back to the pitch in just a ddipp robe and nothing else… but don’t tell anyone. Plus, they fold neatly away into their own pocket.
12 Macbook
Some might consider this a bit sad, but I do work on the move. Mrs Motorhome Matt always says, “You work while I walk!”
It is often true on many days away. In fact, I am writing this from the ’van in a showground after a long day working… with a glass of red!
13 Smol Washing-Up Liquid and Spray
Smol’s eco-friendly washing-up liquid and spray are compact, effective and absolutely perfect for motorhome living. These products are gentle on the environment but tough on grease and grime. Plus, they’re small enough to stash away without taking up much space – perfect for keeping your kitchen spotless while you’re on the go.
14 Flexifoil Kites
They’re ideal for breezy beach days or open fields. They’re easy to pack and even easier to fly, offering a fun way to spend time outside and a great way to exercise. We have a number of two-line and four-line kites. I have made great friends teaching people how to fly them, too.
15 The Library
Here’s a tip that’s a bit old school but invaluable: use your local library to stock up on maps and books before you hit the road.
It’s cost-effective, and there’s something very special about flipping through a paper map while you plan tomorrow’s travel, or diving into a good book while you’re out in the wilderness.
Plus, you can return them when you’re back home, so the motorhome has no clutter!
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the satellite navigation – not my Avtex Garmin, but Mrs Motorhome Matt!
Jude has got us into – and out of – some pretty hairy situations. We love to wander away from the beaten track and regularly choose routes that look narrow and meandering. We’ve discovered some amazing villages and lesser-known spots just by going with the flow.
You can find out more about me and listen to my podcast at motorhomematt.co.uk
Having the right kit to hand sets you up for an enjoyable tour, but something else that can make a difference is avoiding those common errors that can occur. With that in mind, the expert team at Practical Motorhome has shared the 27 mistakes you’ll want to avoid next time you’re on-site in your ‘van.
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